Trekking the Spectacular Italian Dolomites August 26 September 10, 2018 Trip # 1837

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1 Trekking the Spectacular Italian Dolomites August 26 September 10, 2018 Trip # 1837 Trip Overview The soaring spires and spectacular peaks of the World Heritage Italian Dolomites provide the playground for this incredible trek. Located in the northeast corner of Italy, near the border with Austria, we will hike the classic Alta Via 1 (High Route). We will be surrounded by massive gray limestone towers, and find tranquility in lush green valleys along our 74 mile route. We will stay in charming rifugios (mountain huts), and enjoy true Italian fare and hospitality. We will hike for 11 consecutive days and trek about seven miles per day, with an average altitude gain of about 2,000 feet per day. We will hike at elevations between 5,000 and 9,000 feet. This area was the World War I frontline between Austrian and Italian forces, and we will see remnants of fortifications, gun ramparts and miles of tunnels. Trip Itinerary Upon arriving in Verona, we travel to Bolzano where we will start our adventure, adjust to European time and explore the medieval city of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. We will spend two nights and plan to visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology which has the mummy of Otzi the Iceman. From there, we travel by train and bus to the lovely lakeside town of Lago di Braies from which we will begin our trek. Our trek follows the route laid out in the Cicerone guidebook Trekking 1

2 in the Dolomites by Gillian Price. Upon completion of the trek, we take a bus to Belluno and a train to Verona to spend a final night there. The following day we return to the US on September 10. DOLOMITES Tentative daily itinerary: DAY/DATE DESTINATION Sunday, Aug. 26 Depart US for Verona, Italy Monday, Aug. 27 Arrive in Verona, take train to Bolzano, stay the night Tuesday, Aug. 28 Explore Bolzano, stay the night Wednesday, Aug. 29 Take train/bus to Lago di Braies, stay the night Thursday, Aug. 30 Begin trek, hike to Rifugio Sennes, 5.1 miles, /-800 Friday, Aug. 31 Hike to Rifugio Fanes, 7.0 miles, /-1900 Saturday, Sep. 1 Hike to Rifugio Lagazuoi, 7.5 miles, /

3 Sunday, Sep. 2 Hike to Rifugio Averau, 5.5 miles, /-3500 Monday, Sept. 3 Hike to Rifugio Citta di Fiume, 8.1 miles, /-3500 Tuesday, Sept. 4 Hike to Rifugio Coldai, 5.8 miles, /-1000 Wednesday, Sept. 5 Hike to Rifugio Vazzoler, 6.0 miles, /-2650 Thursday, Sept. 6 Hike to Rifugio San Sabastiano, 7.5 miles, +2000, Friday, Sept. 7 Hike to Rifugio Pramperet, 7.0 miles, +1500, Saturday, Sept. 8 Hike to Rifugio Pian de Fontano, 4.0 miles, /-2500 Sunday, Sept. 9 Monday, Sept. 10 Hike to La Pissa, bus to Belluno, train to Verona, stay the night, 8.0 miles, +400 /-4300 Fly back to US Possible Itinerary Changes While the itinerary in this prospectus is what the leaders have planned at the time of writing, various factors may require changes for reasons of safety, transportation or lodging availability, and unforeseeable circumstances (such as weather considerations, natural disasters in areas to be visited, or recommendations of governmental agencies). The leaders reserve the right to make such changes as necessary, both before and during the trip. Participant Profile and Leader Expectations This trip is designed so that everyone may experience our adventure in the Dolomites through shared participation in activities and tasks in an organized group environment. AMC travelers are known for their cooperative efforts, and expectations are that all participants will be considerate of others sharing this AMC Adventure Travel experience. You should enjoy traveling and be comfortable traveling in areas that are unfamiliar to you. You should recognize that you might find yourself in close quarters or be less comfortable than you are used to at home. You should make it a priority to 3

4 help others on the trip and contribute to their having a good time. If you do that, we guarantee that you will have a great time. This is a strenuous hike geared towards the experienced outdoors traveler. We will be hiking for 11 consecutive days. Some days will be lengthy with significant elevation gains or losses at altitudes up to 9000 feet; other days will be shorter and easier. Since breakfast, dinner and lodging are provided on the trek, we will be traveling light, with backpacks in the range of pounds fully loaded. You should have at least intermediate to advanced hiking skills. While no technical climbing is required, there are areas with narrow trails bordered by steep drop-offs. We may use fixed chains or cables set in the rock face for short ascents of steep terrain. It may happen on any trip that a trip member is or becomes unable to participate in one or more of the planned activities. Leaders in their sole judgment have the right and obligation to refuse participation in any activity to any group member for reasons of safety, whether it be of the group or of the individual. Illness, injury or lack of proper gear or fitness for a particular activity are examples of some conditions that might result in a participant s being unable to perform one or more activity. Leaders may try to find a substitute activity or travel arrangements for the trip member, but this may not always be possible. AMC Adventure Travel trips are run in a manner supportive of and consistent with the conservation, recreational and educational principles and mission of the Club. Trip leaders encourage participant conduct consistent with Leave No Trace environmental and conservation principles and local regulations. Weather The weather in late August and early September is typically sunny and warm. The average high/low temperatures are 80/55 degrees, with about eight rain days per month. However, mountain weather is always unpredictable. It is possible we will have colder or warmer temperatures. Although unusual for this time of the year, there is the possibility of snow. Bring a rain jacket and rain pants, as well as a pack cover. 4

5 Trip Cost The trip cost is $2495 which includes all lodging, most meals, and ground transportation. Trip cost does not include airfare, estimated to be $850- $1000. Not included: all lunches, 2 dinners, trail snacks, alcohol, fees for optional activities, and items of a personal nature. The price for this excursion is based on quotes or estimates obtained at the time the trip was planned. The final price of the trip will be adjusted in accordance with the best final arrangements we can make. Any savings we achieve, as well as any cost increases we incur will be shared by trip participants. Our cost estimates are conservative, and so a refund is more likely than a price increase. All Adventure Travel trips are run on a non-profit basis and refunds, if any, are issued after the trip s financial accounting is complete. In accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing the leaders' costs. Beyond this, the leaders are not allowed to realize any profit from this excursion. The trip price includes an AMC overhead fee to cover the administrative expenses of offering Adventure Travel excursions. The trip fee also includes emergency medical and evacuation insurance coverage, which is required by the AMC. It does not include insurance for travel delay, interruption, or cancellation, or for baggage loss. If these possibilities concern you, individual travel insurance is recommended. More information about included emergency medical and evacuation insurance, as well as about optional and recommended travel insurance, will be provided to participants in their formal acceptance letters, which will be sent out when the trip has the required number of accepted applicants. Accommodations/Meals Transportation We will be staying at hostels and small hotels in Verona, Bolzano, and Lago di Braies. While on the trek we will be staying in rifugios (mountain huts). Blankets and pillows will be provided but participants must bring a sleep sack to be used instead of sheets. Accommodations are typically in a bunkroom for 2 to 6 people with shared bathrooms. Showers may not always be available and if they are, tokens will be needed. 5

6 Breakfasts, generally continental style, and hearty dinners are provided with the hut accommodations. In towns, two dinners will be paid for by the trip (welcome dinner, farewell dinner), but lunches are on your own as well as two dinners. On the trek, you may buy food for lunch from the rifugios the night before or we may stop along the way at other rifugios and buy food. Train and bus transportation from Verona airport to Bolzano, Lago di Braies, and back to Verona is included in the trip cost. Airlines and Travel Plan to arrive in Verona, Italy on the morning of August 27, (Leave the US on August 26.) The trip leaders will assist you with information on flights from Boston, NYC, and other points on the East Coast. At the Verona airport, we will gather for our transport to Bolzano. The trip ends in Verona on the morning of September 10. Of course, you may arrive early or extend your trip. Do not make any non-refundable travel plans until told to do so by the leaders. Experience and Risks When you participate in this activity, you should be in proper condition for the challenges outlined in this prospectus and equipped with the appropriate gear as stated. You should always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. You are ultimately responsible for your own safety. Prior to your acceptance as a participant in this trip, you will be asked to discuss your capabilities and experience with us. We may also request references to confirm your fitness level and suitability for participating in trip activities. Application Process and Cancellation We expect a group size of 12 people, including the leaders. This trip is likely to fill quickly. If you are interested, let us know by or give us a call. We will you the necessary application materials. You must complete and submit the Participant Application, Confidential Health Questionnaire, and Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release form, enclosing a registration deposit of $1000. You will be considered qualified for the trip when the leaders have determined by conversation with you that you and the trip seem to be a good match. You will be formally accepted, and your check will be deposited, when the trip leaders confirm the trip has sufficient number of participants and is going as planned. A second payment of $1000 is due January 1, The final balance of $495 is due May 1, Deposit checks from wait-listed applicants will not be cashed until we offer them a spot on the trip AND they accept. Please make payments by check payable to the Appalachian Mountain Club and mail to the address shown on the Participant Application. 6

7 The AMC Adventure Travel cancellation policy is based on the fact that your cancellation may not raise the cost to the other participants or to the leaders. The published minimum penalty schedule is: zero before November 20, 2017, $300 from November 21, 2017 through February 28, 2018 and $600 after March 1, If actual costs (expenses already incurred on your behalf and any unavoidable future expenses that will be incurred as a result of your registration and cancellation) are higher, they will be assessed instead, unless they can be applied toward another acceptable participant. Should the leaders be able to replace you, you may be charged a reduced or zero penalty. This will generally not be determined until after the trip. If AMC cancels the trip, you will receive a full refund for all deposits. Insurance The basic policy that is included with your trip fee is through MedEvac 200. It covers up to $5,000 for accident and sickness expenses, and up to $200,000 for emergency evacuation and repatriation. Coverage includes only the dates of travel of the official AMC trip so additional days before and/or after are not included. Participants should have their own medical insurance. If you are accepted on this trip, we will provide information about purchasing optional travel insurance that could cover cancellation, lost baggage, etc. Questions If you have any questions or concerns, please contact either of us to discuss them. Mike Darzi: Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com or Karen Thurston Barsanti: karenjthurston@gmail.com or

8 Trip Leaders Mike Darzi, Leader: Mike Darzi has been leading outings (mostly day-hikes, some paddling and backpacking) for the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Sierra Club for over 15 years. He has served as the Chair of the AMC Potomac Chapter, He has led numerous multi-day trips in the northeast and mid- Atlantic U.S., including the Berkshires, Acadia National Park, the White Mountains, Pine Creek Gorge, the lower Hudson River Valley, the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, and Shenandoah National Park. He recently co-led another trek trip in Morocco. Karen Thurston Barsanti, Co-Leader: Karen is an experienced NH Chapter Excursions Leader with a fondness for hiking adventures near and far. She has climbed all of the NH 4000 foot mountains and some delightful trails in British Columbia, the Sierra Nevada, and the Bernese Oberland. She is a graduate of AMC s Adventure Travel Leadership training and is certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. She has co-led AMC Adventure Travel trips to Sedona and Ireland. When she s not hiking, Karen enjoys cycling and skiing and favorite adventures include biking in the Loire Valley and skiing in the Dolomites. Required Gear Passport Medical Insurance Card Backpack (50-60 liters) Sleep sack Pillowcase Personal first aid kit Rain gear (both jacket and pants) 2 one-liter water bottles, minimum, or hydration system Wool or pile hat Wool or pile gloves Extra pile or wool layer for warmth Waterproof hiking boots Wool socks Hiking shorts Hiking long pants Synthetic T-shirts Long sleeve synthetic shirt; Synthetic long underwear 8

9 Sunglasses Sun hat Sun protection lotion Lip protection balm Insect repellent Leisure clothes for travel and restaurants (moderate amount) Personal toiletries Camp towel Toilet paper and baggie for used paper Hand sanitizer Head lamp with extra batteries (we may be walking in unlighted tunnels) Optional Recommendations Hiking poles (airlines may not allow poles as carry-on baggage); Gaiters (for pebbles and dust, not for snow) Tevas, Crocs, sandals and/or sneakers Camera Binoculars Ear plugs Small knife (put in check-in luggage, not carry on) Compass Extra shoelaces Zipper-closure plastic bags for packing lunches and snacks Reading material for breaks in the action Luggage lock 9