Grande Traverse of the Dolomites - Bolzano to Cortina

Gateway into the Rosengarten. The traverse opens with a climb through Passo Costalunga and along the Roda di Vael ridge, where the Rosengarten towers dominate the western skyline. The day is short but the arrival at Stella Alpina refuge (2,000 m6,562 ft) sets the mood immediately - this is mountain terrain from the first afternoon.

Through the Vajolet towers. The route threads past the vertical Vajolet Towers and climbs to Passo Principe at 2,599 m8,527 ft before descending to the Alpe di Tires refuge at 2,440 m8,005 ft. The surrounding rock architecture is extraordinary - tall, rusted-orange pillars on all sides. Expect to stop often.

Across Europe's largest alpine pasture. The morning drops onto the wide green expanse of Alpe di Siusi, where the walking is gentle and the horizons enormous. The route then climbs steadily past the Sasso Piatto before finishing at Passo Sella (2,244 m7,362 ft) - the gateway to the high Sella country ahead.

Into the Puez-Odle wilderness. The route descends to Selva, climbs the quiet Vallunga valley and pushes up to the remote Puez plateau - austere limestone tabletops with few other walkers. The Gardenaccia refuge at 2,050 m6,726 ft makes a memorable stop, perched above the Badia valley with wide views on all sides.

Lagazuoi and the Cortina panorama. The day passes through La Villa and climbs past Lago Scotoni to reach Lagazuoi at 2,507 m8,225 ft - a summit with a refuge and views stretching from the Marmolada to Cortina d'Ampezzo. A long descent brings you to Dibona refuge (2,037 m6,683 ft) for the night.

WWII history and the Travenanzes gorge. The Fontanegra pass holds wartime tunnels and bunkers carved directly into the rock - a sobering detour through living history. The route then drops into the Travenanzes canyon, a narrow corridor of white and grey stone, before levelling out to Ra Stua refuge at 1,668 m5,472 ft.

Across the Sennes plateau. A varied day climbs from Ra Stua through the rolling Sennes alpine meadows beneath the red cliffs of Croda Rossa. After crossing the Gran de Foses valley, the route arrives at Prato Piazza - a wide grassy shelf suspended above the Landro valley with an unobstructed view south.

First sight of the Tre Cime. A demanding day drops to Landro then climbs steadily through the Val Ribon before the final push to Auronzo refuge at 2,320 m7,612 ft. The Tre Cime appear in full profile as you approach - one of those mountain views that interrupts your stride completely. First of two nights here.

The full Tre Cime loop. A shorter day dedicated entirely to the classic circuit. The route passes the Lavaredo refuge and Forcella Lavaredo, skirts the north face of all three towers and visits the Locatelli refuge - the finest vantage point on the walk - before returning to Auronzo via the Paterno col and the Piani lakes.

A gentle finish at Misurina. The final morning follows a relaxed path from Auronzo past Lake Antorno to the shores of Lake Misurina at 1,780 m5,840 ft. A bus then runs to Cortina d'Ampezzo, bringing the traverse to a close in one of the most elegant mountain towns in the Alps.