Hut-to-Hut Hiking in the Dolomites: The Winter Edition
Snowshoe your way through the legendary Kingdom of Fanes on this glittering winter weekender in the UNESCO-listed Italian Dolomites
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with professional, English-speaking Alpine guidesHotel & Mountain hut
1 night in a comfortable 3-star hotel and 2 nights in cosy mountain hutsMeals
All breakfasts and 2 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
Snowshoes or cramponsSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 7 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Clip on snowshoes to hike through a fairytale landscape of snowy valleys and icy spires in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park
Kick back by the fireplace in cosy mountain huts, enjoying hearty meals and traditional Alpine hospitality in the heart of the Dolomites
Join an Alpine guide in a small group of just seven to venture into areas of the Dolomites only accessible on foot during winter
Key Information
Day 1
To the Dolomites!
Driving
Meet your host at Venice Airport and jump in your transfer to Cortina d'Ampezzo. Nicknamed 'the Pearl of the Dolomites', it's without doubt the most iconic and glamorous Italian ski resort, and undeniably beautiful. You'll spend your first night right in the heart of the iconic Dolomites – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by some of the most famous 3000m+ peaks such as towering Tofana di Mezzo and Monte Cristallo. After checking in to your comfortable hotel, you'll have some time to wander through Cortina's picturesque alleys and piazzas, and perhaps enjoy the tradition of a typical Italian aperitivo while getting to know your fellow trekkers.
Day 2
To Malga Ra Stua (1688m) and the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park
Snowshoeing
Join your Alpine guide for a welcome briefing at the hotel, before hopping into a very short transfer to the nearby trailhead. Don your snowshoes and head out into the mountains, where you'll be immersed in a totally isolated and unspoiled environment, following the trails along the Boite stream. You'll hike through a scenic Alpine forest, slowly climbing towards Lerosa Pass. As you gain altitude, the magical scenery of the Ampezzo Dolomites and the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park will open up before you. This area is rich in wildlife and your expert guide will help you spot chamois, ibex and – with some luck – the rare black woodpecker. This afternoon you'll reach the famous Rà Stua Hut, a true icon of the Dolomites, which will be your home for the night. Snow-covered trees and frozen streams are visible from the warmth of your cosy mountain rooms. Tuck into a hearty dinner, then get some rest before your second winter hike tomorrow.
Day 3
To Sennes Hut, amongst giant snow-covered peaks
Snowshoeing
Enjoy a hearty breakfast, then set off through a winter wonderland. You'll hike amongst a variety of sceneries and habitats, featuring a backdrop of the stunning Croda Rossa peak, lush woodland and white pastures. Along today's route there will be also the opportunity to hear about the history of this area, as you spot traces of the First World War. You'll reach Sennes Hut (2126m) in the afternoon, a corner of paradise surrounded by a wide panorama of some of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites. There will be time for a cup of hot tea, plenty of photo opportunities and your leader will also introduce you to some outdoors skills useful for keeping safe in the mountains in winter. The evening will pass at the slow rhythm of winter; rest your tired legs in the comfort of your warm mountain refuge and enjoy a typical Tyrolese dinner.
Day 4
A final winter stomp before heading home
Snowshoeing
Driving
After an early start and one final breakfast you'll et off on the last stage of your mountain adventure, hiking to the ancient Ladin village of Fodara Vedla. This unique and pristine spot is surrounded by only snowy landscapes and the Dolomite mountains. From here, you'll ascend towards the peak of Lavinores (2460m), also known as Sas dla Para, for astonishing 360-degree Alpine views. A pleasant descent through the woods will lead you to the meeting point for your transfer back to the airport. There will be time for a quick refreshment stop before you arrive at Venice Marco Polo at around 15:00.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
All breakfasts and two dinners are included in the trip. Some of the region's highlights include cheese, milk and butter, once the main source of protein for the inhabitants of the Dolomite valleys. You may enjoy potato gnocchi with smoked cottage cheese or pumpkin, canederli (balls of bread with speck), tagliatelle with mushrooms, or barley soup. For main courses, you’ll often find polenta with mushrooms featured on the menu, as well as other meat-based dishes. Lunches are not included, but you can buy your own as you'll stop each day at great mountain huts serving a choice of sandwiches or hot meals. You should budget around €30 per day in total to cover your lunches, snacks and drinks.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for although options in the menus may be more limited – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Cortina d'Ampezzo
Spend the first night in Cortina d’Ampezzo – usually at the comfortable 3-star hotel Da Beppe Sello, which is located approximately 700m from the centre of the iconic mountain resort, just a short distance from the main ski lifts and the famous Olympic Ice Stadium. This family-run property offers views over to the Dolomitic landscape and is also known for its excellent restaurant, where you can enjoy typical food of the region. Rooms will be allocated on a twin-share basis and are equipped with a private bathroom, hairdryer and courtesy set, as well as a flat-screen TV, kettle for tea and coffee, a safe, parquet flooring and free WiFi.
Mountain Huts
You'll spend two nights at two great, small-scale, comfortable refuges set in stunning locations in the heart of the Dolomites: namely Rifugio Malga Ra Stua and Rifugio Sennes. These are traditional, family-run Alpine refuges which offer a much more intimate experience than is found in most European mountain ranges, with each of them having only a few bedrooms and catering to a limited number of trekkers. Accommodation will be in twin- or triple-share bedrooms (and occasionally in small dormitory-style rooms, usually sleeping up to four people maximum) in bunk beds or single beds. The rooms come with pillows and blankets; bathrooms are en suite or shared, depending on the hut and room.
Upgrades
Due to the style and limited capacity of the accommodation used on this trip, private room upgrades are not available.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This trip is designed for those with no previous snowshoeing experience – you should, however, have a good level of fitness and enjoy being in vast winter landscapes and conditions. Your host will ensure that you learn all the skills you need throughout the trip and your experience will be all the more enjoyable if you come mentally prepared for a proper winter adventure. The daily distances and overall elevation gain are not very challenging, but the cold conditions and the fact you'll be carrying your own kit for three days may make it more strenuous. If this is your first experience hiking hut-to-hut, we recommend putting in some training with a weighted backpack beforehand (please see the FAQ regarding luggage, too). You'll usually be out from breakfast until early or mid-afternoon, with plenty of stops to enjoy the views, spot wildlife and learn outdoor skills from your expert Alpine guide. Overall the trip has been designed to be much more than a simple snowshoe trek, offering a fully immersive experience in a fantastic mountain range, with informative and interesting briefings from your local guide. You'll also have plenty of downtime once you get to the huts to really relax and disconnect, while surrounded by pristine nature. This will very much depend on the snow conditions at time of travel. Between January and March, the Dolomites are is usually covered in snow. If snow is present, all hikes will take place using snowshoes and poles. Your guide will provide the gear and equipement based on the snow conditions on the trails at the time of your departure, so it's possible you'll be using just your hiking boots, snowshoes or crampons. Snowshoes are a special type of footwear that enables you to spread your weight over a larger area, allowing you to move easily across powdery snow-covered terrain. If you have never tried this activity before, don't worry! Snowshoeing is incredibly easy, comfortable and safe. You simply clip your snowshoe to the outside of your hiking boot and off you go. You'll be in the hands of experienced and trained local guides who know the area intimately, who will guide you safely throughout the hike.
What will I need to carry?
From the morning of Day 2 until Day 4 you'll be hiking hut-to-hut and carrying your own kit in your backpack. We therefore recommend that you pack only what you really need for the trek and the evenings. We recommend hiking with a pack of no more than 40 litres and to keep it as light as is sensibly possible. Your host can store any excess luggage that you don't need on the trek for you, free of charge. For those travelling with large suitcases or heavy luggage, please contact your host before you arrive to confirm arrangements as storage space is limited.
The snow season in the Dolomites usually begins in early December, lasting through March and sometimes into April. Although it's common for the daily temperatures to fall just above zero or below freezing, there is still the opportunity to enjoy plenty of sunshine. Due to the increasing effects of climate change around the world, snow can never be 100% guaranteed, but the landscape and trails you'll be covering during the trip will be stunning and worth it in all conditions. On any winter hike in a high mountain environment, you will potentially encounter high winds, rain, snow, ice and steep slopes – so multiple warm layers are definitely recommended.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Venice Airport
14:00 on Day 1
Ends
Venice Airport
15:00 on Day 4
Transfers
On Day 1 your driver will meet you at Venice Marco Polo Airport (at 14:00 at the latest; exact timings will be confirmed by your host prior to your trip, depending on the group's incoming flights). You'll be transferred to your first hotel in Cortina D'Ampezzo, which is approximately two hours away. On Day 4, your host will transfer you back to Venice Marco Polo Airport after your final winter hike, where you are expected to arrive by 15:00 – so please don't book a flight departing before 17:00 that day.
Please note that alternative transfers between the airport and the Dolomites are very expensive, whilst connections by public transport are limited and often not available: we therefore recommend that in order to join the group transfer, you ensure you leave ample time between your flight arrival time and transfer departure time of 14:00. In case of significant delays, the best option is to contact your host who can provide you with a trusted taxi number – but please note, this will be an expensive option (approximately €300 for a one-way transfer to Cortina).
Travel options
Venice Marco Polo Airport is accessible via various direct flights from the UK and mainland Europe. Flights from the US generally connect through Madrid, London or Frankfurt.
For those who wish to avoid flying, Venezia Mestre is well connected with high-speed trains from London, via Paris. The journey will take an average of 21 hours and usually involves two changes.
Given the trip begins with an afternoon transfer from Venice Airport, you could perhaps consider arriving the day before and taking the opportunity to visit the beautiful, UNESCO-listed city of canals, art and romance. When visiting Venice, check first if you are required to pay the Venice Access Fee (applicable to some dates only).
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Snowshoes, poles and/or crampons if required (depending on the snow conditions at the time of departure)
- Shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver (compulsory for each participant as per local regulations)
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Daypack (35-40L maximum recommended)
- Waterproof liner/drybags for kitbag or rucksack
CLOTHES
- Rain/windproof (Gore-Tex) jacket with hood
- Rain/windproof (Gore-Tex) trousers (we recommend either a combination of a thermal layer and a waterproof hard shell trouser, or insulated waterproof skiing pants)
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Thermals (merino best)
- One or two functional shirts (we recommend merino or synthetic)
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Buff or neckscarf
- Trekking trousers/shorts/skirts
- Underwear and one or two layers of socks (merino or synthetic)
- Sunglasses
- Sleepwear
- Comfortable, 3-season, waterproof hiking boots (above ankle and not rigid boots. Strictly no trainers for hiking or snowshoeing, regardless of snow conditions. You can read more about crampons and selecting the right boots here
- A pair of comfortable shoes or slippers for the evenings
- Head torch with batteries
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger (optional)
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x 1.5 litre
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
No optional extras are available for this trip.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 73kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.
Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.
What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.
The local tap water is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottles (at least 1.5L) to fill up at the mountain huts to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles
You'll be accompanied by a local, expert, qualified Alpine guide, leading a group of just six trekkers maximum. You will meet your guide on the morning of Day 2 of the trip. However, your host will provide you with all the details and info you need to meet your group for dinner at the hotel on Day 1. A WhatsApp group will also be created ahead of departure to facilitate communication.
If poor weather comes in (such as snow storms or poor visibility), depending on the stage of the trek your host will consider the conditions and plot an alternative route, which may involve sitting out any extreme weather in one of the huts. This is an unlikely event but your hosts are experienced mountain guides with a lot of successful treks in this part of the world under their belt, so you are in safe hands.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your host can help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
€30 per person, per trip
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Friday • 24th January 2025
to Monday • 27th January 2025
