Important tips and overall information

Dolomiti senza confini is a high altitude via ferrata with nine daily stages, twelve via ferratas and 17 refuges. The classic via ferrata route can be extended by an additional three-day option in the Cadini group. Since the high-altitude trail Dolomites without borders is a circular route, you can start from various points. Of course, the entire route can also be done in several parts at different times.

ALPINE REQUIREMENTS

Large parts of the Dolomites without borders are technically and physically demanding trails in high mountains and alpine terrain. In addition to the secured sections, large distances have to be managed in exposed walking terrain. Residual snow in gullies and on rocky outcrops is normal after snowy winters in some sections. Especially in fog or poor visibility, good alpine experience is necessary for orientation. Some of the daily stages are partly very long and technically difficult. Between the via ferratas the necessary hikes can be quite demanding. A very good basic condition is necessary here. The time specifications are rather tight, as the entire via ferrata round is only possible in nine days for fast via ferrata climbers and hikers. Good physical preparation, solid basic alpine experience, absolute surefootedness, via ferrata climbing experience, adequate equipment and stable weather conditions are the basic requirements for the daily stages of the entire via ferrata route. The entire Dolomiti senza confini is not a tour for via ferrata beginners. Less experienced via ferrata climbers are recommended to divide the “Dolomites without boarders” over several years and to start with a combination of the easier daily stages. A description can be found under “Variations” on page 28.

Note: Via ferratas are not subject to regular official safety checks. Erosion and thunderstorms can cause anchors and ropes to become loose and easily turn them into dangerous traps. Necessary caution is required!

BEFORE THE START

BEST SEASON Beginning of July to end of September. The conditions depend on the snow situation (residual snow from winter, new snow after cold spell). Get the latest information from the refuges or an alpine school before you start. ACCOMMODATIONS The overnight stays take place in refuges. These must be reserved in advance. The huts offer traditional Tyrolean and Italian cuisine. Vegans and allergy sufferers should announce this when making the reservation. Many of the refuges have regular water shortages in summer. That is why there is no possibility to take a shower in most of the huts. CASH In most refuges you can only pay in cash. Most refuges have no WIFI or Internet connection. APPS The app “Alpenverein Aktiv” offers a good orientation guide on the Dolomiti senza confini. See also “Orientation” on page 20. TAKE OUT A MOUNTAIN INSURANCE Anyone who does not have a mountain insurance yet should

register as a member of an Alpine Club. Most alpine clubs offer good insurance at a fair price. In addition, there are price advantages for overnight stays in the Alpine Club-huts. INTERNET www.dolomitisenzaconfini.eu READ IN ADVANCE In addition to the reading tips on history on page 14 you will find background information on the area in the following books: • Claus Gatterer Schöne Welt, Böse Leute various editions • Karl Felix Wolff Dolomitensagen various editions • Alfonso Bosellini Geologie der Dolomiten Athesia

MOVIES ABOUT THE AREA Many films were shot in the Dolomiti senza confini area (or at least a big part of it). Here is a small selection: • Die Bergpolizei (series) – Terence Hill, since 2011 (Ita), German: on BR since 2017 • Wild Weekend – Bear Grylls (series) – several episodes • Das blaue Licht (feature film) – Riefenstahl, 1932 • Cliffhanger (feature film) – Lenni Harlin; Silvester Stallone, 1993 • Honig im Kopf (feature film) – Till Schweiger, 2014 • Die große Zinne (documentation) - Reinhold Messner, 2019

ALPINE SCHOOLS If you would like to experience the Dolomiti senza confini in a guided group or individually with a mountain guide, you will find a good partner in the following local alpine schools: • Alpinschule Drei Zinnen – www.alpinschule-dreizinnen.com • Guide Alpine Tre Cime – www.guidetrecimedilavaredo.com • Guide Cortina – www.guidecortina.com • Globo Alpin – www.globoalpin.com • Alpinschule Pustertal – www.alpinschule.com • Guide Alpine Edelweiss - http://guidealpineedelweiss.it • Bergschule Alpin Aktiv Hochpustertal - https://www.bergschule-aah.at/

PUBLIC TRANSPORT Most starting points of the Dolomites without borders can be reached by public transport. In the descriptions of the individual routes you will find information on how to get to the starting points by public transport from page … onwards. The timetables can be found on the following pages: • Südtirol Hochpustertal – Sexten – Kreuzbergpass Train to Innichen: https://www.trenitalia.com/ Bus to Sexten and to the Kreuzbergpass: https://www.holzer.eu/de/nahverkehr/liniendienste-holzer.aspx Bus from Toblach to the Auronzohütte: https://www.sad.it/ • Osttirol Lesachtal – Kartitsch - Obertilliach Train to Sillian: https://www.oebb.at/ Bus from Sillian to Lesachtal: https://www.lesachtal.com/de/service/anreise-busplaene.html • Belluno Comelico Superiore – Padola – Passo Monte Croce Train to Calalzo: https://www.trenitalia.com/ www.sii.bz.it Bus to Padola: https://dolomitibus.it/it/l/orario-dolomiti/index Bus from Padola to the Kreuzbergpass: https://www.saf.ud.it/cms/data/pages/000195.aspx • Belluno Auronzohütte

Train to Calalzo: https://www.trenitalia.com/ Bus from Calalzo to Auronzo: https://dolomitibus.it/it/l/orario-dolomiti/index Bus from Auronzo to the Auronzohütte: https://dolomitibus.it/it/l/orario-dolomiti/index Bus from Toblach to the Auronzohütte: https://www.sad.it/

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

ORIENTATION Large parts of the Dolomiti senza confini run through high alpine and less frequented terrain, where orientation is not always easy. Especially in fog or poor visibility, a distinct alpine experience is necessary. The aerial photographs in this book provide a good overview. In addition to this book and the map, an altimeter should always be carried so that the altitude can be compared with the route descriptions and the map. In addition, a compass (also sports watch or app) is helpful to determine the direction. ALPENVEREIN AKTIV This app of the Austrian Alpine Club is a good orientation guide, since the individual tours of the Dolomiti senza confini (Dolomites without borders) are stored there. The app works with map and GPS. The individual tours can be saved offline so that the map with location works even if the mobile phone has no reception. It should be noted, however, that GPS loses accuracy near rock faces and in valleys. The routes stored in the app are mostly the same as in this guidebook. However, the Dolomites without borders are described in the app with start in the Lunellihütte (in this book day 5). And on day one, the ascent of the Knieberg is omitted. The variation into the Cadini group is completely missing.

MOUNTAIN RESCUE – 112

Many parts of Dolomiti senza confini are located in isolated and remote areas. If helicopter rescue is not possible, many hours may pass before the mountain rescue arrives at the accident site. The emergency number is 112. This always works with reception, even if the provider changes. In a dead spot, which can often occur in remote areas, nothing works, and you have to reach the next point with reception for an emergency call.

WEATHER FORECAST

Before each day trip the weather forecast should be consulted. In the Dolomites, thunderstorms are quite frequent in summer. These represent a great danger on a via ferrata. Cold spells with snowfall or glaze are also possible in high summer. If necessary, change the route or skip it completely. Following the weather reports are a good help for planning. • Alto Adige: http://meteo.provincia.bz.it/

Tirolo orientale: https://wetter.orf.at/tirol/

Belluno: www.ilmeteo.it/meteo/belluno

App meteo consigliata: Weather Pro

EQUIPMENT LIST TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT

Harness Via ferrata set Helmet Mountaineering boots: Depending on the condi- tions, stable mountaineering boots or light ap- proach shoes may be useful. If there is snow, light crampons and picks are helpful 35 liter backpack Backpack cover (not necessary when using a waterproof backpack) Tour description (this book) Map Altimeter App: Alpenverein Aktiv.

CLOTHING

Giacca impermeabile Rain jacket Windproof jacket Hiking pants Functional underwear Functional socks Via ferrata gloves Warm gloves depending on conditions Warm beanie Sun protection Possibly light changing clothes for the huts Slippers are provided at the huts Especially when it comes to clothing, pref- erences are very individual. Someone who is on the road a lot, knows how he likes to dress on mountain tours. Therefore, this paragraph should serve as a starting point.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Toiletries Towel (as small and light as possible) Travel sleeping bag (possibly made of silk - as small and light as possible) Drinking bottle (at least 1 liter, more for the long tours) Small bivouac bag Little first aid kit, Tape; Blister tape, Earplugs; Personal medication Snacks (can be refilled in huts) Sunglasses Headlamp ID card / Passport Alpine club membership card Camera, Memory card, Charger Mobile phone (Charger) Powerbank (to charge your phone) Cash.

Important: on a tour as long and demanding as Dolomiti senza confini, it is important to pack the necessary things in your backpack and leave the unnecessary at home. Every kilo counts!