Dolomiti di Brenta: Hut-to-Hut in the Trentino Alps, Italy

The Trip

The Dolomites of northern Italy are among the most dramatic mountains on Earth. Though not as big as the nearby Swiss Alps, they are even more striking in color and in how they abruptly rise above the surrounding landscape. Their geologic composition includes both dolomitic limestone and volcanic formations. The Brentas are the largest and arguably the most rugged and scenic of the seven groups making up the Dolomites. This sunny corner of the Alps is known for its unmatched beauty, and its warm, friendly culture and people.

Our route will take us high into the western side of the Brentas, under the shadow of Cima Brenta (10,247 feet). From there, we will circle clockwise around the central core of the group. This is a rare opportunity, as most routes here require mountaineering skills, whereas our route is strictly hiking. Each evening we will stay at mountain huts, locally called rifugios, perched high in these dramatic mountains. Besides the scenery and interesting local culture, we may encounter wildlife such as marmots, ibex and chamois along the trail.

As our mountain refuges provide bed, showers, and hot meals, we will only carry slightly more than a regular day pack, adding to it just extra clothes and toiletries. The light packs will make the hiking easier, while the dining rooms at the refuges are great places to meet hikers from around the world. This is a hut-to-hut hike; we will carry everything we need for the week. There is no luggage support, but you can leave bags at our start/end hotel.

Day 1: The trip will commence this evening at our hotel in the resort community of Madonna di Campiglio. At dinner -- our first included meal -- we’ll get acquainted and discuss the next week.

Day 2: After breakfast, we’ll walk the stunning Giro Dei Cinque Laghi (Walk of Five Lakes) route. The hike begins with a cable-car lift to a panoramic trail that links the glacial lakes. After lunch along the trail, we will return to our hotel in Madonna di Campiglio. Excess luggage may be left at the hotel, as we will be returning here to end our trip. (Route: 7 miles, +1,050 feet, -2,300 feet)

Day 3: Our trek will begin by ascending into the mountains to the first mountain rifugio. Starting in the forest, we will break into the open halfway up and get our first views of the rugged terrain. Our plan is to stop for lunch along the way and arrive at the rifugio for the night in time for rest or a short hike before dinner. (Route: 3 miles, +2,500 feet)

Day 4: Leaving the rifugio, the route heads north awhile before turning east and wandering through the rugged, stony landscape of the high karst plateau Campo Flavona. Our rifugio this evening is small (only 20 beds) and rustic. (Route: 7 miles, +1,200 feet, -2,000 feet)

Day 5: We will have a choice of routes today. The longer of the two first heads south and follows a winding trail near Pizzo Gallino (8,010 feet) before dipping into the forest and continuing on to rifugio for the night. (Route: 7 miles, +1,100 feet, -2,300 feet)

Day 6: Today will be the most challenging as we will traverse up the steep and rocky trail to Rifugio Pedrotti, with its large accommodations dramatically set just below the east flank of the highest peaks. (Route: 5 miles, +3,100 feet, -450 feet)

Day 7: Today we will cross the spine of the central massif, complete with dramatic views. Some steep trails down will soon lead to a more gentle stretch, continuing until reaching a challenging ascent to our final rifugio. (Route: 3 miles, +2,100 feet, -1,700 feet) 

Day 8: After breakfast, we will enjoy a leisurely hike down to Madonna di Campiglio, with the afternoon free for shopping, relaxing, and packing. (Route: 7 miles, +600, -3,700 feet)

Day 9: Our trip comes to an end after breakfast. Ciao!

Getting There

This trip begins and ends in the village of Madonna di Campiglio, which is easily reached by bus -- a two-hour ride -- from Trento. Trento, the capital of Trentino, has regular train service from the major airports in Milan, Venice and Munich. Allow about five to six hours for the train and/or bus from the major airports. Additional details will be sent to registered participants.

You are responsible for having your passport and obtaining any necessary visas or other travel papers. Evacuation and trip cancelation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended. The leader will send out newsletters with additional travel information and ideas of things to do in the area before and after the trip. You are encouraged to arrive at least a day or two early to help overcome jet lag before we begin hiking. It would also help should your luggage be delayed in arriving -- unfortunately, not a rare occurrence.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

We will be staying at a mix of lodging types. In town, we will be at a regular four-star hotel near the city center. We will stay in double rooms unless you request a single room at additional cost. The leader will assign roommates of the same gender for solo travelers. All rooms have toilets and a shower or bath.

In the mountain refuges, we will stay in dormitories with bunk beds (sometimes co-ed), with bathrooms and showers (sometimes at additional cost) down the hall. The dormitories range in size from double rooms (rare) to big enough for our entire group and maybe other hikers. We won’t know in advance which rooms we can get and single rooms are not possible. Otherwise, the term "mountain hut" is somewhat misleading; the quality of the dining rooms and other appointments in most is comparable to a two-star hotel. 

We’ll eat breakfasts and dinners at our lodgings. The group eats together as a whole. Breakfasts often are very simple continental meals of breads, jam, and coffee, occasionally also including selections of cheese, meat, yogurt, and fruit. For dinners, there usually are at least a couple of choices for the main course. This is the norm at some refuges. When at our hotel, we will have more selection, usually with three entrée options offered; vegetarians can be accommodated. The first round of drinks at the welcome and farewell dinners in Madonna di Campiglio are included in the trip price; otherwise all drinks that carry a separate price are on your own.

Most days we will stop for a mid-morning break at a hut along the way, where coffee drinks, sodas, and fruits or pastries are available for purchase if one chooses. Mid-day we will stop for a group picnic, ideally on the top of a mountain ridge or some other scenic spot. Our picnic lunches (included) are ordered from the refuge we’re at the night before and typically consist of sandwiches, fruit, and perhaps chocolate or cookies. On one occasion we will enjoy a hot pasta lunch at a conveniently located (and scenic!) refuge on our route.

Trip Difficulty

This is a hut-to-hut hiking adventure, where we will be well into the mountains and moving to a different hut every day. We will carry everything we need for the week, without luggage support. The route is intended for the experienced hiker who is able to walk about seven hours every day up to seven miles, some with significant elevation gain and loss – without a rest day. A steady pace will be expected, especially if weather requires that we move along to crest a mountain pass or beyond a difficult trail section before it moves in. Expected daily distances and elevation gains listed in the itinerary above may have to be changed depending on group abilities, weather, trail closures and conditions, etc.

Our walking will generally be on clearly marked but rocky paths, with some steep sections that will be more challenging. There are sections where the trail crosses scree, and it is possible to encounter patches of snow even in the heart of summer. In a couple of rocky and uneven locations there will be steel bars embedded in the rock to provide additional footsteps. On other occasions, there may be cables to hold on to while we cross a short section of steep terrain. These are there more for psychological comfort than necessity.

You will need to carry a large day pack with raingear, lunch, and personal items, to include toiletries and extra clothing for our overnight stays at the mountain huts. You should be able to get by with about 15 to 20 pounds.

It is best to prepare for this trip by keeping to a regular exercise schedule and taking frequent day hikes in hilly terrain -- preferably at altitudes similar to the ones we will encounter and carrying the same pack you will have on the trip. If you don’t live near hilly terrain, ask the leader for suggestions on a conditioning program.

This is the sunny side of the Alps, and, with a bit of luck, we will experience the blissfully clear, warm days that are the norm. Remember, though, that mountain weather is unpredictable and we may experience rain, fog, or even snow. Daytime temperatures will usually be in the 65-75 degree range, and nighttimes in the 40s or 50s. That said, it has gotten into the upper 80s and down to freezing on occasion on this route. In exceptionally bad weather, we may have to change routes -- your safety is always our highest priority.

Equipment and Clothing

No special equipment is required. You will need the gear you normally use on day-hikes. Medium-weight, properly broken-in boots are the most important item. Besides that, your pack should include the hiking essentials -- water, raingear, something to keep you warm should the weather turn cold, and room for a daily picnic lunch. The leader will be providing a detailed gear list. This will include what you’ll need for overnight stays at the refuges. A sleeping bag is not necessary. Blankets are provided, but a sleep sack or bag liner will be needed, as well as toiletries, extra clothing, a flashlight, and slippers.

References

Maps:

• Kompass Map #073, Dolomiti di Brenta, Brentagruppe 1:25,000.
• Tabacco Map #53, Dolomiti di Brenta, 1:25,000.

Both maps are available in Madonna di Campiglio or at Amazon.com. 

Books:

• Price, Gillian, Walking in the Dolomites.
• The Lonely Planet Guide to Walking in Italy.

Please note that our route is not listed in any book that the leader is aware of; these guides are only for general introductions to the area.

Websites:

• http://www.sudtirol.com/en/areas/bolzano.htm
• http://www.visittrentino.it/en

Conservation

Since its founding in 1892, The Sierra Club has worked to preserve and restore the natural environment we all share on this planet. Thousands of grassroots-level volunteers spearhead our efforts to conserve and sustain resources, both in our own backyards and on a global scale. Through direct experience in the outdoors, Sierra Club outings enable participants to better understand, advocate, and participate in the environmental conservation goals of the Club.

Europeans use an extensive hut system to enjoy the mountains. The huts, along with associated roads and lifts, make a substantial impact, while also allowing greater access to remote places. We will observe these impacts and discuss the differences between Alpine and American "wilderness." An English-speaking national-park ranger will hike with us to our first hut to discuss the natural history and geology of the region.

Evacuation and Travel Insurance

The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.