hiking in val gardena

9
Hiking in Val Gardena Italian Dolomites AMC Adventure Travel Trip #2264 September 7 - 14, 2022 sourced from Wikimedia under CreaIve Common license Italy’s Val Gardena is perfectly situated in the heart of the Dolomites, a World UNESCO heritage region and a paradise for those who love nature, outdoor acIviIes, and hiking. Surrounded by hundreds of hiking trails, various trams, liSs, and funiculars offer summer access to more than 8,000 miles of trails. The area has become a favorite desInaIon for AMC Adventure Travelers. Join us as we explore this special region of Italy! From our “base camp” at a family-owned 3* hotel in OrIsei, we will explore up to six days of hiking on a variety of moderate trails with distances of 6 -11 miles, mostly even fooIng with occasional rocky stretches, and moderate elevaIon gains (1,000 – 2,500S) as detailed in the iInerary below. Some of our hikes begin right from the hotel and others are a short distance away via regional transport.

Upload: others

Post on 11-Feb-2022

9 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Hiking in Val Gardena

Hiking in Val Gardena Italian Dolomites

AMC Adventure Travel Trip #2264

September 7 - 14, 2022

sourced from Wikimedia under CreaIve Common license

Italy’s Val Gardena is perfectly situated in the heart of the Dolomites, a World UNESCO heritage region and a paradise for those who love nature, outdoor acIviIes, and hiking. Surrounded by hundreds of hiking trails, various trams, liSs, and funiculars offer summer access to more than 8,000 miles of trails. The area has become a favorite desInaIon for AMC Adventure Travelers. Join us as we explore this special region of Italy!

From our “base camp” at a family-owned 3* hotel in OrIsei, we will explore up to six days of hiking on a variety of moderate trails with distances of 6 -11 miles, mostly even fooIng with occasional rocky stretches, and moderate elevaIon gains (1,000 – 2,500S) as detailed in the iInerary below. Some of our hikes begin right from the hotel and others are a short distance away via regional transport.

Page 2: Hiking in Val Gardena

In addiIon to hiking, there are some sightseeing opportuniIes, including a visit to OrIsei’s Gherdeina Museum for insight into the region’s geography, history, and culture. This prospectus should answer most of your quesIons about our trip. Please read the informaIon carefully and contact us with any quesIons or to request applicaIon materials. Our contact informaIon is at the end of the prospectus. We look forward to traveling with you in South Tyrol!

The iInerary (shown below) contains 5 days of planned hikes in the Val Gardena area plus 2 flex days for acclimaIng, exploring, or hiking. You may choose to opt out of a parIcular day and relax in the hotel’s spa, visit a museum, or explore the local town and culture. Throughout our Ime together we will endeavor to enjoy and understand this wonderful region through the “lens” of AMC’s mission of educaIon, conservaIon, and appreciaIon of the natural world.

Expecta(ons of Par(cipants This trip is rated MODERATE for experienced hikers who enjoy an acIve vacaIon. You should be fit enough to hike 6 to 11 miles per day, approximately 3-6 hours, over consecuIve days while carrying a day pack with personal gear (i.e., rain gear, pack lunch, extra layers, etc.) in various weather condiIons. Daily elevaIon gain/loss will range between 1,000’ and 2,400’ - one hike has a 3,500’ descent. While much of our hiking will be on reasonable mountain footpaths, you should expect to encounter rougher trails as well. ParIcipants who have a fear of heights should be aware we plan to access trails via trams, gondolas and chair liSs. We are hiking in mountainous terrain which may have exposure to heights as well.

Prior to your acceptance as a parIcipant in this trip, you will be asked to discuss with us your capabiliIes and experiences. We may also request references to confirm your fitness level and suitability for the trip acIviIes. While the leaders will make a reasonable ajempt to ensure a good “fit” between the trip and parIcipants, you are

Trip Descrip(on Our trip will be based in OrIsei (elevaIon 4,035 feet), the main village of Val Gardena in the middle of the Dolomites. We will stay at a family owned hotel in the center of the village and adjacent to the pedestrian-only zone. This will be our base for the full week to maximize our Ime for exploraIon and minimizing Ime for packing / unpacking. Our hikes will use the regional transport system – including buses, trams, chairliSs, and taxis – to gain access to, or return from, our daily desInaIons. Videos to inspire you:

● Click here for a drone video of Val Gardena and the types of trails we will be hiking. ● Click here for more informaIon on Val

Gardena area and culture. Breakfasts and dinners will be at our hotel which serves a hearty Tyrolean-Italian cuisine. We will pack food or stop in small hamlets or mountain rifugios for lunch.

Pedestrian street in OrIsei, Val Gardena © Vera Izrailit - Flickr CreaIve Commons

Val Gardena – Page / Barrell of 2 9

Page 3: Hiking in Val Gardena

ulImately responsible for being aware of the risks involved in the acIviIes. Leaders are responsible for group safety - You are responsible for your own safety. It may happen that a parIcipant is or becomes unable to parIcipate in one or more of the planned acIviIes. Leaders in their sole judgment have the right and obligaIon to exclude any parIcipant from an acIvity for reasons of safety, whether it be of the group or of the individual. Illness, injury, lack of proper gear, or fitness are examples of some condiIons that might result in an individual being unable to parIcipate in one or more acIviIes. Leaders may try to find a subsItute acIvity for the trip member, but this may not always be possible. This is a group acIvity and we will be spending many, but not all, hours together. We expect that everyone will support and contribute toward helping each other have a great Ime.

Sourced from Wikimedia commons under CreaIve Commons licence.

Val Gardena – Page / Barrell of 3 9

Page 4: Hiking in Val Gardena

Planned I(nerary:

Tues, Sep 6

Depart on an overnight flight to Europe. (Travel day 0)

Meals included: None

Wed, Sep 7

Arrive in Europe and take a bus and/or train to OrIsei (we will help you plan ground transportaIon). Upon arrival in OrIsei,

check into our hotel, then walk about town or relax before meeIng the group for dinner.

Meals included: Group Dinner

Thur, Sept 8

Our first hike is a warm-up hike on Alpe di Siusi. We will ride a gondola from OrIsei and hike one of the largest plateaus in Europe, with vast rolling meadows and surrounded by the Sciliar Massif.

Meals included: Breakfast Group Dinner

Mileage/Hours: 6 miles +/-1200 S ~3 hours

Fri, Sept 9

We ride a funicular from OrIsei to access the high alpine plateau above Val Gardena and traverse across the Rasciesa Ridge on a UNESCO geotrail.

Meals included: Breakfast Group Dinner

Mileage/Hours: 9 miles +/-1000 S ~5 hours

Sat, Sept 10

We take a local bus to the village of St CrisIna, then ride a chairliS to access this bucket list hike around the Sassolungo massif. We will hike over Passo Sella with views of Alpe di Siusi. This will be a big, spectacular, and a memorable day in Val Gardena.

Meals included: Breakfast Group Dinner

Mileage/Hours: 11 miles +/-2400 S ~6 hours

Sun, Sept 11

Free Day to relax, explore the local area, or check out local woodcarving. Leaders will discuss various opIons.

Meals included: Breakfast Group Dinner

Mon, Sept 12

We take the local bus to St. CrisIna and ride the tram to Col Raiser, then hike the alpine terrain below massif Sass Rigais past the new UNESCO World Heritage viewpoint.

Meals included: Breakfast Group Dinner

Miles/Elev/Time: 6.5 miles +/-1,400 S ~3 hours

Tues, Sept 13

Our ulImate day is hiking Puez-Odle Altopiano. We take a local bus to Selva, then ride a cable car to access one of the most spectacular routes in the area. We will cross a ridge then descend 3,400S back to the base. We will soak in the views and look for the abundant fossils along the trail.

Meals included: Breakfast Group Dinner

Mileage/Hours: 9 miles +1000 S, -3400 S ~6 hours

Val Gardena – Page / Barrell of 4 9

Page 5: Hiking in Val Gardena

While the i(nerary in this prospectus is what the leaders have planned at the (me of wri(ng, various factors may

require changes for reasons of group ability, safety, transporta(on, and unforeseeable circumstances such as weather considera(ons, natural disasters in the areas to be visited, or recommenda(ons of governmental agencies. Our rest day might shi= to adjust for inclement weather. The leaders reserve the right to make such changes as necessary, both before and during the trip.

The 5 planned hikes in Val Gardena shown in yellow

What to Expect This trip is rated a difficulty of moderate, which describes our pace and exerIon level so that we may enjoy the scenery and take Ime to meet the local residents, both 2 and 4 footed, and socialize with each other. All hikes include a funicular, gondola, or chairliS to take us up into the alpine zone and then back down. The liSs might be uncomfortable for those with fear of heights. Be aware the distances and verIcal for each hike will be around 7,500

Wed, Sept 14

ASer a last breakfast together, we’ll say goodbye to Val Gardena and begin our journeys home or to further travels in Italy or Central Europe.

Meals included: Breakfast

Val Gardena – Page / Barrell of 5 9

Page 6: Hiking in Val Gardena

feet elevaIon. While much of our hiking will be on reasonable mountain footpaths, you should expect to encounter rougher trails as well. The two longest hikes (Sassolungo and Puez-Odle) involve a loop with limited opIons for bailing out partway.

Our accommodaIons will be at a comfortable family owned hotel with group breakfasts and dinners. The price is based on double occupancy. Leaders will pair single travelers with another person of the same gender. The hotel may include a surcharge for single occupancy. Lunch plans will be determined based on our days’ acIviIes; we may pack a lunch or stop to eat at local mountain huts along our route. We will communicate our lunch plans ahead of Ime so you will have Ime to shop if necessary. Weather

Mountain weather is variable. Expect a mix of sun, clouds, and rain during our trip. The average high/low temperatures in Val Gardena during September are 65/45 degrees. Due to the higher elevaIon, the temperatures during our hikes will likely be 5 - 10 degrees cooler than in the village below. You will need to carry and wear syntheIc layers and add or remove them throughout the day. Below-freezing temperatures and/or snow are not common in September, but possible. A rain jacket and pants that will fit over other layers are a must-have. A pack cover is recommended. See the gear list at the end of this prospectus for more informaIon.

Photo by Wolfgang Moroder, sourced from Wikipedia and under CreaIve Commons license.

Cost of the Trip The trip will cost $2,000 for AMC members, $2,100 for non-members (join AMC for $50 at this link). This includes:

seven (7) nights of lodging, eight (8) breakfasts and seven (7) group dinners, six (6) days of hiking, and all bus and liS charges. The cost of lunches, drinks, and incidentals - essenIally anything not specifically detailed above, is not included in

the price. We recommend budgeIng $15 - $20 per day for these expenses. Also NOT included is your airfare and Val Gardena – Page / Barrell of 6 9

Page 7: Hiking in Val Gardena

transportaIon to and from our meeIng place in OrIsei. We currently esImate this to be $1,200 - $1,300. Leaders will provide details and suggesIons on flights, trains, and buses. The trip fee includes an AMC overhead charge to cover the administraIve expenses of offering AMC Adventure

Travel excursions and, in accordance with AMC you are subsidizing some of the leaders’ cost. The trip fee also includes emergency medical and evacuaIon insurance coverage which is required by AMC. The price for this excursion is based on quotes or esImates obtained at the Ime the trip was submijed to the

Adventure Travel Commijee for approval in August 2021. The final price will be adjusted in accordance with the best final arrangements we can make. As with all Adventure Travel Commijee excursions, this trip is run on a non-profit basis; any savings we achieve, as well as any cost increases we incur, will be shared by trip parIcipants. Our cost esImates are conservaIve, and so a refund is much more likely than a price increase. Our cancellaIon policy depends on when you must cancel. Your deposit is fully refundable (minus $100) if you cancel before April 15, 2022. Beyond that date, your place needs to be replaced with another parIcipant, so that the group expenses are not impacted. Money spent on behalf of the group will have to be the responsibility of the parIcipant leaving the trip. See important terms and condiIons for further details concerning cancellaIon policy, travel insurance, and Euro conversion disclaimer.

Your official acceptance onto the trip will not happen unIl the leaders have discussed this trip with you on a telephone conversaIon to confirm that you and this trip are a good match. Once you are officially accepted and the trip has the minimum number of qualified parIcipants to make the trip ‘a go,’ your check will be deposited and the trip’s cancellaIon policy will take effect (see terms and condiIons). The remaining trip fee balance will be due by April 1, 2022.

How to Sign Up: To apply for this trip, email BOTH leaders and let them know that you are interested in this trip (Val Gardena #22XX). You will be sent a set of forms: Trip ApplicaIon, AMC Adventure Travel ConfidenIal Health QuesIonnaire, an OpIonal Health form, and the AMC AT Risk & Liability Release. These forms need to be completed, signed, and returned with a required deposit check for $1,000 payable to the Appalachian Mountain Club. Send the completed paperwork and deposit to Marianne Page at 29 Bedard Ave, Derry, NH 03038.

Sourced from Wikimedia Commons. Photo by luca.sartoni

Val Gardena – Page / Barrell of 7 9

Page 8: Hiking in Val Gardena

The Leaders Please contact the leaders with your quesIons, concerns, or inquiries.

Marianne Page, Leader: Marianne is an AMC NH Chapter Trip Leader, and currently cerIfied in SOLO Advanced Wilderness First Aid, AED & CPR. Marianne has led Adventure Travel excursions since 2008, having been a parIcipant to Hawaii, Africa, Glacier N.P., Costa Rica, and Norway. She led trips to Glacier N.P., Sawtooth Mtns., New Zealand, St. John USVI, Big Bend N.P., Utah, and Patagonia twice; she backpacked the Tetons and trekked Morocco on 3 trips. Marianne has traveled to Germany extensively to visit her family. Mallorca was her last trip in 2019 and Sedona will finally happen this November 2021. She is looking forward to sharing the joy of hiking in, and Val Gardena with you. The picture was taken on a hike in the

CONTACT:

Marianne Page 29 Bedard Avenue Derry, NH 03038 603-432-9249 [email protected]

Jeff Barrell, Associate Leader is a Boston Chapter leader for Ski and Paddling and is currently chair of the Paddling Commijee. He has hiked in the Alps, Norway, Pyrenees, as well as Western US. Originally from Utah, he has hiked and skied in the Wasatch and Uinta mountains of Utah, plus kayaked rivers of Utah, Idaho, and the Grand Canyon. Jeff co-led an Adventure Travel trip to Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites in 2018 – a 10-day hut to hut adventure. He loves being outside in nature, hiking in alpine terrain, skiing powder, and camping on islands off the Maine coast.

CONTACT:

Jeff Barrell 35 Leslie Rd Auburndale, MA 02466 617-710-5205 [email protected]

Val Gardena – Page / Barrell of 8 9

Page 9: Hiking in Val Gardena

Required Gear Passport and Medical Insurance Card.

Check the State department website for traveling to Italy and/or Europe. Italy currently requires a passport that is valid at least 3 months beyond your planned date of departure.

Backpack (25-30 liters) with waterproof pack cover 2 one-liter water bojles or hydraIon system Personal first aid kit with head lamp Waterproof packable jacket, pants, and overmijs Wool or Polartec hat, gloves/mijens, and top Light-weight down or polyester “puffy” jacket with hood Waterproof hiking boots Hiking socks, shorts, pants, tees, and long sleeve tops/shirts Wool or syntheIc long underwear Sun protecIon: hat, sunglasses, loIon, and lip balm Leisure clothes for travel and hotel Personal toiletries /glasses/medicaIons

Op(onal Recommenda(ons Hiking poles (must be in checked bag) Gaiters (for pebbles and dust, not for snow) Camera Binoculars Ear plugs Small knife (must be in checked bag) Compass/know how to read it in Europe Extra shoelaces Zipper closure plasIc bags for packing lunches and snacks Reading material for breaks in the acIon Luggage locks Val Gardena maps/books

Val Gardena – Page / Barrell of 9 9