Five days of trail running in one of the most impressive mountain landscapes in the Alps. We will explore the Dolomites around Toblach on varied trails, running through alpine landscapes and enjoying spectacular rock scenery, while stopping at cosy mountain huts along the way. The focus is not on setting new personal bests or covering as many kilometres as possible every day. It's about experiencing the mountains while running, with varied routes, beautiful trails and great views, and with enough time to enjoy every day to the fullest.
Our base is Dobbiaco. Each day, we set off on a different trail into the surrounding mountains from here. The landscape is constantly changing; sometimes the trails lead through open larch and Swiss stone pine forests, and at other times they cross open alpine meadows and scenic high-altitude trails. There are also narrow single trails, alpine sections and long descents where you can simply run and enjoy the flow.
Who is this trail running week for?
It is aimed at experienced trail runners who already run regularly and feel confident in alpine terrain. You should enjoy running on narrow, natural trails and tackling varied terrain and longer climbs. You will need a good level of fitness as the tours cover approximately 14–20 km and 620–1,000 metres of elevation gain per day. Depending on the gradient, we alternate between running and brisk hiking on the climbs, while the flatter and downhill sections are run at a steady pace. You do not need to be a competitive runner. What matters is that you are familiar with longer trail runs and feel confident and comfortable in more challenging conditions. In short, you enjoy running, you have some experience of trail running, and you're ready to spend five days exploring the most beautiful trails in the Dolomites.
Programme Overview
Arrival Day: Arriving in the Dolomites
Individual arrival in Dobbiaco. During our first dinner together, we get to know each other and talk through the upcoming trail running week. We take a look at the programme and adapt the individual tours to the weather, trail conditions and the group.
Tour 1: Welcome to the Tre Cime – Trail Running against a Spectacular Dolomite Backdrop
This tour takes us into one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Dolomites, along a route perfectly suited to trail running. We will start the week in the impressive mountainous surroundings of the Tre Cime. With alpine trails, spectacular rock faces and ever-changing views of the iconic peaks, this route is sure to be a highlight of the week. The variety of different surfaces and landscapes makes for an exciting journey. The climb is challenging at first, but we then reach more runnable sections. Once we are higher up, the impressive Dolomite scenery opens up around us. We then continue along varied trails before a long descent brings the sporting
part of the tour to a close. This is a tour with plenty of elevation, lots of trails, and exactly the right mix of effort, scenery, and running fun.
Moving Time: 5.5h
Distance: 20.5km
Elevation: Ascent 1040hm - Descent 1140hm
Mountain Hut Stop: Yes
Tour 2: The Prags Dolomites – From the Legendary Lago di Braies High into the Mountains
This tour takes us from one of the most famous lakes in the Dolomites to the alpine landscape surrounding Prato Piazza. The route combines Lago di Braies with a variety of trails and a landscape that changes noticeably with every metre of elevation gained. From Lago di Braies, we initially climb through the forest before continuing into more open terrain. As we climb higher, the views widen and the landscape becomes increasingly alpine until we reach the panoramic vistas of the vast Prato Piazza. Here, long, runnable sections of the trail give us plenty of opportunity to settle into a good running rhythm. The climb is challenging at first, but the route becomes increasingly runnable. On the higher trails, faster sections alternate with narrower ones, offering constantly changing views of the surrounding peaks. This tour has plenty of elevation, lots of trails, and striking contrasts between Lago di Braies and the open landscape of Prato Piazza.
Moving Time: 5.5h
Distance: 15.5km
Elevation Ascent: 1050hm
Descent: 560hm
Mountain Hut Stop: Yes
Tour 3: Alpine Panoramas: Trail Running Along the Ridge Between Austria and the Dolomites
This tour takes us high into the mountains, offering a unique perspective of the landscape around Dobbiaco. Instead of heading straight for a single summit, we spend a long time on the ridges, enjoying panoramic views in every direction. After the initial climb, we follow scenic ridges and alpine trails with ever-changing views of the Dolomites and East Tyrol. Many sections are ideal for running, so we get to enjoy both the views and plenty of trail running. This is a tour where the panorama is almost always with us, and where effort and runnable sections alternate perfectly. If you enjoy spending long periods of time high up in the mountains taking in as much scenery as possible, this is the tour for you.
Moving Time: 4.5h
Distance: 20km
Elevation Ascent: 780hm - Descent 1470hm
Mountain Hut Stop: Yes
Tour 4: Sexten Ridge Run – Summits, Ridges & Fast Trails in the Heart of the Sexten Dolomites
This tour takes us to the Sexten Dolomites, which are renowned for being one of the best areas for trail running around Dobbiaco. After climbing up, we spend a long time above the valley, enjoying impressive views of the surrounding peaks and rock formations. The higher trails consist of narrow single trails interspersed with fast, runnable sections. This is where the tour's trailrunning character really comes into its own: we can run long stretches while enjoying the alpine landscape around us. To finish, we enjoy a real highlight – a long downhill run back into the valley. This sporty route offers plenty of trails, stunning panoramic views and a finale that will give your legs one last workout.
Moving Time: 4.5h
Distance: 16.5km
Elevation: Ascent 620hm - Descent 1050hm
Mountain Hut Stop: Yes
Tour 5: The Hidden Dolomites: Running the Quieter Trails
To end the week, we move away from the hustle and bustle of the well-known Dolomite trails. Instead, we explore a quieter, lesser-known side of the region without compromising on varied trails and impressive landscapes. The route follows long trails through alpine meadows, offering wide views of the Puster Valley and the surrounding mountains. Alternating climbs and longer runnable sections ensure there is still plenty of trail underfoot, even on the final day. Following the previous days' activities, this tour offers a slightly more relaxed finale, while still being sporty and varied. And, of course, we cannot finish without a great downhill run: long trails will take us back to Dobbiaco, bringing our five days of trail running in the Dolomites to a close.
Departure Day: Goodbye Dolomites – Until the Next Trail
After five days of trail running, our week together in Dobbiaco comes to an end. After breakfast, we will depart individually, with tired legs and hopefully lots of motivation for our next mountain adventure.