THE MOST ICONIC LOCATIONS IN THE UNESCO DOLOMITES

Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking (CDU) is a hike lasting about seven days with six nights’ accommodation in traditional mountain lodges and huts, where you can savour the many local delicacies in the company of other people who love the mountains. It covers a distance of about 132 km with over 6,700 m of ascent and descent.
It was created with the aim of highlighting the enchanting locations in and around Cortina, giving visitors the possibility of experiencing the Dolomites from one mountain lodge to the next, hiking amongst forests, rivers, mountain huts, typical Ladin villages, lakes, and peaks included in Unesco’s list of World Heritage Sites.


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STAGES AND VARIANTS

1) From the centre of Cortina d’Ampezzo to Rifugio Son Forca mountain lodge

2) From Rifugio Son Forca mountain lodge to Rifugio Città di Carpi mountain lodge

3) From Rifugio Città di Carpi mountain lodge to Rifugio Lavaredo mountain lodge

4) From Rifugio Lavaredo mountain lodge to Malga Ra Stua mountain hut

5a) From Malga Ra Stua mountain hut to Rifugio Col Gallina mountain lodge

5b) From Malga Ra Stua mountain hut to Rifugio Pomedes mountain lodge

6a) From Rifugio Col Gallina mountain lodge to Rifugio Croda da Lago mountain lodge

6b) From Rifugio Pomedes mountain lodge to Malga Giau mountain hut

7a) From Rifugio Croda da Lago mountain lodge to the centre of Cortina d’Ampezzo

7b) From Malga Giau mountain hut to the centre of Cortina d’Ampezzo

EXPERIENCE THE CDU STAGE BY STAGE

WHERE TO SPEND THE NIGHT ALONG THE ROUTE:

Rifugio Son Forca: t. +39 388 194 1559 | [email protected]

Rifugio Città di Carpi: t. +39 0435 39139 | [email protected]

Rifugio Lavaredo: t. +39 349 602 8675 | [email protected]

Malga Ra Stua: t. +39 0436 5753 | [email protected]

Rifugio Col Gallina: t. +39 0436 2939 | [email protected]

Rifugio Pomedes: 0436 862061 | [email protected]

Rifugio Croda da Lago - Palmieri: t. +39 0436 862085 | [email protected]

Malga Giau: t. +39 320 915 2575 | [email protected]

CREDENTIAL

The Credential, or “wayfarer’s passport”, is the fundamental document that enables you to validate your passage at the hospitality resources along the route. Along the path, travellers will receive a stamp at accommodation and refreshment facilities.

The document certifies that holders are on the Cortina Dolomiti Ultratrekking route, guaranteeing the authenticity of their adventure, respect for the environment and the hiking experience. 

For those who hike three of the seven stages in the CDU, the Credential allows you to receive the Féde (endorsement), certifying completion of the pilgrimage. More details here.

Distribution points:
The trekking passport, or Credential, can be purchased at the IAT (Tourist Information Office) in Cortina d’Ampezzo, at a cost of €2.

CERTIFICATE

How can you get the Cortina Dolomiti Ultratrekking Féde?

The certificate is issued solely to walkers who, presenting the stamped credential along the route, have walked at least three of the seven stages comprised in the CDU.

You can collect the certificate at the IAT (Tourist Information Office) in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Corso Italia 81, which will validate it to seal the achievement.

WITH MOUNTAIN GUIDES

The hike can be organised by professionals who operate guided tours, starting from a minimum of four people up to a maximum of eight.

 

Below are the dates available for summer 2022:


  • Monday 1 August
  • Monday 5 September

 

INFO AND BOOKINGS

Good practice

A few steps towards awareness and respect while hiking.
  1. Always respect nature
  2. Do not pick flowers
  3. Respect animals and try not to disturb them with noise
  4. Do not light fires
  5. Keep the mountain clean, take your rubbish home

USEFUL TIPS:


In your rucksack (30-40 litres for women, 35-45 litres for men)

We recommend using technical materials and synthetic fibres, inserting contents into strong plastic bags to protect them from the rain.

Footwear: this should be broken in (don’t start out in new boots!) and at least one size larger than your usual size. We recommend ankle-boots in Goretex to prevent sprains on uneven paths and steep slopes. 

Hiking sandals: these can be worn when resting but also along the trail, in case of painful feet and wherever the terrain permits.

Socks: fundamental for preventing blisters: they must be hiking socks, of good quality, with padded toe and heel.

Telescopic walking poles: very useful for lightening the load on feet and legs; they help crossing fords and walking on steep paths.

 

Other items:

Long and short trekking trousers

Towel in technical textile

Water bottle or backpack water bladder

Hat and sunglasses

Sun cream

Backpack rain cover

Toiletry bag

 

Climate and recommended times of year

Which are the best seasons for the Cortina Dolomiti Ultratrekking route?

The best periods for which to organise the trip are June and September. April is often quite rainy; March is often a relatively dry month, but there is still a chance of snowfall in high-altitude areas. 

 

Physical preparation

The complete Cortina Dolomiti Ultratrekking route is a challenging itinerary. Therefore, if your physical fitness is not at its highest levels, we recommend planning just a few stages.