Hiking in Val Gardena - Italian Dolomites - Appalachian ...
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Hiking in Val Gardena
Italian Dolomites
AMC Adventure Travel Trip #2264
September 7 - 14, 2022
sourced from Wikimedia under Crea ve Common license
Italy’s Val Gardena is perfectly situated in the heart of the Dolomites, a World UNESCO heritage region and a
paradise for those who love nature, outdoor ac vi es, and hiking. Surrounded by hundreds of hiking trails, various
trams, li s, and funiculars o er summer access to more than 8,000 miles of trails. The area has become a favorite
des na on for AMC Adventure Travelers. Join us as we explore this special region of Italy!
From our “base camp” at a family-owned 3* hotel in Or sei, we will explore up to six days of hiking on a variety of
moderate trails with distances of 6 -11 miles, mostly even foo ng with occasional rocky stretches, and moderate
eleva on gains (1,000 – 2,500 ) as detailed in the i nerary below. Some of our hikes begin right from the hotel and
others are a short distance away via regional transport.
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In addi on to hiking, there are some sightseeing opportuni es, including a visit to Or sei’s Gherdeina Museum for
insight into the region’s geography, history, and culture. This prospectus should answer most of your ques ons
about our trip. Please read the informa on carefully and contact us with any ques ons or to request applica on
materials. Our contact informa on is at the end of the prospectus. We look forward to traveling with you in South
Tyrol!
Trip Descrip on
Our trip will be based in Or sei (eleva on 4,035 feet), the
main village of Val Gardena in the middle of the Dolomites.
We will stay at a family owned hotel in the center of the
village and adjacent to the pedestrian-only zone. This will be
our base for the full week to maximize our me for
explora on and minimizing me for packing / unpacking.
Our hikes will use the regional transport system – including
buses, trams, chairli s, and taxis – to gain access to, or
return from, our daily des na ons.
Videos to inspire you:
● Click here for a drone video of Val Gardena
and the types of trails we will be hiking.
Pedestrian street in Or sei, Val Gardena ©
Vera Izrailit - Flickr Crea ve Commons ● Click here for more informa on on Val
Gardena area and culture.
Breakfasts and dinners will be at our hotel which serves a
hearty Tyrolean-Italian cuisine. We will pack food or stop in
small hamlets or mountain rifugios for lunch.
The i nerary (shown below) contains 5 days of planned hikes in the Val Gardena area plus 2 ex days for acclima ng,
exploring, or hiking. You may choose to opt out of a par cular day and relax in the hotel’s spa, visit a museum, or
explore the local town and culture. Throughout our me together we will endeavor to enjoy and understand this
wonderful region through the “lens” of AMC’s mission of educa on, conserva on, and apprecia on of the natural
world.
Expecta ons of Par cipants
This trip is rated MODERATE for experienced hikers who enjoy an ac ve vaca on. You should be t enough to hike 6
to 11 miles per day, approximately 3-6 hours, over consecu ve days while carrying a day pack with personal gear
(i.e., rain gear, pack lunch, extra layers, etc.) in various weather condi ons. Daily eleva on gain/loss will range
between 1,000’ and 2,400’ - one hike has a 3,500’ descent.
While much of our hiking will be on reasonable mountain footpaths, you should expect to encounter rougher trails
as well. Par cipants who have a fear of heights should be aware we plan to access trails via trams, gondolas and
chair li s. We are hiking in mountainous terrain which may have exposure to heights as well.
Prior to your acceptance as a par cipant in this trip, you will be asked to discuss with us your capabili es and
experiences. We may also request references to con rm your tness level and suitability for the trip ac vi es.
While the leaders will make a reasonable a empt to ensure a good “ t” between the trip and par cipants, you are
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ul mately responsible for being aware of the risks involved in the ac vi es. Leaders are responsible for group safety
- You are responsible for your own safety.
It may happen that a par cipant is or becomes unable to par cipate in one or more of the planned ac vi es.
Leaders in their sole judgment have the right and obliga on to exclude any par cipant from an ac vity for reasons of
safety, whether it be of the group or of the individual. Illness, injury, lack of proper gear, or tness are examples of
some condi ons that might result in an individual being unable to par cipate in one or more ac vi es. Leaders may
try to nd a subs tute ac vity for the trip member, but this may not always be possible.
This is a group ac vity and we will be spending many, but not all, hours together. We expect that everyone will
support and contribute toward helping each other have a great me.
Sourced from Wikimedia commons under Crea ve Commons licence.
Val Gardena – Page / Barrell 3 of 9
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Planned I nerary:
Tues, Meals included:
Depart on an overnight ight to Europe.
Sep 6 None
(Travel day 0)
Wed, Arrive in Europe and take a bus and/or train to Or sei (we will Meals included:
Sep 7 help you plan ground transporta on). Upon arrival in Or sei, Group Dinner
check into our hotel, then walk about town or relax before
mee ng the group for dinner.
Thur, Our rst hike is a warm-up hike on Alpe di Siusi. We will ride a Meals included: Mileage/Hours:
Sept 8 gondola from Or sei and hike one of the largest plateaus in Breakfast 6 miles
Europe, with vast rolling meadows and surrounded by the Group Dinner +/-1200
Sciliar Massif. ~3 hours
Fri, We ride a funicular from Or sei to access the high alpine Meals included: Mileage/Hours:
Sept 9 plateau above Val Gardena and traverse across the Rasciesa Breakfast 9 miles
Ridge on a UNESCO geotrail. Group Dinner +/-1000
~5 hours
Sat, We take a local bus to the village of St Cris na, then ride a Meals included: Mileage/Hours:
Sept chairli to access this bucket list hike around the Sassolungo Breakfast 11 miles
10 massif. We will hike over Passo Sella with views of Alpe di Siusi. Group Dinner +/-2400
This will be a big, spectacular, and a memorable day in Val ~6 hours
Gardena.
Sun, Free Day to relax, explore the local area, or check out local Meals included:
Sept woodcarving. Leaders will discuss various op ons. Breakfast
11 Group Dinner
Mon, We take the local bus to St. Cris na and ride the tram to Col Meals included: Miles/Elev/Time:
Sept Raiser, then hike the alpine terrain below massif Sass Rigais Breakfast 6.5 miles
12 past the new UNESCO World Heritage viewpoint. Group Dinner +/-1,400
~3 hours
Tues, Our ul mate day is hiking Puez-Odle Altopiano. We take a local Meals included: Mileage/Hours:
Sept bus to Selva, then ride a cable car to access one of the most Breakfast 9 miles
13 spectacular routes in the area. We will cross a ridge then Group Dinner +1000 , -3400
descend 3,400 back to the base. We will soak in the views and ~6 hours
look for the abundant fossils along the trail.
Val Gardena – Page / Barrell 4 of 9
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Wed, A er a last breakfast together, we’ll say goodbye to Val Meals included:
Sept Gardena and begin our journeys home or to further travels in Breakfast
14 Italy or Central Europe.
While the i nerary in this prospectus is what the leaders have planned at the me of wri ng, various factors may
require changes for reasons of group ability, safety, transporta on, and unforeseeable circumstances such as weather
considera ons, natural disasters in the areas to be visited, or recommenda ons of governmental agencies. Our rest
day might shi to adjust for inclement weather. The leaders reserve the right to make such changes as necessary, both
before and during the trip.
The 5 planned hikes in Val Gardena shown in yellow
What to Expect
This trip is rated a di culty of moderate, which describes our pace and exer on level so that we may enjoy the
scenery and take me to meet the local residents, both 2 and 4 footed, and socialize with each other. All hikes
include a funicular, gondola, or chairli to take us up into the alpine zone and then back down. The li s might be
uncomfortable for those with fear of heights. Be aware the distances and ver cal for each hike will be around 7,500
Val Gardena – Page / Barrell 5 of 9
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feet eleva on. While much of our hiking will be on reasonable mountain footpaths, you should expect to encounter
rougher trails as well. The two longest hikes (Sassolungo and Puez-Odle) involve a loop with limited op ons for
bailing out partway.
Our accommoda ons will be at a comfortable family owned hotel with group breakfasts and dinners. The price is
based on double occupancy. Leaders will pair single travelers with another person of the same gender. The hotel may
include a surcharge for single occupancy. Lunch plans will be determined based on our days’ ac vi es; we may pack a
lunch or stop to eat at local mountain huts along our route. We will communicate our lunch plans ahead of me so
you will have me to shop if necessary.
Weather
Mountain weather is variable. Expect a mix of sun, clouds, and rain during our trip. The average high/low
temperatures in Val Gardena during September are 65/45 degrees. Due to the higher eleva on, the temperatures
during our hikes will likely be 5 - 10 degrees cooler than in the village below. You will need to carry and wear synthe c
layers and add or remove them throughout the day. Below-freezing temperatures and/or snow are not common in
September, but possible. A rain jacket and pants that will t over other layers are a must-have. A pack cover is
recommended. See the gear list at the end of this prospectus for more informa on.
Photo by Wolfgang Moroder, sourced from Wikipedia and under Crea ve Commons license.
Cost of the Trip
The trip will cost $2,000 for AMC members, $2,100 for non-members (join AMC for $50 at this link). This includes:
seven (7) nights of lodging, eight (8) breakfasts and seven (7) group dinners, six (6) days of hiking, and all bus and li
charges.
The cost of lunches, drinks, and incidentals - essen ally anything not speci cally detailed above, is not included in
the price. We recommend budge ng $15 - $20 per day for these expenses. Also NOT included is your airfare and
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transporta on to and from our mee ng place in Or sei. We currently es mate this to be $1,200 - $1,300. Leaders will
provide details and sugges ons on ights, trains, and buses.
The trip fee includes an AMC overhead charge to cover the administra ve expenses of o ering AMC Adventure
Travel excursions and, in accordance with AMC you are subsidizing some of the leaders’ cost. The trip fee also
includes emergency medical and evacua on insurance coverage which is required by AMC.
The price for this excursion is based on quotes or es mates obtained at the me the trip was submi ed to the
Adventure Travel Commi ee for approval in August 2021. The nal price will be adjusted in accordance with the best
nal arrangements we can make. As with all Adventure Travel Commi ee excursions, this trip is run on a non-pro t
basis; any savings we achieve, as well as any cost increases we incur, will be shared by trip par cipants. Our cost
es mates are conserva ve, and so a refund is much more likely than a price increase.
Our cancella on policy depends on when you must cancel. Your deposit is fully refundable (minus $100) if you cancel
before April 15, 2022. Beyond that date, your place needs to be replaced with another par cipant, so that the group
expenses are not impacted. Money spent on behalf of the group will have to be the responsibility of the par cipant
leaving the trip. See important terms and condi ons for further details concerning cancella on policy, travel
insurance, and Euro conversion disclaimer.
How to Sign Up:
To apply for this trip, email BOTH leaders and
let them know that you are interested in this
trip (Val Gardena #22XX). You will be sent a
set of forms: Trip Applica on, AMC Adventure
Travel Con den al Health Ques onnaire, an
Op onal Health form, and the AMC AT Risk &
Liability Release. These forms need to be
completed, signed, and returned with a
required deposit check for $1,000 payable to
the Appalachian Mountain Club. Send the
completed paperwork and deposit to
Marianne Page at 29 Bedard Ave, Derry, NH
03038. Sourced from Wikimedia Commons. Photo by luca.sartoni
Your o cial acceptance onto the trip will not happen un l the leaders have discussed this trip with you on a
telephone conversa on to con rm that you and this trip are a good match. Once you are o cially accepted and the
trip has the minimum number of quali ed par cipants to make the trip ‘a go,’ your check will be deposited and the
trip’s cancella on policy will take e ect (see terms and condi ons). The remaining trip fee balance will be due by
April 1, 2022.
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The Leaders
Please contact the leaders with your ques ons, concerns, or inquiries.
Marianne Page, Leader: CONTACT:
Marianne is an AMC NH Chapter Trip
Leader, and currently cer ed in SOLO Marianne Page
Advanced Wilderness First Aid, AED & CPR. 29 Bedard Avenue
Marianne has led Adventure Travel Derry, NH 03038
excursions since 2008, having been a 603-432-9249
par cipant to Hawaii, Africa, Glacier N.P., mpage45@gmail.com
Costa Rica, and Norway.
She led trips to Glacier N.P., Sawtooth Mtns.,
New Zealand, St. John USVI, Big Bend N.P.,
Utah, and Patagonia twice; she backpacked
the Tetons and trekked Morocco on 3 trips.
Marianne has traveled to Germany
extensively to visit her family. Mallorca was
her last trip in 2019 and Sedona will nally
happen this November 2021.
She is looking forward to sharing the joy of
hiking in, and Val Gardena with you.
The picture was taken on a hike in the
Je Barrell, Associate Leader CONTACT:
is a Boston Chapter leader for Ski and
Paddling and is currently chair of the Je Barrell
Paddling Commi ee. He has hiked in the 35 Leslie Rd
Alps, Norway, Pyrenees, as well as Western Auburndale, MA 02466
US. Originally from Utah, he has hiked and 617-710-5205
skied in the Wasatch and Uinta mountains JBarrell2@gmail.com
of Utah, plus kayaked rivers of Utah, Idaho,
and the Grand Canyon. Je co-led an
Adventure Travel trip to Alta Via 1 in the
Dolomites in 2018 – a 10-day hut to hut
adventure. He loves being outside in nature,
hiking in alpine terrain, skiing powder, and
camping on islands o the Maine coast.
Val Gardena – Page / Barrell 8 of 9
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tiRequired Gear
Passport and Medical Insurance Card.
Check the State department website for traveling to Italy and/or Europe. Italy currently requires a passport
that is valid at least 3 months beyond your planned date of departure.
Backpack (25-30 liters) with waterproof pack cover
2 one-liter water bo les or hydra on system
Personal rst aid kit with head lamp
Waterproof packable jacket, pants, and overmi s
Wool or Polartec hat, gloves/mi ens, and top
Light-weight down or polyester “pu y” jacket with hood
Waterproof hiking boots
Hiking socks, shorts, pants, tees, and long sleeve tops/shirts
Wool or synthe c long underwear
Sun protec on: hat, sunglasses, lo on, and lip balm
Leisure clothes for travel and hotel
Personal toiletries /glasses/medica ons
Op onal Recommenda ons
Hiking poles (must be in checked bag)
Gaiters (for pebbles and dust, not for snow)
Camera
Binoculars
Ear plugs
Small knife (must be in checked bag)
Compass/know how to read it in Europe
Extra shoelaces
Zipper closure plas c bags for packing lunches and snacks
Reading material for breaks in the ac on
Luggage locks
Val Gardena maps/books
Val Gardena – Page / Barrell 9 of 9
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ttYou can also read
