RUN The DOLOMITES | FAQS
What’s included in the trip cost?
The trip price includes pre-trip communication & guidance, airport transfers, all accommodation, all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7 (one dinner excluded), transportation, drivers, experienced guides, organized runs, gondola tickets, sightseeing entry fees and Rogue Expeditions swag. In short, just about everything is covered from the moment you land until the moment you leave!
What isn’t included in the trip cost?
The cost does not include flight, alcohol, travel insurance, tips or personal purchases. There is also 1 excluded dinner in Cortina, giving you a chance to explore and dine on whatever you wish (suggestions provided, of course!).
Why isn’t the flight included?
Let’s be honest, we are all unique and your schedules (and originating airport!) are no exception. Come early, stay late. Participants will be responsible for booking their travel arrangements and ensuring that they arrive in Venice no later than 12pm on arrival day and depart the same place no earlier than 1pm on the final day. Suggestions and guidance will be provided once you are signed up.
How far do I have to be able to run?
Participants should arrive comfortable with at least an 8-10 mile trail run and prepared for significant elevation gain and loss; though we expect everyone to hike the ascents and there is no pace pressure, the hiking isn’t easy - you will be climbing (and descending!) 12-14,000 ft / 3600-4300m over the course of 5 days.
Please note that this is NOT a beginner-friendly trip and that everyone will be expected to have some experience/comfort with mountain environments, to carry mandatory gear and to arrive prepared to complete the full distance each day (roughly 40 mi / 65km over 5 days with additional walking to/from huts).
Do I need ultra-running experience?
Nope! It’s less about being able to cover a single long distance and more about being prepared for five challenging days in a row and feeling comfortable on mountain terrain (that means rocks, scree, steep climbs, steep descents, occasional bits of exposure and the potential for being out in bad weather). We won’t be doing anything too crazy, but if you’ve never tried trail running or gone hiking in the mountains, this one isn’t the right fit for you.
What sort of terrain will we be running on?
The terrain is primarily a mix of dirt roads and rocky single track trail, with lots of elevation change. Expect to do as much hiking as you do running, and if you are primarily a road runner at home then please, please make a point to spend some time on the trails in preparation. If you don’t have hills or mountains in your area, find some stairs and start climbing!
What time of day will be be running?
We will generally plan to get on the trail mid-morning and finish with lunch, but it’s always possible that weather conditions or other logistical considerations could require an afternoon run. The key is to just relax and roll with it – it’s not about “getting it in,” but rather about exploring a brand new place each day!
What will we do when we aren’t running?
These runs will take up the better part of the day, and will often finish with a mountain hut lunch and sometimes a bit of hiking afterward to reach our vans and travel to our next destination. Otherwise, our time off of the trail will be spent indulging in the gastronomical wonders of Italy, sipping espresso, strolling around town and making a point to catch those magical mountain sunsets.
Can my non-runner spouse/friend come too?
Unfortunately we cannot accommodate non-runners on this trip.
Is this a hut-to-hut trip? What’s the accommodation like?
No, this is not a hut-to-hut trip! While that is a fantastic way to experience the Dolomites, it doesn’t work so well for a group (imagine bad weather preventing us from reaching our next hut) and besides… we know that our people have a particular fondness for hot showers and nice dinners after a big day out! Two nights will be spent at a cozy family-run mountain lodge in San Martino di Castrozza, where we’ll have the whole place to ourselves and you’ll be able to wander around town on foot. One night is spent at a rifugio (because everyone has to experience it at least once!); this particular hut offers wonderful homestyle meals, woodburning stoves, basic but comfortable bunk rooms for 4-6 people and a view from the front door that will blow your mind! Three nights are based in Cortina d’Ampezzo at a stylish boutique hotel right in the pedestrian-only town center.
What is the weather like?
Generally, beautiful! September is the beginning of shoulder season, when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds have begun to disperse. Although it’s common to see bright sunny days with highs around 70F / 21C and lows around 45F / 7C, these are the mountains: rain and even snow up high is always possible, and a cloudy or windy day can have temps dipping to near the freezing mark. All registered participants will be provided with a packing list, and should make sure to follow it!
Can I have my own room at hotels?
Possibly! While single rooms are not possible at the rifugio (the mountain huts are all dorm-style), we will have a limited number of single rooms to offer for the remaining 5 nights once balances are paid and the group mix is set (3 months prior to departure). You can indicate your interest when you register, and we’ll offer any available singles based upon the order in which you signed up.
What sort of food will we be eating?
Food is one of the biggest highlights of the trip! Menus will focus on local specialties and traditions that reflect this Italian and Austrian border region. Meal styles include everything from hearty B&B breakfast spreads (fresh pastries, eggs, prosciutto, cheese, fruit) to al fresco mountain hut lunches to long, multi-course gourmet dinner affairs; highlights include house-made pastas, cured meats, local cheese, goulash, strudel, fresh bread, the very best olive oil, polenta, rich desserts, strong espresso and lots of wine. This is a region that places much importance on quality local ingredients and in taking the time to enjoy them. Prepare yourself for long meals, and come hungry!
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Most common dietary restrictions can be accommodated, but please note that vegan options are extremely limited at the huts and rifugios in this region. If you are vegan or if you have a severe gluten allergy, please contact us before registering to discuss whether this trip is a good fit for you.
What sort of vehicles will we be traveling in?
We will be traveling in clean, spacious passenger vans.
What should I pack?
We’ll provide guidance and a detailed packing list after you sign up, but do note that trail running shoes, a hydration pack, warm layers and good rain gear are required. Poles aren’t mandatory, but are recommended. A friendly reminder: packing light will make everything easier for you (and everyone else)!
How much should I tip?
Your entire trip will be spent with drivers and run guides who will go above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience for everyone. Although tips are not expected, they are always appreciated; the amount is completely at your discretion and any gratuities will be split amongst the team.
What are the entry requirements for entering Italy?
US and Canadian citizens will need a passport with at least 3 months of validity left to enter the EU. Participants from other countries should check with their consulate for entry requirements.
There are no longer any covid-related requirements to enter Italy.
If I change my mind or something comes up, can I cancel?
We know that life happens, and on occasion a participant will have to back out of a trip. As most of our costs are paid well in advance, we have set a cancellation policy that applies to all trips. You should obtain travel insurance to cover potential cancellations on your part.
If you cancel:
Within 30 days of signup (but more than 90 days from departure): Full refund
90+ days from the trip start date (but after the 30 day grace period): Deposits are non-refundable
61-90 days from the trip start date: 50% of total payment refunded**
60 days or less from the trip start date: No refunds
*If you register using a transfer credit, you may transfer again without penalty within 30 days of signup but will not be eligible for a refund
**This only applies to participants who have paid their balances on time. If you do not pay the balance by the due date and cancel after the fact, your deposit is non-refundable.
Can I switch to another trip?
If you wish to transfer your deposit from one trip to another you must notify us at least 120 days prior to your original departure date. A fee of $150 per person will apply and will be deducted from your original deposit. If you notify us less than 120 days prior to the proposed departure date the refund policy applicable to cancellations will apply. Deposit transfers may only be made once, and must be made to another trip departing within 12 months of your original departure date.
What if Rogue Expeditions cancels the trip?
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had never cancelled a trip and we hope that going forward we never have to again. But, it is a possibility and here is what happens if it happens:
If we cancel a trip due to low participant numbers, you will be notified no later than 60 days prior to departure and will receive the option of a full refund or transfer to an alternate trip.
If a trip is cancelled at the last minute due to external events outside our reasonable control (natural disasters, terrorism, etc) we will issue full refunds less any unrecoverable costs. This type of scenario is highly unlikely but always a possibility - get that travel insurance!
You can check out the full Booking Terms & Conditions here.
How do I sign up?
You can find the Sign Up button on the Details page as soon as registration is open. A $600 deposit will reserve your spot, and balances are due 3 months prior to the trip start date. As soon as you register you’ll receive a link to the packing list, destination info, guide contacts and more, then your guide will begin direct group communication about 4 months prior to departure. Spots are first come-first serve, so don’t wait!
I have more questions. Who can I contact?
Feel free to reach out to allison@roguexpeditions.com with any questions!