Four peak challenge Dolomite hiking holiday in Val Gardena

You’ve probably heard of the three peaks challenge in the UK but just imagine taking on four in one day. That’s exactly what you get, with the four peak challenge Dolomite hiking holiday in Val Gardena. It’s a unique hiking experience in the heart of one of the most beautiful areas of Europe.

Four peak challenge Dolomite hiking

This four peak challenge is a test of endurance, with ascents of more than 1,700 metres, covering 20 kilometres. The challenge is run by the Adler Dolomiti Hotel and takes around eleven hours, including a couple of hours factored in for well-earned breaks.

You’ll be led by Thaddäus, an experienced guide who was born and bred in the Dolomites. He’s been guiding in the area for more than 20 years, and what he doesn’t know about the mountains isn’t worth knowing.

Dolomite four peak challenge: Itinerary

Not surprisingly the day starts early. Setting off at 7.30am and starting at Col Raiser at 2,100m. It’s a stunning alpine pasture in the Val Gardena. From here you’ll climb using ropes to the top of Mount Stevia at 2,556m.

From Mount Stevia you head up to Col dala Pieres at 2,735m. At the top take a break to drink in the stunning 360˚ views of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Setting off again, you’ll make your way along the ‘via ferrata mountain’ that is Piz Duleda, up to a 2,909m. You’ll be surrounded by the rugged rocky peaks for which the Dolomites are famous.

For many hikers, that’s the end of the road. But on a four peak challenge Dolomite hiking holiday in Val Gardena you’ll push on from here.

Next up are the lesser-known Cir Peaks, which you have to reach through the vast Karst Puez Plateau. It’s an eerie, lunar-like landscape, but you’ll soon be focused on tackling the three-summited Sas Ciampac, before making your weary way down through the Gardena Pass.

The four peak challenge Dolomite hiking holiday in Val Gardena is not for the feint-hearted. It’s a very tough day using ropes, with very steep sections all above 2,000 metres.

It’s a good idea to arrive in the region a few days before to acclimatise. The reward for your effort is an incredible mountain experience away from the crowds. If the four peak challenge does not appeal there are a lot of less demanding hikes to choose from.

Dolomite hiking holiday in Val Gardena

The four peak challenge Dolomite hiking holiday is being offered and run by the Adler Dolomiti. A superb hotel and wellness facility set in 9,000 square metres of parklands in Ortisei, Val Gardena.

The Adler Dolomiti is running the four peak challenge twice this year, starting on 27 July and 10 September and will be free to guests (there may be some additional food and drink costs en route).

And, as if that’s not enough, during your stay at the hotel, you can also use the spa facilities and enjoy wellness classes. Or warm up for the big one on a series of guided biking and hiking tours run daily by the hotel. After a day in the mountains, head back to the hotel for a soothing dip in the pool or treat yourself to a full body massage.

Perhaps make a week of it and explore more of the stunning national park. You can then enjoy a Dolomite hiking holiday, with the four peak challenge as the climax.

The Adler Dolomiti is a family-run hotel, passed down through the generations. So they know a thing or two about how best to enjoy the incredible Dolomites.

For more information about the four peak challenge Dolomite hiking holiday in Val Gardena visit www.adler-dolomiti.com, call +39 0471 775 001 or email [email protected]. Prices start from €122 (£95) per person per night half-board.