Discover the best of the Brenta Dolomites on our Hut-to-Hut Trek.
The Adamello Brenta Nature Park is the largest protected area in Trentino and one of the most spectacular mountain regions in the Italian Alps. Stretching between the granite peaks of the Adamello-Presanella massif and the dramatic limestone towers of the Brenta Dolomites, the park is renowned for its pristine landscapes, rich biodiversity and exceptional network of mountain trails. Thanks to decades of careful conservation and sustainable tourism, it remains one of the best places to experience the authentic beauty of the Italian Alps away from the crowds.
One of the most remarkable aspects of trekking through the park is the contrast between its two mountain ranges. The Brenta Dolomites, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are famous for their towering limestone spires, rugged cliffs and dramatic alpine scenery. To the west, the Adamello-Presanella range offers a completely different landscape, with rounded granite summits, alpine meadows, crystal-clear streams, glaciers and countless mountain lakes. As you journey through both regions, the scenery changes constantly—from dense forests and flower-filled pastures to panoramic mountain passes, high alpine terrain and peaceful lakes nestled beneath soaring peaks.
Our Brenta Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Trek takes you through one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in Europe. Located within the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, the largest protected area in Trentino. This unforgettable guided Dolomites trek explores a region renowned for its pristine wilderness, exceptional biodiversity and breathtaking alpine scenery. Stretching between the granite peaks of the Adamello-Presanella massif and the dramatic limestone towers of the Brenta Dolomites, the park offers one of the finest trekking holidays in Italy. Thanks to decades of conservation and sustainable tourism, hikers can experience an authentic mountain adventure far from the busier trails found elsewhere in the Alps.
One of the highlights of hiking in the Brenta Dolomites is the remarkable contrast between the park’s two mountain ranges. The Brenta Dolomites, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are famous for their soaring limestone towers, rugged cliffs and dramatic alpine landscapes. To the west, the Adamello-Presanella range reveals a completely different world of rounded granite peaks, alpine meadows, glaciers, crystal-clear streams and tranquil mountain lakes. Throughout this Brenta Dolomites trekking holiday, the scenery changes constantly, taking you from flower-filled pastures and ancient forests to panoramic mountain passes, rocky alpine terrain and peaceful valleys.
A memorable highlight of the trek is Lake Tovel, one of Trentino’s most beautiful alpine lakes. Surrounded by towering mountains and dense forests, its crystal-clear waters reflect the dramatic peaks above, creating one of the most photographed landscapes in the Italian Alps. It’s the perfect place to pause, take in the scenery and appreciate the natural beauty that makes the Brenta Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Trek so special.
Designed for hikers with a good level of fitness, our guided Brenta Dolomites trek follows well-maintained mountain trails through some of the park’s most spectacular scenery. Daily walks typically last between six and eight hours, with plenty of opportunities to stop, enjoy the views and experience the unique alpine environment. Beginning in the Adamello-Presanella mountains before crossing into the Brenta Dolomites, this carefully crafted itinerary showcases two distinct mountain landscapes in one unforgettable hut-to-hut trekking holiday.
Much of the route takes place above the treeline, offering uninterrupted mountain panoramas and an incredible sense of wilderness. While this is a true hut-to-hut trek in the Brenta Dolomites, the itinerary avoids technical climbing and via ferrata sections, making it suitable for experienced hikers who enjoy multi-day mountain walking without requiring specialist climbing skills. Each evening you’ll stay in traditional Italian rifugios, where warm hospitality, hearty regional cuisine and comfortable accommodation provide the perfect end to each day’s adventure. Spending the night in these mountain refuges is one of the defining experiences of trekking in the Brenta Dolomites and a highlight of every journey through this remarkable corner of the Italian Alps.
Welcome to the Dolomites. The gateway to this adventure is Val di Sole, 1,813 feet/ 1,813 meters, a scenic alpine valley located on the western side of the Dolomites. Upon arrival, guests make their way to the hotel with a private transfer from Venice airport at a designated time. Framed by the Brenta Dolomites and the Ortles-Cevedale Mountain groups, Val di Sole offers an ideal base for exploring some of the most spectacular landscapes in Trentino. The valley combines pristine nature, traditional Alpine culture, and easy access to hiking trails, mountain villages, and natural landmarks.
The area is also renowned for its long wellness tradition, thanks to the thermal springs of Rabbi and Peio, as well as its outdoor activities throughout the year. Local gastronomy plays an important role in the visitor experience, with specialties such as Casolet, a traditional cheese produced in the valley and featured in many regional recipes. Guests will have several opportunities to discover the authentic flavors of this unique Alpine destination. Accommodation in a 3-star base camp hotel and no meals included on this day.
After breakfast, you reach the starting point of the hike by mountain lift, gaining quick access to the high alpine environment at around 6,725 feet/ 2,050 meters above sea level. Today’s trek takes place within the Presanella massif, a granite mountain range known for its abundant water resources, pristine landscapes and rich wildlife. The route winds through fragrant conifer forests, alpine meadows and scenic mountain terrain, occasionally emerging above the treeline to reveal spectacular panoramas. Throughout the day, hikers are rewarded with outstanding views across to the iconic Brenta Dolomites, whose jagged limestone peaks create a striking contrast with the smoother slopes of the Presanella range.
This area is renowned for its numerous alpine lakes, scattered between forests and high mountain pastures. Some remain hidden among the trees, while others occupy open positions with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. The hike concludes at Lake Nambino, one of the region’s most picturesque mountain lakes. Nestled within a forest setting, it is a favourite spot for nature lovers, photographers and those seeking a peaceful alpine atmosphere. Accommodation and dinner in a mountain hut.
Ascent: 2,034 feet/ 620 meters
Descent: 2,887 feet/ 880 meters
Altitude: 5,807 – 7,513 feet/ 1,770 – 2,290 meters
Distance: 8.1 miles/ 13km
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Today’s hike explores another spectacular section of the Presanella mountains, leading through a landscape dotted with alpine lakes and high-altitude meadows. Much of the route unfolds above the treeline, offering wide-open views across the surrounding peaks and valleys. The trail follows part of the renowned Five Lakes area, one of the highlights of Adamello Brenta Nature Park. This protected environment is celebrated for its pristine scenery, remarkable biodiversity and rich alpine flora, which includes colourful rhododendrons, gentians and a variety of mountain wildflowers during the summer months.
An early start allows hikers to enjoy the tranquility of the mountains before the arrival of most visitors coming up from Madonna di Campiglio. The crystal-clear lakes, peaceful alpine landscapes and unspoilt natural surroundings offer a truly immersive mountain experience. The park is also home to abundant wildlife, and keen observers may spot chamois grazing on the slopes in the quieter morning hours. In the afternoon, the route descends to Madonna di Campiglio, one of the most prestigious mountain resorts in the Italian Alps. Surrounded by majestic peaks and elegant alpine architecture, the town provides a comfortable setting to relax, explore its lively center and prepare for the wilderness experiences awaiting in the days ahead. Accommodation and dinner in a mountain hut.
Ascent: 2,198 feet/ 670 meters
Descent: 3,018 feet/ 920meters
Altitude: 4,790 – 7,907 feet/ 1,460-2,410 meters
Distance: 8.7 miles/ 14km
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Starting from Madonna di Campiglio, today’s hike leads deep into the spectacular landscape of the Brenta Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic limestone peaks and alpine scenery. The first highlight of the day is the Vallesinella Waterfalls, among the most iconic natural attractions of Adamello Brenta Nature Park. Reached through peaceful conifer forests, the trail follows the course of the stream, crossing it several times via wooden bridges and walkways that provide excellent viewpoints over the cascades and their crystal-clear waters.
Leaving the forest behind, the route gradually gains altitude and enters a more rugged alpine environment. Towering rock walls and vast mountain panoramas announce your arrival in the central Brenta range, considered by many the most impressive area of the entire massif. The trail continues beneath the imposing slopes of Cima Groste, one of the most distinctive summits of the Brenta Dolomites. As the path traverses high-altitude terrain above 7,546 feet/ 2,300 meters, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views stretching westward towards the Presanella and Adamello mountain groups.
The day concludes at Passo Groste, an exceptional panoramic location overlooking the surrounding mountains. Overnight accommodation is set beneath the striking profile of Pietra Grande, one of the most characteristic peaks in the area. As evening approaches, the high mountain setting provides an ideal opportunity to enjoy the warm colours of sunset illuminating the Dolomite walls, a memorable experience and a highlight of the journey. Accommodation and dinner in a mountain hut.
Ascent: 3,248 feet/ 990 meters
Descent: 262 feet/ 80 meters
Altitude: 6,463 – 8,366 feet/ 1,970-2,550 meters
Distance: 6.2 miles/ 10km
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Today’s route links Passo Groste with the beautiful Lake Tovel, traversing the wide alpine meadows and open landscapes of Val Flavona, a secluded valley nestled within the Brenta Dolomites. This stage offers a rewarding combination of panoramic scenery, unique geological formations and a gradual transition from the high mountains to the valley below. Along the way, hikers encounter the impressive Turion peak, one of the most distinctive rock formations in the Brenta range. Rising dramatically above the surrounding grasslands, this slender limestone tower stands out as a remarkable landmark and an excellent example of the dramatic geology that characterizes the Dolomites.
While the day involves a considerable overall descent, the trail remains generally comfortable and follows well-maintained paths through varied mountain landscapes. Throughout the hike, expansive views accompany the journey, revealing the wild and less-visited side of the Brenta massif. The stage concludes at Lake Tovel, one of the most celebrated alpine lakes in Trentino. Surrounded by forests and mountain peaks, its crystal-clear waters create stunning reflections that make it a favourite destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Lake Tovel is also known for its fascinating natural history. For many years, a rare biological phenomenon caused parts of the lake to take on a reddish hue during the summer months, earning it the nickname “Red Lake”. Although this event no longer occurs, the lake remains one of the most iconic natural attractions of the region and a highlight of any journey through the Brenta Dolomites. Accommodation and dinner in a mountain hut.
Ascent: 230 feet/ 70 meters
Descent: 4,298 feet/ 1,310 meters
Altitude: 3,839 – 8,005 feet – 1,170-2,440 meters
Distance: 9.3 miles/ 15km
Hiking Time: 5 hours
The day begins with the opportunity to experience the magical atmosphere of Lake Tovel in the early morning. A short walk to the northern shore rewards early risers with one of the most beautiful views in the valley, as the first sunlight illuminates the surrounding mountain peaks while the lake remains in shadow, its calm waters perfectly reflecting the skyline. Today’s hike explores the northern sector of the Brenta Dolomites, one of the least visited and most varied areas of the entire massif. The landscape changes continuously throughout the day, combining distinctive reddish rock formations, wide alpine pastures and extensive conifer forests. Thanks to its remote character, this region offers a true sense of wilderness, and encounters with other hikers are rare.
The route gradually leads towards Monte Peller, the northernmost mountain of the Brenta Dolomites and a natural viewpoint overlooking the surrounding valleys and peaks. Along the way, about an hour before reaching the mountain hut, hikers pass a traditional alpine farm renowned for its artisanal cheese and dairy products. Here there is the opportunity to take a relaxing break and sample some of the local specialties, produced according to long-established mountain traditions. As the trail continues through alpine meadows towards the hut, attentive hikers may spot marmots grazing or keeping watch near their burrows, adding a memorable wildlife encounter to the day. The hike concludes at the mountain hut, set in a peaceful alpine environment beneath the slopes of Monte Peller. In the afternoon, transfer back to Val di Sole Accommodation at a 3-star base camp hotel. Breakfast only included today.
Ascent: 3,904 feet/ 1,190 meters
Descent: 1,280 feet/ 390 meters
Altitude: 3,839 – 6,859 feet/ 1,170 – 2,090 meters
Distance: 8.1 miles/ 13 km
Hiking Time: 6 hours
After breakfast you will check out of the hotel, and we will transfer you back to Venice airport. You will not want to book a return flight until the evening on this day. From Venice, you can easily reach many destinations that Italy has to offer if you plan to extend your visit! Breakfast only included today.
What the price includes:
What the price does not include:
A hut-to-hut trek in the Dolomites is ideal for people who love being active outdoors and want to experience the mountains on foot, without the additional challenges of camping or trekking at extreme altitude.
You do not need to be an experienced mountaineer or an elite athlete. You do, however, need to enjoy hiking and be willing to prepare properly for several consecutive days in mountain terrain.
This type of trek is particularly well suited to people who:
Previous mountain hiking experience is extremely useful, and for this trip you need to be comfortable carrying a weighted backpack.
What matters more is that you understand what it feels like to spend several hours on your feet and are prepared for uneven trails, sustained climbs and long descents with weight.
If you are relatively new to hiking, your training period becomes especially important. Build gradually, spend time on real trails whenever possible and complete several longer hiking days before travelling.
Probably not.
If you dislike prolonged uphill walking, struggle significantly on uneven ground, or expect a leisurely walking holiday with short days and minimal elevation change, a Dolomites hut-to-hut trek may not be the right choice.
But if you are excited by the idea of earning the views, travelling through the mountains on foot and finishing each day at a welcoming mountain hut, this can be an extraordinary way to experience the Dolomites.
The important question isn’t whether you are already “fit enough.”
Are you willing to prepare for the trip you have chosen?
If the answer is yes, then with the right training and preparation, a Dolomites hut-to-hut trek can be an achievable and incredibly rewarding goal.
Difficulty Level 3 – Moderate to Challenging:
You should be comfortable hiking 6-9 miles/ 10–15 km per day for approximately 5–7 hours of net hiking time, excluding longer breaks. Daily elevation gain on Level 3 itineraries is typically 2,000 – 3,300 feet/ 600–1,000 meters.
The terrain can vary considerably, from well-maintained mountain trails and rocky paths to steeper and more uneven sections. Much of the route involves moderately challenging terrain, and you should be confident walking on uneven ground and ascending and descending sustained slopes.
Some exposed sections are possible on Level 3 routes. Where trails traverse steeper terrain, they are generally wide enough to walk comfortably and secured with fixed metal cables or chains, allowing hikers to pass safely without specialist climbing equipment. While you should be comfortable with heights and exposed mountain environments, this is a trekking route rather than a technical climbing itinerary.
An additional element of difficulty is that this is a true backpacking itinerary. You will need to carry all your own personal gear throughout the trek, and there is no option for luggage or gear to be transported separately. Your pack will therefore add to the physical demands of each day, particularly on longer climbs and descents. We recommend keeping your pack as light as possible and bringing only the essential equipment.
A good level of fitness and regular experience hiking in mountainous terrain will help you get the most out of the trek.
Quality of Trails
The trails on this route are maintained and marked very well. There is no highly exposed trail except for optional side hikes, such as the ascent to Monte Peller where the trail is secured. Winter snow at the start of the summer is normally not an issue on this route as it bypasses Central Brenta.
If you are looking for a genuine hut-to-hut journey and want something more challenging than our Fassa to Pale itinerary, the Brenta Dolomites should be high on your list.
This is a trek for people who enjoy big mountain days, carrying their own backpack and the feeling of travelling through the mountains under their own steam.
You don’t need technical climbing skills, but you do need good fitness, mountain experience and a willingness to prepare properly.
This is one of the biggest differences between our Brenta and Fassa to Pale itineraries.
On the Brenta trek, you carry the equipment you need for the journey in your backpack.
For the right person, that is a huge part of the appeal.
There is something incredibly satisfying about leaving the valley behind with everything you need on your back and travelling from one mountain hut to the next entirely on foot.
It creates a greater sense of independence and adventure and makes reaching each night’s rifugio that little bit more rewarding.
One of the things we love most about this itinerary is the variety.
We begin among the granite mountains of the Adamello-Presanella, walking through forests, alpine meadows and a landscape dotted with beautiful mountain lakes.
Then the character of the trek changes completely as we enter the Brenta Dolomites.
Suddenly you are surrounded by enormous limestone towers, cliffs and dramatic rock formations.
It feels like two mountain journeys rolled into one.
If you have already completed multi-day hikes or hut-to-hut treks and are wondering “what’s next?”, Brenta is a natural progression.
The combination of carrying your own backpack, longer mountain days and significant ascent and descent makes this a more demanding experience.
You should arrive comfortable spending several hours on mountain trails and ready for consecutive days on your feet.
For a well-prepared hiker, however, that challenge is exactly what makes the trip so rewarding.
Brenta gives you the feeling of travelling through serious Alpine terrain without turning the trip into a mountaineering expedition.
There are no technical climbing or via ferrata sections on our route.
Instead, the challenge comes from the hiking itself: climbing high into the mountains, crossing passes, moving over rocky terrain, carrying your backpack and descending into the next valley.
If you want a challenging mountain trek rather than a technical climbing trip, this itinerary hits a real sweet spot.
Much of the journey takes place above the treeline.
That means fewer hours walking along valley floors and more time surrounded by huge mountain panoramas.
As you move deeper into the Brenta, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, eventually bringing you beneath some of the enormous limestone towers for which this part of the Dolomites is famous.
And because you are travelling hut to hut, you don’t have to descend back into the valley at the end of every day.
You get to stay up there.
The rifugios aren’t simply somewhere to sleep.
They are part of the experience.
At the end of a long day, you arrive at a mountain hut, drop your backpack, take off your boots and sit down to a warm meal surrounded by other people who have spent their day exploring the mountains.
Then you wake up the following morning already in the mountains, shoulder your pack and continue the journey.
That rhythm of walk, eat, sleep and repeat is what makes hut-to-hut trekking so addictive.
The Adamello Brenta Nature Park is the largest protected area in Trentino, and decades of conservation have helped preserve an extraordinary mountain environment.
Our itinerary also allows us to experience quieter areas of the park.
An early start through the Five Lakes region lets us enjoy the mountains before many day visitors arrive, while Val Flavona takes us through one of the quieter valleys of the Brenta massif.
For people who value wilderness and space as much as famous viewpoints, that matters.
A great journey deserves a memorable finish.
Our final trekking day takes us from the high mountains around Passo Grostè, across the alpine landscapes of Val Flavona and eventually down through the forests to Lake Tovel.
It is a substantial mountain day, including more than 1,300 m of descent, but finishing beside one of Trentino’s most beautiful alpine lakes is an incredible way to complete the journey.
Both trips offer an exceptional Dolomites hut-to-hut experience, but they suit different trekkers.
Choose Fassa to Pale if you want a fantastic introduction to hut-to-hut trekking, prefer to hike with a lighter daypack and want luggage support between locations.
Choose Brenta if you already have good hiking experience, want a more physically demanding trip and like the idea of carrying your own backpack as you journey through the mountains. Neither experience is “better.”
They simply offer different styles of adventure.
Fassa introduces you to the hut-to-hut experience. Brenta asks you to become part of the journey.
How to Train for a Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Trek
Preparing for a hut-to-hut trek in the Dolomites is not about becoming an elite athlete. It is about preparing your body for the specific demands of walking through the mountains for several hours, recovering overnight and getting ready to do it again the following morning. This itinerary also requires you to carry more weight from day to day.
The Dolomites are incredibly rewarding hiking terrain, but they should not be underestimated.
Your days will involve sustained climbs, long descents, rocky and uneven trails, mountain passes, scree, changing weather and several hours on your feet. The challenge is rarely one exceptionally difficult moment. It is the accumulation of climbing, descending and walking over several consecutive days.
Arriving in the Dolomites fit enough that you can enjoy where you are, rather than spending every day simply trying to get through it. We have designed this trek starter plan to help you understand the training needs so you can get prepared.
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People sometimes look at the distances involved in a Dolomites trek and assume the hiking will be relatively straightforward.
Distance alone does not tell the full story. A day of 10–15 km in the mountains can feel very different from walking the same distance at home. Elevation gain and loss, rocky trails, sustained climbing and descending all increase the physical demands.
During a Dolomites hut-to-hut trek you should be prepared for:
Not everyone will have access to hills, but this is the best way to train your body and legs for down hill hiking. Depending on your chosen adventure you do need to assess the level of downhill. We have elevation gains available for all of our key trips. I encourage you to review the daily elevation drops and what type of terrain you will be walking on.
For example, on this trip you will be drop 700m/ 2,296 feet to 1,000m/ 3,280 feet on different days all on steep rocky terrain.
You have just walked for days on end you have reached your goal but not you have to retrace your steps, often in a quicker time frame. Hiking downhill will take its toll on your joints. Fore sure, the downhill hike will take more wear and tear on your joints and muscles than the uphill.
You do need to use effective training techniques to minimize the impact on your body. Descending using good technique means that you move faster and feel lighter. Remember, 80% of accidents happen on the way down.
We live in Eagle-vail Colorado with amazing access to altitude and a wide range of mountain terrain to train on. In Colorado we can train all year round on hilly terrain preparing for Kilimanjaro, Himalayan trekking and mountaineering trips. I know most of you are joining our trips from sea level and with minimal access to hill training. I encourage you to get out to Colorado doing some multi-day hiking in preparation for your chosen adventure.
If you do not have access to hills and mountains, you must figure out other ways to prepare your knee joints to handle downhill stress. From a knee perspective, downhill hiking means eccentric loading and typically thousands of repetitions of it. Eccentric loading (the lengthening phase of a contraction) is especially challenging to what is called the patellofemoral joint of the knee. This is where the knee cap, meets the femur. Inadequate strength, poor mechanics and lack of exposure to this type of loading can turn downhill forces into injury producing stress. Prior to your trekking trip you need to start implementing sport specific training into our general preparedness programming.
Hiking uphill is all concentric muscle action (muscle active while shortening) at the knee joint without any eccentric loading (loading while muscle is lengthening). Concentric only exercises tend to cause less mechanical stress, load and pain to joints and tendons than do exercises that have eccentric phases. What goes up must come down.
You must prepare our body and specifically your knees to handle downhill hiking. Depending on the trip, you really need 6 months of some sport specific training into our general preparedness programming.
The strength movements below are similar but slightly different in specific ways. We purposely only hit each one once per week because too much volume of these exercises could quickly lead to an over training injury, so be careful. I would recommend adding in additional hip flexor and quadriceps mobility work at the end of your training sessions as well to maintain good length tension relationships and to protect your spine.
Increase vertical loading volume of the knees with a sight posterior to anterior (back to front) force vector. Get exposed and accustomed to decelerating the vertical and forward forces using primarily a knee strategy. Transition from doing most lunges and squats with a 3 points of contact foot position to a more heel elevated position where we contact and press through the forefoot.
The 3 points of contact foot position is the most stable position for the foot and encourages a balance of hip and thigh musculature – great for general preparedness training. Transitioning to a heels elevated position where the forces are applied through the forefoot places most of the stress on the quadriceps and knees – optimal for downhill hiking training.
You should consider adding these movements into your weekly training 2 times per week. Add 3-5 sets of 10-15 repetitions (per leg)
1). Heels Elevated Goblet Squat
2). Forward Alternating Lunge with Farmers Carry Loading
3). Forward Alternating Drop from Box Lunges
4). Banded Posterior to Anterior (PA) Forward Lunges
One of the best ways of mitigating the risk of musculoskeletal issues is by carrying a light pack. Then build up the weight you carry over time. An overly heavy backpack is not recommended in the early stages of your training.
Extract its biggest toll on your body during steep and/or long downhill sections, so a hiker should always aim to travel as lightly as the dictates of their skillset and the environment into which they are venturing allow.
If you are carrying weight on longer hike you should slowly build up the weight you carry. You should also consider carry water uphill and dump as much water/ weight as possible for your downhill. Always assess the weight you are carrying for each hike and always build up slowly over time. You do not want to get injured.
In our opinion, La Sportiva have great footwear options at the moment. This footwear combines advanced technologies for comfort, stability, grip, and durability. The 2H Double Heel improves walking and braking performance, while 3D Flex™ supports natural ankle movement with added stability and protection. The Impact Brake System™ uses angled lugs to reduce impact and improve traction, and the Vibram® outsole provides excellent grip and durability. GORE-TEX® delivers breathable, waterproof protection, while ReSole Me allows the footwear to be resoled by an approved La Sportiva cobbler, extending its usable life.
Another great option is the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Trekking boots. More and more people are using these trekking boots on a wide range of our trekking adventures in Nepal and around the world. They are comfortable, sturdy, waterproof and a very resilient trekking boot for Kilimanjaro. They will give you the warmth you need on the cold night walking to the summit as well!
Ian has used the Scarpa Kenesis pro GTX trekking boots for a few years. They are a little heavier than other trekking boots but a great boot for Kilimanjaro. If you maintain them well, you will have them for years. Scarpa are always re-inventing trekking boots and if they fit your foot correctly, then they may be the right boot for you. They work great and last a long time.
Ian has also used a range of Mammut trekking boots over the years. He really likes the Mammut Trovat guide High trekking boots. They are really durable, reliable and will last a long time. The high ankle support is great for the rocky terrains you will encounter and all around a great boot for Kilimanjaro. All these boots will last a long time if you look after them well.
You could also consider using the Meindl Vakuum trekking boots. These are a good option for Everest Base Camp treks and a wide range of trekking peaks and multi-day trekking adventures. These are a very popular boot and we see a lot of clients arriving to Nepal in this option. They are an excellent choice for mixed rocky terrain and long distance hiking. These boots will be with you for many miles as they are an extremely durable boot. Also, this could be a good option for you if you feel the cold in your feet as they will be a warmer option.
One of the advantages of our Fassa to Pale di San Martino hut-to-hut trek is that you don’t need to carry camping equipment or a huge expedition backpack.
You will still be travelling through mountain terrain, however, and having the right equipment makes a significant difference to your comfort and enjoyment.
Everyone who signs up for the trek receives our full, itemized kit list, with detailed guidance on what we recommend bringing. The list below is simply an overview of the key items you should expect to need.
A comfortable, well-tested pair of hiking boots with good grip should be at the top of your list.
Whatever you choose, do not arrive in the Dolomites with brand-new footwear. Use your training hikes to make sure your footwear works for you over several hours of climbing and descending.
Bring good-quality hiking socks and consider having a lightweight pair of shoes or sandals for relaxing at the rifugios.
Mountain weather can change quickly, so think in layers rather than one heavy item.
Your basic clothing system should include:
Avoid cotton as your primary hiking layer. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is much more practical in the mountains.
You will need a comfortable backpack large enough for the clothing, water and personal equipment required during the trek (30L).
Fit matters more than buying the most expensive pack available. We like Deuter as they have the best back support.
Train with your backpack before travelling and gradually build towards carrying the weight you expect to have in the Dolomites. Adjust the shoulder straps and hip belt properly and make sure you know where everything goes.
We highly recommend trekking poles.
They are useful on climbs, but their real value often becomes apparent on the descents, where they can improve stability and help you move more confidently over rocky and uneven terrain.
If you haven’t used poles before, practice with them during your training rather than learning on the first day of the trek.
You should have a reliable way of carrying water and protecting yourself from the strong mountain sun.
Bring:
You will also need a small selection of personal items, including toiletries, any personal medication, blister treatment, a headtorch, charging equipment and other everyday essentials.
Keep things simple.
Everything you bring has to go somewhere, and unnecessary items quickly become noticeable when you’re carrying them through the mountains.
You do not need to figure out your equipment alone.
Once you sign up for our Fassa to Pale di San Martino trek, we provide a complete itemized kit list explaining exactly what you need to bring. Our team can also help you with questions about footwear, backpacks, layering systems and other equipment before you travel.
Use your training period to test your equipment as well as your fitness.
By the time you arrive in the Dolomites, your boots should feel familiar, your backpack should be comfortable and using your trekking poles should feel completely natural.
Nothing you bring should be getting its first proper test on day one of your trek.
A great Dolomites trek is about much more than booking hotels and following a trail.
The right itinerary, the right preparation, knowledgeable mountain leadership and good support can completely change your experience. Our goal is to take care of those details so you can concentrate on enjoying one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in Europe.
Your trek starts long before you arrive in Italy.
We place a major emphasis on preparation because we know that the better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy your time in the mountains.
Once you sign up, we provide detailed information on training, equipment and what to expect on the trail. We want you arriving with the fitness, footwear, equipment and confidence needed for several consecutive days of hiking.
We have designed our Fassa to Pale di San Martino itinerary to give you a genuine journey through the Dolomites.
This is not about racing from one location to another or trying to cover the greatest possible distance each day.
We want enough challenge to make the journey rewarding while still giving you time to stop, take in the scenery, enjoy the rifugios and experience the culture, food and atmosphere that make trekking in the Dolomites so special.
We believe smaller groups create a better mountain experience.
Our scheduled Dolomites departures are designed around small teams, allowing for a more personal experience and giving our guides greater ability to manage the group and different walking speeds.
It also creates the atmosphere we want on a hut-to-hut trek: a group of people sharing a mountain journey rather than simply following a crowd.
The mountains are constantly changing.
Weather, trail conditions and the needs of the group can all influence decisions during a trek.
Having experienced mountain leadership means you can focus on your hiking while your guide manages the route, conditions and day-to-day decisions required to keep the journey running smoothly.
The Dolomites are about much more than beautiful trails.
The rifugios, food, history, culture and communities are all part of the experience.
Our local mountain guides bring that destination knowledge to the trek, helping you understand and experience the region rather than simply walk through it.
You don’t need to carry everything you have brought to Italy over every mountain pass.
Our Fassa to Pale trek includes luggage support, allowing you to hike with a daypack containing the clothing, water and personal equipment you need for the day.
For many people, this creates the ideal balance: a genuine multi-day hut-to-hut mountain journey without having to carry a heavy backpack for the entire trek.
Ian Taylor Trekking has spent more than 20 years taking people into mountain environments around the world.
We bring that experience into how we design our trips, prepare our clients and manage people in the mountains.
You don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer to join us.
What we ask is that you come with the right attitude, complete the necessary preparation and arrive ready to embrace the challenge.
We’ll help you with the rest.
Ultimately, we want you to come home remembering far more than how many kilometres you walked.
We want you to remember the huge limestone towers above the trail, reaching a mountain pass you worked hard to get to, sitting outside a rifugio after a great day of hiking, sharing dinner with your group and waking up knowing you get to do it all again.
Come prepared. Hike with a great team. And experience the Dolomites properly.
We rate our Brenta Dolomites Trek as Challenging.
You will be hiking on mountain trails for several hours each day, with sustained climbs and descents while carrying your own backpack. One of our days includes approximately 990 m / 3,250 ft of ascent, while our final trekking day involves more than 1,300 m / 4,265 ft of descent.
You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but you should arrive with good hiking fitness and properly prepared for consecutive days in the mountains.
This itinerary is best suited to experienced hikers who want a genuine Alpine backpacking experience.
It is particularly good for people who have completed multi-day hikes previously and want to progress to a more immersive hut-to-hut journey.
You should enjoy being in the mountains, be comfortable on uneven trails and like the idea of carrying what you need between the rifugios.
If your priority is hiking with a lighter daypack and having luggage support, our Fassa to Pale itinerary may be a better choice.
Yes.
Unlike our Fassa to Pale itinerary, there is no luggage transfer between the mountain huts on this trek.
You carry the clothing and personal equipment you need for the hut-to-hut section of the journey.
For many people, this is one of the main reasons for choosing Brenta. It creates a true point-to-point backpacking experience and allows us to journey deeper into the mountains.
Your backpack weight will depend on your personal equipment and how efficiently you pack.
You do not need camping equipment because we stay in mountain rifugios, but keeping your personal kit lightweight is important.
We provide everyone who signs up with a detailed itemized kit list so you know exactly what you need and, just as importantly, what you don’t need.
We strongly recommend training with your backpack before travelling.
Previous experience carrying a backpack in the mountains is highly recommended.
If you have never completed a multi-day backpacking trip before, that doesn’t automatically rule you out, but you should gain experience during your preparation.
Complete several longer hikes carrying the weight you expect to take on the trek and ideally complete some back-to-back hiking days.
We don’t want the first time you carry your trekking backpack for five or six hours to be in Italy.
No.
Although the Brenta Dolomites are famous for their via ferrata routes and dramatic limestone terrain, our itinerary has been specifically designed to avoid technical climbing and via ferrata sections.
This is a hiking and backpacking trip rather than a climbing trip.
You should still be comfortable hiking on mountain trails and moving through rocky Alpine terrain.
We recommend beginning specific training at least 12 weeks before departure if you already have a reasonable level of fitness. If you are starting from a lower fitness base, begin earlier.
Your preparation should combine:
The important thing is specificity.
Don’t just train to become fitter. Train to hike through the mountains for several days while carrying your backpack.
Different days challenge you in different ways.
One of the biggest climbing days takes us into the heart of the Brenta Dolomites, gaining approximately 990 m / 3,250 ft as we climb towards Passo Grostè.
Our final trekking day is almost the opposite. There is very little climbing, but approximately 1,310 m / 4,265 ft of descent before reaching Lake Tovel.
That is why your training needs to prepare you for both going up and coming down.
Our current itinerary has trekking days of approximately 5–6 hours, although you should always be prepared for mountain days to take longer depending on the group, trail conditions, weather and stops along the way.
The goal isn’t to race through the route.
We want to move at a sustainable pace that allows the group to enjoy the landscapes we have come to experience.
Staying in traditional mountain rifugios is one of the highlights of this trip.
Rather than hiking back into the valley every evening, we remain in the mountains.
Expect a genuine mountain-hut environment with accommodation, hearty meals and the opportunity to relax with the group after a day on the trail.
They aren’t luxury hotels — and that’s part of their charm.
There is something very special about taking off your boots, sitting down to dinner and knowing that the only way you reached your accommodation was by walking there.
Mountain huts operate differently from conventional hotels, and room arrangements can include shared rooms or dormitory-style accommodation.
Space in the mountains is limited and private rooms cannot always be expected.
Come prepared to embrace the rifugio experience. It is part of what makes hut-to-hut trekking in the Alps so memorable.
Mountain weather can change quickly.
One of the benefits of travelling with an experienced guide is having someone who can assess the weather, trail conditions and abilities of the group and make appropriate decisions on the mountain.
You still need to arrive with the correct clothing and equipment, including good waterproofs and warm layers.
We provide detailed equipment guidance before departure.
Our itinerary reaches approximately 2,690 m / 8,825 ft.
This is not a high-altitude trek in the same category as Kilimanjaro or Everest Base Camp. For most trekkers, the bigger physical challenge is the combination of climbing, descending, carrying a backpack and repeating that effort over consecutive days.
Our optimal group size on our scheduled Dolomites departures is 7 trekkers.
We deliberately favour smaller teams because they suit this style of mountain journey. They allow for a more personal experience and make it easier for the guide to manage the group and different walking speeds.
Our focus is on taking the logistical uncertainty out of your trip while still preserving the feeling of a genuine mountain adventure.
We arrange the itinerary, accommodation, guiding and trip logistics, while our team helps you prepare before departure with detailed information on training, equipment and what to expect.
Once you’re on the trail, your guide manages the day-to-day mountain journey so you can concentrate on hiking and enjoying the experience.
Your booking information will provide the full, current breakdown of exactly what is and isn’t included.
Absolutely.
We believe preparation is part of the service.
We don’t want you booking the trip and then hearing from us again when you arrive in Italy.
Our team will help you understand the physical demands of the itinerary, provide detailed equipment information and give you guidance on how to prepare.
The aim is for you to arrive in the Brenta Dolomites knowing what to expect and ready for the challenge.
Think about the experience you want.
Choose Fassa to Pale if you want an introduction to Dolomites hut-to-hut trekking, prefer luggage support and want to hike with a lighter daypack.
Choose Brenta if you are an experienced hiker, want a greater physical challenge and like the idea of carrying your own backpack through the mountains.
Brenta offers more of a classic Alpine backpacking journey.
Talk to us before booking.
Tell us about your hiking experience, the trips you’ve completed, your current fitness and what you’re looking for from the Dolomites.
We would much rather help you select the right itinerary than simply sell you a place.
If Brenta is right for you, we’ll help you prepare properly. If another itinerary suits you better, we’ll tell you that too.
Country:
Italy
Duration:
7 Days
Distance:
60 km / 37 miles
Max. Altitude:
2,690 m / 8,825 feet
Difficulty:
Challenging
Group Size:
7
Are you interested in a unique backpacking trek with less people? Tell us where you are in the planning process and our team will help you choose the right route, date, and preparation plan.
