Dolomiti Haute Route: the great ski mountaineering traverse of the Dolomites
Seven Days of Ski Mountaineering Through the Heart of the Dolomites — from the Pale di San Martino to the Marmolada, from the Sella Group to the wild plateaus of Fanes and Sennes, and from Lake Braies to the foot of the majestic Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
A unique experience for those who dream of a true ski mountaineering adventure, guided by a certified mountain guide.
There are ski journeys that stay in your heart forever.
The Dolomiti Haute Route is one of them: a six-day traverse linking some of the most iconic places in the Eastern Alps — across glaciers, hanging valleys, and historic mountain huts.
From the towering rock faces of the Pale di San Martino, through the Marmolada, the Sella, and the pristine landscapes of Fanes and Sennes, to the legendary Tre Cime di Lavaredo — the ultimate symbol of the Dolomites.
A demanding yet accessible itinerary for those with ski mountaineering experience who want to live a genuine mountain adventure — far from the crowds and immersed in the pure beauty of the Dolomites.
The traverse can be tailored to suit all preferences — with more or fewer days, more or less challenging stages — turning it into an unforgettable experience.
🧭 Our 7-Day Adventure in the Heart of the Dolomites
We met in San Martino di Castrozza, at the legendary Hotel Regina da Carla — a briefing, plenty of smiles, excitement for the journey ahead, and a fantastic dinner to kick things off.
From here begins one of the most beautiful traverses in the Alps: six days on skis through some of the most iconic places in the Dolomites — from San Martino to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, passing through Marmolada, Sella, Fanes, Sennes, and Braies.
A Haute Route, Dolomites-style — a journey across breathtaking landscapes, perfect snow, and legendary mountain huts.
📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – The Pale di San Martino and Val di Focobon
The first day offers countless variations, but two classic routes stand out:
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the traverse of the Pale di San Martino from Rosetta to Val Gares, or
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the itinerary from Passo Rolle toward Baita Segantini, Val Venegia, Passo del Mulaz, and the descent through the stunning Val di Focobon.
We chose the second option: significant elevation gain, breathtaking scenery, and dreamlike snow all the way down to Falcade.
From there, we took the lifts up to Cima Uomo, left the pistes behind, and found excellent spring snow leading to Rifugio Fuciade.
Rifugio Fuciade is a must-stop: outstanding cuisine, beautifully kept rooms, and an enchanting atmosphere. Forget Chamonix–Zermatt — this is on another level!
Day 2 – Marmolada and Forca Rossa
This day also offers plenty of options, and we chose the Forca Rossa traverse — climbing from the south and descending on excellent powder all the way to Malga Ciapela.
Then, we took the Marmolada cable car up to Punta Rocca and enjoyed a spectacular glacier descent down to Passo Fedaia.
A well-deserved pizza stop at Rifugio La Cianel, then on through Arabba along the Dolomiti Superski slopes to Passo Pordoi for the night.
Day 3 – The Sella Traverse
An unforgettable classic: ascent to Piz Boè, followed by the descent through the glacier couloir and Val Mesdì — still with perfect snow conditions.
After lunch in Colfosco, take the lifts up to Armentarola, a short taxi ride to Passo Falzarego, and then the cable car to Rifugio Lagazuoi.
Sunset and sunrise here are pure magic.
Day 4 – From Lagazuoi to Fanes
Descent through the Forcella Grande couloir, ascent to Forcella del Lago, and traverse of the Fanes plateau — one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in the Dolomites.
Arrival at the welcoming and scenic Rifugio Fanes, the perfect spot to recharge your energy.
Day 5 – Gran Vallun and Rifugio Sennes
From Rifugio Fanes, climb up to Forcella Camin and descend into the Gran Vallun — a spectacular slope still covered in perfect powder.
After a short ascent, you reach Rifugio Sennes — your “home” for the night and the starting point for the final stage
Day 6 – From Sennes to Braies
Two of the most beautiful options to end the traverse:
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Piccola Croda del Becco and Lavina Rossa, among the top three couloirs in the Dolomites;
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or Cima Riciogogn and the descent through Ju de Sennes, a gentler but equally spectacular route.
We chose the second option due to the overnight wind — and it turned out to be the perfect decision: exceptional snow all the way down to Lake Braies.
From there, a bus and taxi transfer take us to Lake Misurina for the final, thrilling stage.
Day 7 – The Tre Cime di Lavaredo Traverse
The traverse of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo to Val Fiscalina is the grand finale!
Skiing beneath the north faces of the Tre Cime is something you can only experience — not describe.
An incredible journey, with a close-knit group and ideal conditions: the true Haute Route of the Dolomites.
⛷️ Level and Difficulty
A demanding itinerary, yet accessible to those with prior ski mountaineering experience, confidence on slopes up to 35°–40°, and good physical fitness.
Each stage can be adapted according to conditions and the group’s level.
📆 Recommended Season
From mid-February to mid-April, when the days grow longer and the snow offers the best conditions for this traverse.
🧑🤝🧑 Why Go with a Mountain Guide
A traverse like this requires experience, terrain knowledge, and sound safety management.
With a UIAGM-certified mountain guide, you can focus on what truly matters: enjoying the mountains safely and savoring every turn.
I take care of logistics, accommodations, and route planning, tailoring each stage to the conditions and the group.