We had hoped to drive from Venice to Ortisei and back in 2 days and 1 night-however,after reviewing the many helpful suggestions from you Fodorites my husband is reluctant to do that much driving in that short time.

So now wondered if anybody could suggest a night near the Tre Cime so that we could do a day hike .

Is this something we can do on our own without a guide ? I understand it is a fairly easy hike.

Is it a good idea to stay at the Rifugio Auronzo , or can we get there easily from Cortina, or any other nearby lodging recommendation ?

I am assuming getting to this area is less/or easier driving than to Ortisei ?

Thank you all for always being so helpful.

okoshi,

I'm afraid I haven't done this hike and can't help, but I'll bring this to the top an maybe some who knows will see it.

I 2000 we stayed at Hotel Lavaredo in Misurina and enjoyed it very much:

http://lavaredohotel.it/

Some of the rooms in the building are condos, not hotel rooms.

Misurina has a gorgeous setting, and is below the road to the Tre Cime. We drove to the end of the road where the hike starts, but did not take it. Where it starts out you are crossing rock fall faces. The closest analagous thing I can think of is the trail to Nevada Falls in Yosemite where you treverse rock falls.

I've not done the full circuit, but I've been to this point on the ridge where you can see the North faces: http://www.massimobottelli.it/trekki...avaredo/03.jpg
(that's not my photo, by the way, I found it with Google).

It was a very easy walk from the parking lot. I did it as part of a day trip from Trento, which is much further away than Ortisei or Cortina, and I visited several other mountain passes and viewpoints on the way without being rushed.

Hi

Thanks for the feedback.

It sounds like basing near or in Cortina is reasonable.

We could drive up from Venice, go as far the Falzarego Pass and return to Cortina for the night.



The next day we could go to Tre Cime and return to Venice later in the day.

This may allow us to get a nice glimpse of the Dolomites, get out of the car and have a pleasantly paced trip.

Does anybody have any suggestions for a moderate lodging in Cortina for a family of four ? Thank you.

Okoshi - Here's a good place to start:

http://www.dolomiti.org/dengl/Cortina/cnat/index.html

Cortina isn't big on moderately-priced lodgings though - it tends to cater more for the wealthy. Good luck.

Steve

You are right SteveJames, the hotels in Cortina are not only expensive, many have minimum stays.

Montana has a minimum stay- just checked.

I have emailed a few others and awaiting reply- Victoria Parc, Regina, Olimpia.

Lovisa- the Lavaredo Hotel looks beautiful. Will enquire there also.

Thanks Someotherguy. It sounds like a hike we would enjoy.

Okoshi - You could just as easily stay somewhere else, I think - and still do a great hike.

If you're going up to the Falzarego Pass/ Lagazuoi anyway, it's only another 15-20 mins down to the spectacular Val Badia.

You could stay in San Cassiano, perhaps - or Corvara. Or Colfosco ...

Let me know if I can be of more help ...

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Hi again okoshi,
I agree with Steve...
If your heading as far west as the Falzarego Pass and Lagazuoi cable car anyway, Val Badia is very convenient for your overnight stay. Nicer in terms of Dolomite scenery and village atmosphere, IMO, than Cortina D' Ampezzo.

Paul

Hi okoshi,
Just some info...
For staying in Val Badia, go to this site
www.altabadia.org/summer/contact.asp?L=3
Fill out the form and request a brochure of accomodations be sent to you. We got this sent to us last year and was invaluable.

Paul

Thanks SteveJames and Paul.

My thought about Cortina is that it will be closer to Tre Cime where we'd like to hike after our overnight.

Is the distance from la Villa versus Cortina to Tre Cime not significant ?

Hi,
Cortina is much closer to Tre Cime. Just letting you know that Val Badia is still a good place to overnight (as an alternative to Cortina), as it's only about 25 miles from Cortina. If your plan includes the Falzarego Pass and the Lagazuoi cable car, this sits right in between Cortina and Val Badia.

Paul

Okoshi - If you prefer to stay somewhere easy for the Le Tre Cime a convenient - and possibly less expensive - option would be Misurina. Or one of Cortina's satellite villages e.g San Vito di Cadore or Pocul.

Staying in San Cassiano or Alta Val Badia instead of Cortina would add about 40-50 mins driving time.

Are you fixed on doing the Tre Cime hike? Be aware that there is a charge ...

Steve