My husband and I will be celebrating our 15-yr anniversary with a 3-week trip around Italy this Fall. It begins in the north with a few days of hiking in the Dolomites. We have a general idea of where to hike since we will be staying in Castelrotto. We are hikers in U.S., but unfamiliar with hiking in Europe so it may be a silly question to ask about availability of water if we are hiking for an entire day. But I'll ask anyway. Any other tips would be appreciated. Thank you, in advance, for your help.
Karen
Posted by
Idaho, USA
8019 posts
The Dolomites are a gorgeous area for hiking - would love to go back again!
We hiked in the Alpe di Suisi area and also went to Moena for several days on a different trip. I would recommend looking at the dolomitemountains.com site for some valuable info, including the Health & Safety for your question regarding available water.
Also, a good site for specific trail options & details is tabs within the alpedisuisi.info link.
Posted by
102 posts
There are a number of wonderful hikes in the Val Gardena area. First, get a copy of Gillian Price's hiking guides for the Dolomites from Cicierone Press and the #05 Val Gardena-Alpe di Siusi 1:25,000 map from Tabacco, as wonderful planning tools.
http://www.amazon.com/Shorter-Walks-Dolomites-selected-Cicerone/dp/1852846585/ref=pd_bxgy_14_text_y/180-0840306-6435303
http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Dolomites-Cicerone-Guides-Gillian/dp/1852843853
http://www.omnimap.com/catalog/hiking/tabacco.htm
Water is not a problem on most of the hikes you would be doing since nearly all of the more popular trails have rifugios located along the way. These wonderful mountain huts not only offer overnight accommodations, but also food and beverages for day hikers. Price's hiking guides and the maps detail where the rifugios are located. Many of the hikes are designed with a specific rifugio as a destination. with other intermediate ones along the way.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17601 posts
In three trips to the Dolomites, staying in three different areas, we have not come across a natural water source such as a stream or lake that was suitable for drinking (with treatment). You can plan your hikes to include a refreshment stop at a mountain hut ( the Bolzanohütte above Alpe di Siusi is a great day hike). But as always it is best to carry your own drinking water, a minimum of one liter per person.
Posted by
Milwaukie, Oregon
1057 posts
If you are hiking in the Alpi di Siusse, I would suggest you carry some water unless you are hiking at altitudes where there are huts. We did not come across water sources during our hike. And if you don't have a car, be certain to check when the last bus to Castelrotto leaves so you don't get stranded after your hike.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11852 posts
Just wrapping up a two-week stay in Ortisei, the Val Gardena, and my report on water is to carry what you need to get to the next rifugio. Sometimes that is an hour, sometimes 2 or more. You can easily buy new bottles at the rifugi and often they have a fountain that is safe for refills.
Casterotto is fine for some hiking, but if you really want to experience the mountains, if you have time stay IN the Alpe di Siusi for a couple of nights. And/or stay in the Val Gardena (we love Ortisei) for access to not only the Alpe di Siusi but also the Puez Odle. Val Gardena homepage