An Italian Hiking Gem
When Ryder-Walker guide Ken Fuhrer designed the Italian Dolomites: Lago di Braies, Fanes Wilderness, and Alta Badia in 2017, he came back to report, “There is so much to love about this trip it is difficult to pick a place to start. The Dolomites are one of the most uniquely beautiful places on earth to hike. Your eye is drawn from the pastoral valleys spotted with charming villages that gently give way to lush Larch and Pine forests, to rocky promontories studded with wildflowers revealing ever changing vistas, to towering peaks including the glaciated Marmolada, soaring over 10,000 feet in elevation.”
The route transcends most typical Dolomite hikes by exploring in the region’s cultural heritage in depth. The Ladin people, with their combination of Celtic and Roman roots, have populated the area since the 19th century and mastered a sustainable mountain culture that is a complete wonder to explore. You even get to experience a close-up view of the calamity of WWI, literally hiking past craggy, Austrian positions through to the Italian front lines.
Ken’s intention when designing this route was to maintain a high line, mostly through the Badia region of Ladinia and stay in lesser-known villages. The Ladinia region is made up of five valleys: Badia, Gardena, Fassa, Livinallongo, and Ampezzo.
We stay in the nicest accommodations in the charismatic villages of San Candido, St. Vigilio, Livinallongo, and Alleghe. It is a treat to behold the Tyrolean influences of architecture and lifestyle with that special Italian flair for history and cuisine that can only be found on this trek. For many, our overnight in the Rifugio Fanes, located within the mythical ancient Ladin Kingdom, is the trip highlight.
For Ryder-Walker guides, this trek is a hidden gem, and they can’t wait to share the experience with you. Learn more about this trip here.
Enjoy these photos from one of Ken’s trips to the region.
Our first night is spent in the impressive Park Hotel Sole Paradiso, kept in the same family since its inception in 1882, the authentic inn is a prime example of how good alpine hotel keeping can be.
Day 1 begins with a bang at the celebrated Lago de Braies, or Pragser Wildsee in German.
A typical Ladin farmhouse, blending neatly with the environment.
A welcome sign in 3 languages! We spend a night in the valley of Livinallungo, where the history of all three cultures is well maintained.
Hiking in the quieter corners of the Dolomites.
Guide Ken Fuhrer on the trail.
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