Dolomites: Highlights of Val Gardena – 8 days

DISTANCE - AVERAGE

Distance training is undoubtedly a consideration in your overall training program, so take every opportunity you can to walk. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan. Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 26km in a single day. Additionally, also include back-to-back walks to simulate walking on consecutive days. This helps your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs. If you do not have access to hills, it it essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible via a treadmill or stair climber. Prioritizing resistance training assumes heightened significance in this context, emphasizing the incorporation of stair climbing whenever feasible. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills, boring as that sounds, is incredibly useful. Elevation is the chief walk killer, not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles.

TERRAIN - UNEVEN TERRAIN

UNEVEN TERRAIN:

Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a nuanced blend of physical and mental readiness. Commence your regimen with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a foundational groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is pivotal, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups to enhance both stability and power. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement. The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.

AVAILABILITY

You can start this tour every Saturday and Sunday. For bookings of 5 or more people, we offer increased flexibility on start dates.

Additional nights accommodation as well as private transfers to and from Brixen are possible for additional costs. Please contact the office directly by phone or email to enquire.

THE WALKING

Moderate to challenging – tracks and trails on this tour will have prolonged ascents and descents, through sections of rough surface and steps. Having an active lifestyle and being an experienced walker makes the journey enjoyable. We would suggest an exercise regime of 3 to 4 times a week in addition to your usual weekly walks.

You will be walking around 15.9km a day with up to 604m of ascent and descent. Trails are well-defined, well waymarked and cover a variety of terrains which include; forest tracks, high alpine pastures, rocky mountain paths and mountain towns and villages. It is also possible you may have to cross some snowy patches on the ascent or descent of higher mountain passes, so good mountain footwear is required!

Although the route is well waymarked for each of your walks, you will be provided with comprehensive Auswalk authored walk notes, a summary of daily walks, maps (and GPX tracks if you require to use for your own device). Mountain weather can change quickly so it is essential that at least one of your trekking party is confident in using a map (should visibility drop). You should always be able to locate your whereabouts on a map.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

ARRIVAL

Bressanone / Brixen is easily accessible for your adventure. If you’re coming by train, take a scenic ride from Innsbruck via the Brenner Pass or through the beautiful Pustertal Valley, accurate timetables available online. The nearest airports are in Innsbruck (approximately 83 km), Verona (191 km), Treviso (228 km), Venice (313 km), and Milan (315km), offering various options for reaching this picturesque town. Alternatively, we can assist in arranging transfers from Venice, Treviso and Innsbruck airports to your hotel. Ensure a smooth journey by planning your arrival ahead of time.

DEPARTURE

At the end of your walking holiday, you’ll find yourself back in Bressanone / Brixen, where your journey began. From here, you can choose to explore further or conveniently return home. Train services are available for a smooth travel experience, allowing easy connections to major cities. Alternatively, if you wish to extend your stay and continue exploring the surrounding beauty, many accommodations offer flexible booking options.

LUGGAGE

It will be up to you to place your luggage at the designated luggage pick-up point within the hotel by 8.00 am when required. This generally will be at reception or where you pick up your luggage the night before. Please consult your hosts if any details. Bags must be less than 20kg. 

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

IMPORTANT - SOLO WALKERS

For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo walkers on this self-guided Dolomites trip. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.