Overview
An eight day, self-guided winter adventure, cross-country skiing in the Dolomites, some of Italy’s finest natural heritage. Enjoy their cross-country skiing trails between January and March, skiing in the snowy shadow of the UNESCO-listed Three Peaks (Drei Zinnen), which envelop the valleys of Sesto, Braies and Casies, home to superb set trails. There’s also an option to snowshoe to the summit Monte Specie (2,307m). Stay in a mix of small hotels or guesthouses for two nights in each location, with luggage transfers as you ski from one to the next.
- Dolomites
- Drei Zinnen or Tre Cime di Lavaredo
- Optional snowshoe trek to Monte Specie 2,307m
- Sesto Valley and Sundial
- Braies Valley
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Dobbiaco/Toblach
Your tour starts in Dobbiaco, also known as Toblach, in the heart of Northern Italy’s Southern Tyrol region. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a stroll through the area or relax in the hotel, taking in views of the Dolomites.
- Accommodation: Apparthotel Germania, Hotel Moritz or similar in Dobbiaco/Toblach
Day 2: Dobbiaco/Toblach – Sesto | 15-45km
Today’s route follows a perfectly groomed trail across snow-covered meadows and winter forests. The route begins at Alta Pusteria and leads to Sesto, passing through San Candido on the way. If the snow conditions are good, experienced cross-country skiers can extend the route by detouring across the Austrian border to Sillian.
- Accommodation: Hotel Strobl or similar in Sesto
- Skiing for the day: 15-45km, ↑325m, ↓180m
Day 3: Circular route from Sesto | 10-20km
This circular trail passes through the scenic Fischlein Valley in Sesto, offering views of the rugged peaks that form Sesto Sundial. This is so-called because the five peaks of Cima Nove, Dieci, Undici, Dodici and Uno create a sundial effect, and are considered to have formed the largest stone sundial in the world. Along the way, stop at Rifugio Fondovalle for refreshments and a well earned break.
- Accommodation: Hotel Strobl or similar in Sesto
- Skiing for the day: 10-20km, ↑110m, ↓255m
Day 4: Sesto – Braies | 25-45km
Following a trail along the river, ski through thick spruce forests to the market town of San Candido. From here, the route passes the Cross-Country Nordic Arena before heading into Braies Valley, to take the shuttle bus to Hotel Hohe Gaisl.
- Accommodation: Hotel Hohe Gaisl or similar in Braies
- Skiing for the day: 25-45km, ↑260m, ↓175m
Day 5: Prato Piazza circular route/ Monte Specie snowshoeing | 16km
Today‘s route explores Prato Piazza on ski and snowshoe. The day begins at the foot of Croda Rossa, following a circular cross-country ski route. In the afternoon, there is an optional snowshoe hike to Monte Specie which, on a clear day, offers panoramic views across Sesto and Cortina d’ Ampezzo.
- Accommodation: Hotel Hohe Gaisl or similar in Braies
- Skiing for the day: 6km skiing and 10km snowshoeing, ↑167m, ↓156m
Day 6: Valle di Casies – Dobbiaco/Toblach | 10-40km
This morning begins with a transfer from Prato Piazza to Valle di Casies, to start a spectacular route through the valley. The trail passes several restaurants, so there are plenty of options for lunch. The route continues to Monguelfo-Tesido before heading back to Dobbiaco/Toblach. It is possible to shorten this stage using public transport.
- Accommodation: Apparthotel Germania, Hotel Moritz or similar in Dobbiaco/Toblach
- Skiing for the day: 10-40km, ↑185m, ↓225m
Day 7: Circular route to Cortina d’Ampezzo | 10-60km
Beginning at the Cross-Country Nordic Arena, the route follows a former railway line into Valle di Landro and then onto the shores of Lago di Landro, which is perfect for a coffee stop From here, the route continues past a viewpoint for Drei Zinnen, then through several tunnels and over an old railway bridge to Cortina d‘Ampezzo. If preferred, public transport can be used for the return trip.
- Accommodation: Apparthotel Germania, Hotel Moritz or similar in Dobbiaco/Toblach
- Skiing for the day: 10-60km, ↑450m, ↓410m
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of mostly small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view sample accommodation
- Apparthotel Germania, Hotel Moritz (Dobbiaco/Toblach)
- Hotel Strobl (Sesto)
- Hotel Hohe Gaisl (Braies)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast and dinner is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available en route, lunches and snacks can either be bought from local shops and restaurants or packed lunches can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated easy to moderate as each day’s route either has shorter options available or can be shortened by using public transport. The total skiing distance on each day ranges from 6-60km, meaning the itinerary is suitable for well-trained athletes as well as for more intermediate skiers but all participants must have some experience in cross-country skiing. All the tracks are prepared for classic and free techniques (skating) (read more about difficulty grades).
We strongly advise you to only follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime.
When to go
This tour is available to begin every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 07 January-03 March.
Other departure days of the week are also possible for groups of a minimum of five people (upon request).
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airports for this tour are Treviso, Marco Polo or Innsbruck.
By train or bus
If you are able to travel to Italy without flying, this holiday is reachable by rail, with railway stations in Dobbiaco/Toblach and Innsbruck. For more details, see the national rail operator Trenitalia.
By train: From Innsbruck take the regular bus service (bus route F) to Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof railway station (20mins). From here, take a train to Dobbiaco/Toblach, changing at Fortezza Franzensfeste. Timetables are available on Deutsche Bahn and Trenitalia or see the Omio planner above. If arriving from Treviso, we can organise transfers upon request.
By car: Take the Brenner/Brennero motorway (A22) to Brixen/Bressanone, exiting at Brixen-Pustertal and continuing through Val Pusteria/Pustertal (SS49) to Dobbiaco/Toblach. Alternatively, drive along the Felbertauernstraße to Lienz in Austria and then into Italy via Val Pusteria/Pustertal to Dobbiaco/Toblach.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights in en-suite rooms
- 7 breakfasts
- 7 dinners
- Ticket fees for the use of the cross-country tracks
- Transfer to Prato Piazza and Casies Valley
- Luggage transfers
- Detailed documents including maps and route descriptions
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- We regret that this tour is not open to solo travellers
- Equipment rental
- Extra nights
- Cross-country skiing lessons available on request
Equipment rental
Optional equipment rental on this tour includes skis (either classic, fishscale or skating), poles and shoes. Please ask when booking for make and model details and specify which items you would like to rent.
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