She Peaks Dolomites High Route: Alta Via 1
Hi Megan, Elizabeth, Jane, Eileen, Jennifer, Tara, Kathy and Laurie!
Welcome to your personal webpage of your private Alta Via 1 Adventure! This journey will take you into a world of dramatic contrasts - from soaring rocky spires to vast alpine meadows, from sheer cliff faces to serene mountain lakes. Every step reveals another fabulous view, each more spectacular than the last.
Join us on this world famous hiking route and prepare to be captivated by the raw grandeur and timeless beauty of the Alta Via 1, Dolomites.
Experience the very best of the Italian Dolomites on the legendary Alta Via 1. This 'high route' lives up to its name, guiding you through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape celebrated for its exceptional geological beauty.
Highlights
- World class mountain scenery
- Fabulous Italian food and coffee
- Truly spectacular hiking trails
- Overnights in amazing mountain locations
- Historic and characterful rifugios
- Luggage transfers where possible
- Professional International Mountain Leader
The uniqueness of the geology in this region is matched by its Austrian-Italian distinctiveness. The area is known as the Sud Tirol in German, and as the Alto Adige in Italian, and presents an eclectic fusion of Austrian and Italian culture.
We begin our Dolomites, Itay, trekking adventure in Brunico, also known by its German name of Bruneck. This medieval village is the capital of Val Pusteria and offers a picturesque old town, with a host of shops and cafes to enjoy. Surrounded by the beautiful Dolomite mountains it's the perfect meeting point.
Grade: Advanced
READ GRADE DESCRIPTIONAt a Glance
| Holiday Type | Walking |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Maximum Altitude | 2507m (8222ft) |
| Countries Visited | Italy |
| Meet In | Brunico, Italy |
Dates and Prices
No Departures Available
There are currently no scheduled departures for this holiday. Please contact us for more information about future dates.
Itinerary
Today you arrive in the town of Brunico, also know by its German name of Bruneck. You could consider arriving a day early and use your time exploring the old town. Your guide will meet you this evening at our hotel at approximately 1830 hrs. Before and during dinner they will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the trip.
A short taxi ride takes us to the famous Lago di Braies beauty spot: a turquoise lake set amongst towering cliffs. According to legend, there were local savages who dug in the mountains for gold and precious stones. The local herdsmen were jealous and tried to steal their treasures, but the savages saw them coming and opened up an underground spring and sunk their treasures in the lake the spring created, Lago di Braies! The lake is one of the largest and deepest natural lakes in the Dolomites. After contouring around the lake we begin our climb through the pine trees until we arrive under the striated cliffs of Monte Muro to immense views at the Porta Sora il Forn at 2388m (7832ft). We then have a very short downhill, just 5 minutes, to the Rifugio Biella for a bowl of minestrone, or whatever else takes your fancy. After lunch, we have a lovely descent through flower meadows and farms, until a final steep road under impressive cliffs takes us down to our overnight at the Rifugio Pederu.
Ascent: 1045m (3427ft) Descent: 984m (3227ft) Distance: 17km (10.6 miles) Duration: 7h00
Tonight you have access to your luggage
Tonight we have booked you 3 twin rooms and 1 triple room.
A steady climb this morning up through the wild and rocky Vallone di Rudo to Lago Piciodil, and with the reward of excellent Italian coffee at Rifugio Fanes. We continue up the trail to Passo di Limo at 2172m (7124ft), and its lake of the same name, which is framed by high peaks and curious limestone slabs dotted with pine trees. Families enjoying a picnic by the lake are a common site. A rugged traverse then brings us to the Forcetta del Lago at 2486m (8154ft), followed by an improbable descent to the green waters of Lago di Lagazuoi. There is then a little 'sting in the tail' as we have a final 200m (656ft) climb to finish at our Rifugio. We are now walking along what was the frontline during WWI, as evidenced by the gun emplacements and tunnels carved out of the ridge line. A remarkably well preserved reminder of more troubled times, the Rifugio Lagazuoi is in an amazing cliffs edge location high in the mountains. It even boasts a wood-fired sauna to ease tired muscles while you enjoy the stunning mountain view. Despite the day’s big climb, the descent is minimal and our knees will appreciate that!
Ascent: 1685m (5526ft) Descent: 450m (1476ft) Distance: 18km (11.3 miles) Duration: 9h00
NO access to luggage
Tonight we have booked 9 beds in a dormitory room.
After our long hike yesterday we enjoy a more relaxing day which will often begin with a short walk, just 10 minutes, to the summit of Mount Lagazuoi. The early morning light makes for very special photos with views to the distant mountain of the Marmolada. After breakfast we begin our day in earnest with a descent to the fabled Passo Falzarego which is a favourite with many road cyclists and features in the annual Dolomites Marathon. Here there are a few cafes and gift shops where maps of the local area can be purchased. An easy stroll across the meadows to a local restaurant for morning coffee, and then it's up through the larch forests on a really lovely trail. As we climb we have stunning views back to Mount Lagazuoi, the Tofane mountain range, and to the Cinque Torri, the Five Towers. This is an excellent day for photos as we pass the blue green lake of Lago Limedes which offers wonderful panoramic shots of the landscape. We normally have lunch at the Rifugio Averau which has a great reputation for its cuisine. In the afternoon, or perhaps late morning if we get there early, we then climb to the oldest rifugio in the Dolomites, the Rifugio Nuvolau which is perched right on the cliff edge. It only takes around 20 minutes to do the climb to the Rifugio Nuvolau and it is well worth it. However, if you wish to relax on the terrace at the Rifugio Averau we will not hold it against you! After taking in the views at the Nuvolau we descend down to Passo Giau where we get picked up by our transfer.
Ascent: 515m (1689ft) Descent: 974m (3194ft) Distance: 9km (5.6 miles) Duration: 6h00
We are staying in Cortina tonight, at hotel Menardi.
This morning we drive back up to Passo Giau, while in the van you may wish to reflect on what it would be like climbing to this infamous pass on two wheels. The punishing climb is often completed by road cyclists in the Giro d'Italia, the Italian equivalent of the Tour de France. It's a tough ascent of 9.8km (6 miles) with an average gradient of 9.4 per cent and up to 14 per cent in places. However, our trail begins easily enough as we set off across the mountainside following Monte Formin’s impressive southern cliffs before climbing to the Forcella Ambrizzola at 2277m (7468ft)). As we make our way to our next pass we have views of the glorious Civetta mountain while enjoying a gentle descent through pastures with herds of sheep and dairy cows. Often the iconic edelweiss flower can be found growing by the trail in the heart of the meadows. Our final stretch for today is a traversing trail under the impressive peaks and spires of the wild and rugged Monte Pelmo, one of the famous landmark mountains of the Dolomites. Finally, it's down through the larch forests to another lovely rifugio where we spend the night at the Rifugio Staulanza which is run by Marco Sala, a highly respected mountaineer.
Ascent: 644m (2112ft) Descent: 973m (3191ft) Distance: 17km (10.6 miles) Duration: 8h00
Tonight you have access to your luggage
Tonight we have booked 5 twin rooms.
A very easy stroll to begin this day as we wander along a farm cart track through the forests. Often we pass cow herds and their dogs working with the cattle in the summer meadows. Our trail eventually brings us to Casera di Pioda dairy farm, which sells cheese in the summer. We then leave this rural scene to climb up a well graded mule track to the shoulder of Cima Coldai, an outlier of the Civetta, until we arrive at the Rifugio Sonino Al Coldai. Yet another great rifugio in another stunning location! We continue across a pass and down to the stony beaches encircling the turquoise waters of Lago Coldai. This really is a very beautiful situation as we drop around the lake and over the Forcella Col Negro at 2203m (7225ft) before losing height and entering Val Civetta. With its slabs, peaks and pinnacles the west face of Monte Civetta towers 1200m (3936ft) overhead, and an impressive 7km (4.4 miles) in length. A hanging icefield - the Cristallo – clings to the cliff at the highest point. This face is known as the ‘wall of walls’ and is unique in the Alps. We now head over the Forcella di Col Rean, and our overnight stop at the remote Rifugio Vazzoler.
Ascent: 952m (3122ft) Descent: 800m (2624ft) Distance: 14km (8.7 miles) Duration: 6h50
NO access to luggage
Tonight we have booked 2 x 4 bed private dorms and 1 bed in the dormitory.
Leaving our Rifugio we have good views of the Torre Trieste a very impressive rock face towering above our rifugio, and the Cima della Busazza at 2894m (9492ft). After crossing a stony slope below the cliffs, we then gain the steep little pass of Forcella Col Dell’Orso, sitting at 1823m (5979ft). Our trail takes in a short section with some chains as a hand-rail along a flowered rock face then it rises across boulders and pasture, before dropping before the Moiazza’s great south face. Heading along the Val Framont, we can take in a very short detour to the commanding outcrop that hosts the lovely Rifugio Carestiato for a relaxing lunch in a stunning location. We complete our day, and our weeks trek, with an easy walk through pastures and pine forests to reach the Passo Duran and Rifugio Sebastiano by early afternoon. A private taxi will take you to the valley and to our accommodation in Belluno. Here there will be time to enjoy a coffee or perhaps gelato in one of the many cafes scattered around this lovely mountain town.
Ascent: 740m (2427ft) Descent: 800m (2624ft) Distance: 14km (8.7miles) Duration: 6h00
Tonight you have access to your luggage
Today is your departure day. After breakfast there will be a vehicle transfer (duration 1h30) to Venice Airport. This will be an early transfer as some of you have booked an early flight. Your trip ends once you have been dropped off at Venice airport.
It is our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
Accommodation
We aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. On this trip you will be overnighting in hotels on the first and last nights when accommodation is based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. A single room may be available for your private use on the first and last nights while in Brunico and Agordo. This will incur a supplementary fee; the amount of which can be found in 'Trip Information' under 'Single Supplements'. However, these can be in demand , and require early booking. It is rare to have air conditioning in the mountain areas where our trips take place, and most bedrooms do not have this facility.
Our suggested accommodation, listed below, is subject to availability at the time of booking. As there is high demand on the Alta Via we regularly have to adapt our route and accommodation to take account of what is available. Having run this trip since 2015 we have excellent knowledge of the options. Once we begin the trip we will be staying in gorgeous Italian mountain Rifugios. Rifugio is the name given to mountain huts in Italy; they are above the normal standard expected in mountain huts elsewhere and would be better described as cosy rustic hotels. They all have hot showers, a bar and seating area, and are often in stunning locations. Read our Blog on staying in a mountain Rifugio.
In the Rifugios we aim to reserve bedrooms or small dormitories just for our group so you are not sharing with other groups, however, this cannot be guaranteed. In summary, once we being the trek you may be accommodated in private bedrooms with en suite facilities or in larger rooms with shared showers and toilets. We encourage early booking as more choice is available.
If you have any questions about the accommodation you are welcome to contact us.
Hotel Corso am Graben, Brunico (Bruneck)
Located in the heart of Bruneck’s charming old town, Hotel Corso am Graben blends traditional Tyrolean character with elegant comfort.
A stylish 4-star destination, Hotel Corso am Graben, offers beautifully furnished rooms, a welcoming wellness area with views of Bruneck Castle, and a popular restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas and regional cuisine.
Rifugio Pederu, Dolomites
The Rifugio Pederu is a lovely overnight stop. It is very comfortable, and has open meadows around the building.
The Pederu could be considered a more 'guest house' than a rifugio, and our accommodation may be in bedrooms rather than dorms. it's popularity means that we cannot make any promises as it depends on early booking. The bedrooms are en-suite, and there are also showers available on the floors for the dorms. Dinner is usually very good with great local dishes.
Rifugio Lagazuoi, Dolomites
Situated in the heart of the Dolomites at 2752m (9026ft), the Rifugio Lagazoui is a cosy place to spend the night.
Rifugio Lagazuoi is perched on the edge of a cliff and the evening and dawn views are worth watching! It has rooms decorated in traditional style with wood featuring extensively. Accommodation will either be in small rustic rooms, with showers and toilets on the same floor, or in dormitories.
It has a wood fired sauna which is outside the main building and there is something quite wonderful about taking a sauna while gazing at the Dolomites. The rooms are generally bedrooms for between 2 and 4 people, and there are showers on the floor. Dinner is usually very Italian featuring pastas and sauces.
Hotel Menardi, Cortina d'Ampezzo
The Hotel Menardi is a 3* hotel situated just a short distance from the heart of Cortina d'Ampezzo which is known as the jewel of the Dolomites.
Expect a warm welcome from Antonio and Josephine. The 49 rooms are divided between the main property and the new annex. The hotel has substantial garden grounds ideal for relaxing in this stunning location. The hotel is tastefully decorated in traditional Italian style. All bedrooms are en suite. There is a spa adjacent to the hotel, in the new annex, which includes a sauna, jacuzzi and Turkish bath with an entry fee of 25 Euros. It is open from 1500hrs until 2000hrs each day. It is also possible to book a massage, as well as some beauty treatments. It makes a great base for the beginning and end of our Alta Via trek.
Rifugio Staulanza, Dolomites
The Staulanza is definitely more 'hotel' than rifugio and another one of our favourite overnight stays in the Dolomites.
Rifugio Saulanza's accommodation sits right on the high pass of Staulanza, and has a lovely terrace for enjoying a well-earned drink. The bar area is very cosy, and the bedrooms are generally all en suite. Dinner is very Italian and features local dishes. It is run by Marco Sala a respected Italian mountaineer and the walls are adorned with his photographs taken during some impressive expeditions to the Himalaya, and other famous mountain ranges.
Rifugio Vazzoler, Dolomites
The Rifugio Vazzoler feels remote, being situated in the forest below some very impressive cliffs.
The rifugio was built by the Club Alpino Italiano in 1929. In 1968 the Club set up a botanical garden in the grounds, which is now managed by the Belluno Regional Forestry Office. The rifugio is quite basic, but nevertheless characterful in true rifugio style with many artefacts from the two World Wars on display, and with great black and white photos of this era showing the amazing routes taken through the mountains by the troops.
The rooms are all dormitory though we can often secure smaller dorms just for our group. There are shared toilets and showers.
Albergo Delle Alpi Hotel, Belluno
The hotel for your last night in the Dolomites is based in the center of Belluno.
The Albergo Delle Alpi Hotel has recently been renovated and offers cozy rooms with ensuite facilities. A great place to kick back and relax after an amazing adventure in the Dolomites.
Trip Information
Arrival
The meeting point for this trip is Brunico, also known as Bruneck, in the Italian Dolomites. Be aware when making travel plans in the Dolomites that towns and villages are often known by two names, one being Italian and the other German.
By Train:
If you are travelling from the UK it is possible to make the entire journey by train. For planning train travel we recommend using Rail Europe and Trainline to book your tickets and plan routes.
By bus: For travelling by coach, large operators like Eurolines, Flixbus and Ouibus are reliable and inexpensive options.
By Air: We would suggest that you fly into either Innsbruck (Austria), Venice (Italy) or Verona (Italy).
Innsbruck Airport: The journey can be undertaken by either Flix bus or train to Bressanone (Brixen) and then change to a local bus on to Brunico (Bruneck). The journey time is approximately 3 hours.
Venice Airport: (either Marco Polo or Treviso airports) Take either the Cortina Express or Flix bus to Dobbiaco/Toblach and then change to a local bus on to Brunico (Bruneck) . The journey time is approximately 5 hours.
Verona Airport: Take either the Cortina Express or Flix bus to Bressanone (Brixen) and then change to a local bus to Brunico (Bruneck). The journey time is approximately 4 hours.
Check out Rome2Rio for other options, including trains from Venice or even for the entire journey from the UK.
Departure
The final night of the holiday is spent in the mountain town of Belluno. On the morning of departure we will arrange a group transfer to Venice Airport. It will be an early departure as a few of you have an early flight.
Extra days
You might want to head north to spend some extra days exploring the Winter Olympic 2026 town of Cortina d'Ampezza. The bus journey to Cortina d'Ampezza takes around 1h15. From Cortina d'Ampezzo the bus and train links to Innsbruck relatively easy.
If you would like to arrange a private transfer to/from the airports at the start or end of your holiday then we can recommend the services of www.taxicortinasci.it
It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.
Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.
All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Drinking Water - on this trip we stay in a number of mountain huts where the only safe source of drinking water is to buy bottled water. As well as being environmentally unsustainable this can also be very expensive. For this reason you may wish to consider a water filtration system. We avoid recommending any specific product and ask that you do your own research into the safest and most efficient system.
Microspikes - if your trip dates are early summer there can be snow patches to cross and microspikes can be useful.
Equipment
Walking boots - comfortable & waterproof, with a good tread. We have no objection to ‘low cut mountain walking shoes’ if they have a stiff sole for rough terrain. Be aware that early season snow can remain on the high passes and boots may be necessary!
Walking Poles – optional, but highly recommended
Rucksack – 30-35 litres, ideally with a chest and waist strap, try using it loaded before your trip
Rucksack liner or cover - to keep the contents of your rucksack dry
Water container - 1 to 1.5 litres, or hydration system
Short gaiters – useful, but not essential
Umbrella - useful for shade on very hot days/rain showers
Emergency foil blanket
Clothing
Waterproof jacket - this MUST be waterproof. We can encounter heavy rain in the mountains and you need to be able to stay dry and warm
Waterproof over trousers - we consider these vital items for the reason given above. We reserve the right to ask you to purchase waterproof trousers if we deem them necessary, or to ask you to miss a day of the trip if you are not properly equipped for the weather
Trousers - comfortable walking trousers allowing free movement
Shorts/skort
Sun hat
Warm hat
Gloves x 2 - one thick, one thin
Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops
Fleece jacket/shirt
Socks - technical walking socks 2/3 pairs
Duvet jacket/second warm jacket
Thermal leggings - optional
Comfort
Sunscreen
Lip salve
Sunglasses - eye protection is essential
Tissues
Antibacterial hand wash - small bottle
Swimwear - optional, we sometimes swim in lakes/rivers
Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mix
Book/Kindle/Music
Documentation
Passport, plus a paper copy
Mountain Rescue Insurance - compulsory
Travel Insurance
Credit Card
Cash - Euros
Waterproof bag for documents
GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover
Personal First Aid
Personal medication - if required
Antiseptic cream/spray
Painkillers/anti-inflammatories
Glucose tablets
2 x Rehydration sachets – like Dioralyte
A few throat lozenges
Blister plasters
Blister tape eg. Strappal
Bandaid plasters
Items for the nights in mountain refuges when we do not have luggage access
Sheet sleeping bag 'liner' - lightweight ‘silk or cotton liner’ for Rifugio Vazzoler, but you can hire at the Rifugio
Pack towel
Ear plugs - optional, but advised if room sharing
Head torch - plus batteries
Teabags – optional, tea is expensive in the refuges, whereas ordering hot water is less expensive
Additional Items
Slippers for use at accommodation
Clothing for use at accommodation
Hair dryer if required
Travel Kettle if required
Camera
Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these
Head torch - plus spare batteries
Padlock - for luggage being transferred
1x Medium size kit bag/holdall/suitcase
Your luggage will be moved each day by a taxi driver. The legal maximum weight limit is 15kg (33lbs) per person. If your luggage exceeds this limit it will not be collected. You can take only ONE luggage bag on the trip. Not all hotels have 'lifts' and you must be able to carry your luggage upstairs.
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit
On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.
Single room Supplement for first and last night per person: £90 (as long as all 4 rooms are being requested by the group, if there would only be 3 single request, we would have to adjust the price as that would mean there would be a forced single for someone)
Tracks and Trails go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation. Your guide has our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. Your hiking guide will be a qualified International Mountain Leader. IML's are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, culture and traditions. You can learn more about our guides on the About Us page.
Please note that the number of nights when you have access to your luggage varies depending on the accommodation available. Do not hesitate to check with us.
On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support on a number of nights, which means your bags are transferred to the next accommodation and you only need to carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for this trip for guidance on the size of rucksack required. On the nights you are in the more remote mountain huts, (most likely 2 or 3), you will need to carry just a few extra items in your rucksack.
As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number of bags simply because they have to unload and reload the vehicle many times each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement. Be aware you may have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea.
The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.
Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have maps of the itinerary you could consider those listed below:
Tabacco Maps 031: Pragser Dolomiten - Enneberg 1:25,000
Tabacco Maps 03: Cortina d'Ampezzo e Dolomiti Ampezzane 1:25,000
Tabacco Maps 025: Dolomiti di Zoldo Cadorine e Agordino 1:25,000
Tabacco Maps 024: Prealpi e Dolomiti Bellunesi 1:25,000
Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. In the summer it is generally good, but it can be everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog, high winds and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°Celsius (86°F) in July and August, but drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high passes, or 'Cols' as they are known in the Alps. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°Celsius (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the passes. Even in mid-summer we can be faced with overnight snow.
Food On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.
Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.
The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. Most people have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply. Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.
If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic/sandwich from your accommodation, or your guide/instructor will advise you of options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.
