Like the sound of exploring one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges by moonlight? Then you should try night hiking in the Dolomites. During the 2018 summer the ADLER Dolomiti hotel is adding this magical experience to its Ortisei active holidays.
The hikes will be led by in-house guide Thaddäus Moroder and are on offer to all guests on a complimentary basis. They’ll take place – weather permitting – during the full moon periods throughout the summer. These fall on 28th June, 27th July and 27th August, and will allow sufficient visibility to enjoy an entirely new perspective on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The hike will set off at around 5pm from the ADLER Dolomiti hotel, taking the cable car up to Seceda at 2,410 metres. Here you can watch the majestic sun set over the Dolomites as the landscape explodes into vibrant pinks and oranges. As the light fades to dusk, your eyes will become accustomed to the changing tones of night.
Once fully adjusted, you’ll set off on the moonlit path through the Puez Geisler nature reserve. Pass the Mastlé Meadows and head up the Forcella de Sieles. This glows a fluorescent white in the moonlight creating a mysterious atmosphere, which is further enhanced when you reach the lunar-like landscape of the Puez plateau.
If the skies are right, you’ll be able to gaze up at a blanket of stars, almost untouched by any light pollution from urban areas. And the moon will light up the panoramic view.
Without any other hikers around – who’ve long since gone home – this will be a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the Dolomites. It also gives you a chance to see some of the wildlife that is rarely seen during the busier days.
Night hiking in the Dolomites is relatively straightforward, even in the reduced light of the moon. There is only one section that presents any difficulty, and with a guide and a sensible pace, it shouldn’t be too challenging. Groups will be limited to 10, so your guide Thaddäus will be able to make sure everyone is safe and enjoying themselves.
The hike is open to anyone with a reasonable degree of fitness who is happy walking at altitude. The hike up to the Puez plateau takes around four hours and there will be transfers waiting at the top to take you back to the hotel. The hike also includes time at the Sofie Hut on Seceda for dinner, with only this and the cost of the cable car to be paid by hikers.
You’ll need good walking shoes, appropriate clothing and a bag to carry water and other essentials. Head torches are available to borrow from the ADLER Dolomiti.
The ADLER Dolomiti is part of a collection of spa resorts owned and managed by the Sanoner family. The family purchased their first hotel property in the Dolomites way back in 1810 and have been hosting guests in this incredible region ever since.
Still managed by the sixth generation of Sanoner, this first property – originally known as the Eagle’s Inn – is now the ADLER Dolomiti. Along with three other hotels, this forms the ADLER spa resorts bijou collection.
As well as the night hiking in the Dolomites, guests can also try a selection of other exciting mountain pursuits during Ortisei active holidays. Climb, hike or cycle (by eBike or MTB) your way around the mountains, all available with tuition, guiding and equipment. There’s even a chance to play golf in the summer months.
And if all that has tired you out, why not reinvigorate your aching muscles with a visit to the comprehensive spa? The Adler has one of the best spas in the Dolomites with a beautiful pool and plenty of treatments available.
Fancy booking Ortisei active holidays? Summer rates for one week at ADLER Dolomiti start from €1009 per person based on sharing a double room, on a half-board basis. Book online at www.adler-dolomiti.com or call reservations on +39 0471 775 001.