Selva DOLOMITES 2018 HIGH ROUTES & HIGH ROUTES & HUTTING

Transcription

1 Selva DOLOMITES 2018 HIGH ROUTES & HIGH ROUTES & HUTTING

2 WELCOME TO Selva Selva sits in a dramatic valley, the Val Gardena, in the Western Dolomites in the South Tyrol region of Northern Italy. Here spectacular spires and vast plateaux of pale Dolomitic limestone, the remains of atolls formed millions of years ago in an ancient sea, contrast with the rich wildflower meadows and shady woodland. One of the nine Dolomites UNESCO world heritage sites, the Puez-Odle Nature Park, begins at the edge of the town. Marmots are common on the mountain slopes, birds such as nutcrackers and alpine chough are frequently seen, and sometimes chamois can be glimpsed in the valley behind the hotel, the Vallunga. The relative remoteness of these valleys helped to preserve their distinctive mountain culture. Local people still speak in Ladin, a language developed alongside the Roman occupation in 15 BC. Since 1948 the province has been officially tri-lingual, this is seen most clearly on the signposts which show the Ladin, German and Italian name for each destination. From the 17th Century woodcarving has been culturally significant to Val Gardena, historically it was the primary economic activity of the valley. The tradition continues with local woodcarvers producing everything from religious statues to cutting edge modern artworks. During the First World War the Dolomites formed the frontline between Italy and Austria. A railway, now a footpath and cycleway, was constructed by Russian prisoners of war and ran up the valley to supply the troops. Another legacy of this brutal period was the Via Ferrata literally Iron ways, networks of metal ladders and cables built high in the mountains to allow access to strategic positions. Today local mountain guides and specialist equipment can be hired to explore them. Outdoor activities are central to life in Val Gardena. The area is well known as a ski resort and Val Gardena has hosted FIS Ski World Cup events since In summer the ski cable cars can be used to access the high plateaux and peaks and visit chic mountain cafes or rustic mountaineering huts for refreshments. 2 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

3 HOTEL ACCOMMODATION HOTEL MALLEIER Str. Cir Selva di Val Gardena (BZ) Dolomiti Tel: A warm welcome is assured from the friendly staff at this delightful 3-star chalet style hotel. The Hotel Malleier is set in a quiet location next to meadows on the edge of the village. It is approximately 5 minutes walk to the village centre and has direct access to many of the walks. There are excellent views of the valley and the surrounding towering mountains. Bedrooms: All 35 bedrooms have en- suite facilities, usually with both bath and shower. Television, telephone, safe deposit boxes and hairdryer are provided in all rooms. Most rooms have a balcony and also enjoy views down the valley. In common with most European hotels, tea and coffee making facilities are not available in the bedrooms but hot drinks can be bought from the bar. The hotel has asked our guests not to use heating appliances (e.g. travel kettles) in the rooms. Facilities: There is a comfortable lounge on the ground floor which has seating for around 30 guests. Adjacent to the lounge is a bar with additional seating. In front of the hotel there is a pleasant lawn with tables and chairs. In the basement there is a very modern and luxurious spa suite complete with steam bath and Finnish sauna, solarium, spa pool and fitness room; a charge is made for these facilities. There is also a dedicated boot room. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Meals: All our holidays include breakfast and evening meal. The hotel can cater for special diets; please request these when you book and discuss with the hotel staff on arrival. Vegetarian diets are often interpreted as non- meat and fish dishes will still be served. If applicable, it should be made clear to the hotel that you require a nonmeat and non- fish diet. Breakfast: A self-service breakfast is served between 7:30 am and 10:00 am, offering a wide choice of options. This hotel asks that Gluten free guests bring their own products for breakfast only. Evening Meal: This is usually served at 7pm and consists of a fixed 4-course menu which is circulated the night before at the dinner table. Every evening there is a selection of hot vegetables as well as a plentiful salad bar. Lunch: It is possible to purchase a picnic lunch from the hotel. Alternatively it is possible to buy ingredients from local shops or on some days to eat at one of the local huts; your leaders will advise you of the options. Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 3

4 HUTTING ACCOMMODATION TIERSER ALPL SCHUTZHAUS Rifugio Alpe di Tires 2440m Tel: (mountain) This stunning red-roofed mountain hut opened in 1962 and had an architecture award winning renovation in Situated beneath the craggy rocks of the Forcella Denti di Terrarossa, this hut is a welcome waypoint between the meadows of the Alpe di Siusi to the north and the rocky Catinaccio to the south or the westerly spires of Sciliar and eastern summit Sassopiatto. It is run in a friendly, efficient way by the hut founder s daughter and son-in-law, Judith and Stefan Perathoner, with the assistance of their children. Bedrooms: We will use one of the mid-sized rooms in the hut which sleep 4 or 8 people. All bedding is provided, but you will need to bring your own towel. Bedrooms in huts are not single sex, and people from other groups may share the same room, so you may wish to bring lightweight pyjamas. Lights out is at 10pm, you will need a torch, preferably a headtorch, at night. Ear plugs are also very useful. This is a very popular hut so the possibility of individuals paying to upgrade their room is unlikely. Facilities: This hut is well heated and there are toilets, a washroom and single sex shower rooms on each floor. It is useful to know that within the shower room there is not much privacy, some guests may prefer to bring a few wet wipes to freshen up with. The supplement to use the shower has been included in your holiday cost. Breakfast: There is a good choice of items on the breakfast buffet and table service for tea and coffee. Evening Meal: Half-board includes a generous four course menu using local produce wherever possible. It is usually possible to eat a la carte for an extra cost. Drinks are not included, however it is totally acceptable to bring your personal water bottle to the table. There is an excellent selection of local beers and wine. Note: very limited choices for vegans and glutenfree diets. Lunch: You can order a packed lunch from the hut the night before. Cost is 8 and this includes 2 sandwiches, one fruit, and one sweet and 1/2 ltr of mineral water. 4 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

5 Guided Walking ITINERARY Each evening your leader will give a short talk about the walk for the next day and answer any questions that you may have. 8 to 13 miles (13-21km) with some rough, exposed scrambly passages, scree sections and steep descents. Up to 4,500ft (1,350m) of ascent in a day. Please note that the itinerary outlined below is provisional and could be subject to change. For the most up to date information, please check our website. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort. Snow conditions and inclement weather may prevent access to some walks, particularly in June and late September. In addition, at these times, there is a reduced transport and lift service. With safety the overriding concern, your leaders may vary the walks or modify the programme in this leaflet. However, there are always walks that can be enjoyed and you will find compensation in the views of snow-clad mountains and the Alpine flora, even when it is not possible to carry out some of our walks at a high level. Your leaders will choose the best selection of walks available in the prevailing conditions and give you detailed information; a finalised itinerary will be available on arrival in Selva. High Routes: 14, 21 & 28 Jul High Routes & Hutting: 18 & 25 Aug High Routes Our High Routes holidays offer challenging high level walks. We aim to reach the summits and ridges that are usually out of reach on our Guided Walking holidays; these may be exposed or have sections of fixed ropes or ladders. Whilst a high level of fitness and stamina are required, the rewards will be bird s eye mountain panoramas and an immense sense of achievement. These High Routes holidays run alongside a regular Guided Walking week, and the walks are only available to those who have specifically booked a High Routes Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 5

6 holiday, however High Routers are free to choose one of these regular walks if you prefer something a little easier, if group size allows. On this holiday you may enjoy some of the following walks: Sasso Piatto Starting from Passo Sella, the walk then takes the Friedrich August Weg traversing path high up on the south side of Sassolungo before striking up the amazing flat plate ramp to Sasso Piatto summit, with a short exposed scramble at the end. Piz Duleda This striking 2900m high mountain, which affords incredible views, can be approached in a number of ways, all including high, remote passes. Puez Spitze High above the remote Puez Hut this peak is usually approached by crossing the extensive limestone plateau area to it s south and east. The Sella Group and Piz Boe This huge fortress massif, bounded by four road passes, appears to be reserved for mountaineers. However, several valleys slice deep into the block so competent walkers with a good head for heights can reach its high level plateau, using the extensive ladders, ropes and rungs to help you on your way. The plateau is barren, often with stretches of snow to negotiate. If you are lucky you may spot shy herds of chamois. Our route traverses the entire Sella Group taking in Piz Boe its highest summit complete with café on the summit. High Routes & Hutting These holidays are another challenge holiday. In addition to a selection of the High Routes walks at the start of the holiday, we spend the Thursday and Friday walking up to and back from a remote mountain hut, The Tierser Alpl Hutte in the Sciliar / Catinaccio (Schlern / Rosengarten) Nature Park. This Dolomites UNESCO world heritage site is too far from our base to explore on the other holidays, and offers some spectacular walking. Thursday We will usually begin by crossing the flower- strewn meadows of the largest Alpine grazing area in Europe, the Alpe di Siusi, we weave through the limestone cliffs to reach the Altopiano dello Sciliar a superb high level plateau with incredible views into to Catinaccio peaks beyond. We can then follow a high mountain path that runs beneath the rocky Terrarossa ridge to our hut at 2440m. 6 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk Friday We will aim to explore south into the Catinaccio on steep zigzag mountain paths that lead past soaring limestone pinnacles to huge amphitheatres of scree dotted occasionally with saxifrage and yellow rhaetian poppies. Alpine chough are common here and we may be lucky enough to see ibex. This route is only possible in good weather but, due to the superb position of the hut on an incredible network of paths, many other excellent walks are possible. Free day There is a wealth of walks in the Gardena Valley and your leaders will be happy to recommend options if you would like to walk independently on your free day. Ortisei Ortisei is the largest of the towns in the Gardena Valley and can be walked to or easily reached by bus from Selva. It has a lively, cobbled, pedestrianised centre, with cafes, a museum, churches and an art gallery. It is also the starting point for a number of lifts which will take you high into the mountains, perhaps exploring an area not visited during your walks. Bolzano Bolzano is an interesting town that is the administrative centre of the South Tyrol region. There is a good bus service from Selva, taking approximately 11/2 hours. Some of the town s interesting historic buildings include the 14th century Franciscan church and the Chiesa dei Domenican monastery, which has 15th century frescoes. Bolzano s main attraction is the fascinating Ice Man museum which contains the preserved body of a prehistoric man and his artefacts that were found high on an alpine glacier. There are frequently long queues to enter the museum, but our previous guests have highly recommended a visit. Bressanone Bressanone is another interesting historic town with arcaded streets. The Duomo in the main square dates from the 13th century and its 14th century cloisters are decorated with medieval frescoes. The nearby Bishop s Palace now houses the Diocesan Museum. Local information website: For information on Selva please visit In the evenings: The friendly atmosphere of our holidays continues into the evening. We ll enjoy a leisurely meal and then you may also like to join your leader for an evening stroll, listen to local musicians, relax with a book in a quiet lounge or enjoy a drink at the bar with your fellow walkers talking about your day.

7 TRANSFER INFORMATION If you have booked your holiday with flight you will arrive at Verona Airport. From the UK we offer flights from London Gatwick and Manchester which may arrive at different times. Please note that no meals are provided on most European flights, although some airlines may offer a small snack. Where possible you will be met as you enter the arrivals hall by an HF Holidays leader. Your leader may be on the same flight as you or may arrive on another flight. Occasionally we will ask our transfer coach company to meet you. The driver will be in the arrivals hall holding an HF Holidays sign. The onward journey to Selva by coach takes approximately 3 hours. For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday without flight HF Holidays can help you to reach the hotel in the following ways: HF Holidays transfer coach from Verona airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays flights (provisional flight times can be found on or by calling (0) ). Cost per single journey is 29.. Transfers and taxis must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44 (0) Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call and quote HX031 or book online at holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 7

8 WALKING INFORMATION Your walking leaders: HF Holidays leaders are a pivotal feature of our Guided Walking holidays. During the day they will guide you on the walks in a caring and considerate way, showing you places of interest en route. All our leaders have been selected on an intensive residential course so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your comments on the holiday survey; constructive suggestions for things that they might do differently are very helpful. We take pride in the quality of our holidays and work closely with all our providers to ensure our holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason you are not satisfied with any element of your holiday, our leaders are the best people to help. WALKING SAFETY We are committed to running our Guided Walking holidays in a safe manner and your co-operation with this is much appreciated. No outdoor activity can be 100% risk free; however, if you take sensible precautions and adhere to your leaders instructions, your holiday will be both safe and enjoyable. On the first evening of your holiday (dependent on arrival time), the leaders will give a short talk about safety on the walks we would ask everyone to attend. Walking as a group: Our leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and will show more caution over potential risks (such as bad or exceptionally hot weather) than an individual or couple might make on a private outing. Walks may be modified or cancelled following the leaders assessment of the day-to-day situation. Your leaders will refuse to accept any guest whose clothing, equipment, behaviour or walking ability is considered unsuitable, and where it could affect the safety and enjoyment of other guests on the proposed walk. It is your responsibility to follow the leader s guidelines, for the benefit and safety of the group as a whole. If you leave the group, then your leader will no longer have responsibility for you. For safety reasons, we stipulate a minimum party size of two guests in addition to the leader. First aid: In line with current practice, each leader carries a group first aid kit but is not able to supply any medication, including aspirin, paracetamol, 8 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk antihistamines and antiseptic cream. Your health: It is essential that you describe on your guest registration form any health condition or disability you may have. The leaders will treat this confidentially and may be able to take it into account on the walks; for example, by not delaying lunch if they know they have someone with diabetes in their party. EU citizens should ensure they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to their holiday. There can be problems with medical authorities and insurance companies if you cannot produce this when you require treatment details are available at www. dh.gov.uk/travellers EHIC cards have an expiry date please check yours is valid before you travel Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to keep hydrated. You will need to carry water with you on walks, more during hot weather or on more demanding walks. One good way of hydrating is to use a hydration pack which allows drinking without constant stopping. This can then be filled up from additional water sources as required. Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise us of the insurance company and policy number. We have negotiated special holiday insurance and full details of this cover can be found in our brochure or at hfholidays.co.uk. There is no extra charge for pre-existing illnesses. If you would like to purchase insurance from us please call us on or holidayservices@hfholidays.co.uk. Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient treatment normally have to be paid for at the time and the costs reclaimed afterwards details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore insurance is extremely important, as is access to emergency money, preferably a credit card. Money: Access to emergency money, preferably via a credit card, is very important as you never know when an emergency may arise. WHAT TO WEAR & BRING To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to

9 be encountered. Changeable weather is possible throughout the year, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities: comfortable outdoor clothing waterproof jacket and overtrousers ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles small rucksack water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) and a thermos flask if you wish sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses In addition to the above, the following are recommended to all walkers, and are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: walking boots spare pullover or fleece hat and gloves spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal mint cake torch You may also wish to consider bringing: walking pole(s) many guests find these useful, particularly for descents camera personal first aid kit Footwear: We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks, as these provide the best ankle support and grip. Modern approach shoes offer appropriate levels of grip and may be worn on some low level walks, but users should be aware that they offer less ankle support. Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes are not recommended for any walks. High Routes & Hutting Equipment You will need a few additional items for a night in a hut. Lightweight items will minimise your rucksack weight making the walking experience more fun. In addition to the usual mountain walking equipment, see below a recommended kit list: Kit List 40-litre rucksack (minimum size) holding all your usual mountain walking equipment. PLUS Passport Insurance details EHIC card (European guests only) Travel-size toiletries (preferably bio-degradeable) Travel towel hut slippers (lightweight footwear for inside the hut or on the patio areas e.g crocs warm lightweight jacket (a down filling is very good) for watching the sunset or star gazing plug adaptor phone charger torch (preferably a head torch) ear plugs change of clothes for the evening/next day lightweight pyjamas (if you like to) Additional information Anything you don t need to take to the hut can be left in your room at Hotel Malleier. There is no Wi-Fi at the hut but there is usually some phone signal. Because we walk to peaks over 2,500m prior to our night at the hut, we will be acclimatised to spending a night at this altitude. Removal of waste from the hut is expensive and time consuming so please try and carry out everything you carry in. Water Free drinking water is usually available but occasionally safe drinking water (3 litres per person) will need to be purchased. HOLIDAY TIPS Language: Although in Italy, German is also widely spoken here. Ladin (an ancient Alpine language) is spoken locally as well. Currency: Euro Changing money: There are several ATM machines in Selva where you can obtain money. Electricity: 220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK. Tap water: is considered safe to drink, but if you prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased from the hotel or local supermarkets. Telephone code: Unlike most countries, when you call an Italian landline telephone number from the UK or a mobile phone you dial the country code: To dial an Italian number 0039, and then the number including the leading zero. eg Confusingly, for Italian mobile phones you dial the country code (+39 and then the mobile number excluding the leading zero eg To dial a UK number 0044 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 9

10 RECOMMEND A FRIEND AND SAVE 50 Do you know someone who would enjoy our holidays as much as you do? Invite them to book a holiday and you ll receive 50! If you recommend HF Holidays to a friend who subsequently makes their first ever booking with us, we will give you 50 off your next holiday for each person recommended. Plus, as a welcome, we will also give your recommended friend or friends 50 per person off their holiday, meaning savings for everyone! Claim your 50 in three easy steps When your friend books a holiday, ask them to mention at time of booking your name and address. If they have never travelled with us before, we will give them a discount of 50 per person. We will send you a 50 voucher off a future HF Holidays break for each friend you have recommended. Terms & conditions apply, visit hfholidays.co.uk/raf for details. PATHWAYS FUND Last year guests donated 19,500 to our Pathways Fund and we spent 25,000 on projects. For more information on the projects the Pathways Fund has supported, plus how to donate, please visit hfholidays.co.uk/pathways HF Holidays continues to work in partnership with the Family Holiday Association to provide Feel Good Breaks designed to reward families who could not otherwise afford it with the gift of a break in the outdoors and the chance to spend quality time together. Help us continue this work by donating to the Pathways Fund. 10 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk JOIN US TODAY AND BENEFIT TOMORROW HF Holidays is the only UK holiday provider that s a co-operative. We re owned by our members who help shape our business for future generations. Join our award-winning and sociably responsible society that s passionate about helping others to enjoy holidays in beautiful countryside. For a minimum purchase of shares you can benefit from: Members loyalty scheme earn points on your holidays and use as a discount on your next holiday Member-only events and holidays Members come first with advance registration for the holiday you want 10% discount at our country house bars 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor 15% discount at Rohan 25% discount at Hi-Tec Annual interest on your shares ALREADY A MEMBER? There are many ways for you to further your support: Help choose our Board Attend member events Encourage others to join us Increase your shares at any time Top up to 1,000 shares to become an investment member with enhanced benefits Give membership as a gift To join or increase your investment call our Membership team on , membership@hfholidays.co.uk or visit hfholidays.co.uk/membership

11 linger a little LONGER If you enjoyed your holiday in Selva, we recommend our holiday at Weidach, on Austrian s Seefeld Plateau, which is carpeted in colourful flowers. The tranquil valley offers a variety of gentle Alpine walks. Two weeks or more Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer holiday either two weeks of walking at one resort or by combining complementary holidays, such as Sorrento on the Neapolitan coastline and Altamura, in the undiscovered region of Puglia. We arrange the transfers between the resorts so that you don t have to. See our brochure or website for more information. Self-guided Walking For those who prefer to explore independently, we recommend our Self-guided Walking holidays. In selected European destinations you can discover unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local culture at your own pace by following our carefully planned walking routes. Leisure Activities We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays at some of our European destinations, including Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting, or Yoga. Worldwide From Alaska to Australia our Worldwide Journeys invite you to explore world famous destinations, and some lesser known gems, on six continents including Europe. SAVE ON OUTDOOR CLOTHING From time to time our outdoor clothing partners have special offers for our guests. Visit hfholidays.co.uk/partnerships to see the current offers. Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 11

12 Contact details HF Holidays Ltd Catalyst House 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park Elstree Borehamwood, WD6 3SY hfholidays.co.uk For any questions before your holiday, we re here to help, so please contact us on: (local rate) +44 (0) (from outside the UK) Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm. Emergency contact details: In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be our HF Holidays leaders. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as above or between the hours of Friday 7pm to Monday 9am are: +44 (0) or 12 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk