The Sesto Dolomites with Three Peaks & Lake Braies – 8 days

DISTANCE - BELOW AVERAGE

Distance is not a major consideration in your training program. However, you should still incorporate some long walks as it will increase your cardiovascular fitness.

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 is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

TERRAIN - MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital. Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

AVAILABILITY

You can start this tour every Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday (subject to availability). For bookings of 5 or more people, we offer increased flexibility on start dates.

Pre & post accommodation as well as private transfers to and from Dobbiaco 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 13km a day with up to 688m 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

Arriving in the enchanting town of Dobbiaco is simple and convenient. Major airports include Venice, Verona, Bolzano, Munich or Innsbruck with train connections available. Timetables can be found at: www.deutschebahn.de, www.oebb.at, www.trenitalia.com. 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

Conclude your memorable hiking experience back in Dobbiaco, where you can choose to extend your stay or return home. From Dobbiaco, connections by train and bus offer convenient access to other destinations across Italy and beyond. If you need assistance with transport options for onward travel, our team is happy to provide recommendations and arrangements to ensure a smooth departure.

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.