The Dolomites are a true paradise for trail runners. The trails here are smooth and accessible and the landscape offers imposing mountains, peaceful villages and wildflower meadows. Here, Italian, Austrian and Ladin cultures merge in the small, scattered villages that dot this mountainous area of Italy. In this Collection, I’ll take you on an extraordinary adventure through a large portion of the Western Dolomites from Bolzano to Selva, in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige.

I designed the route to be the best of two worlds: it combines endurance and mountain running, whilst retaining the feel of a hiking experience. The route covers a total of 110 kilometres (68 mi), divided into four well-balanced stages. This experience should be a good introduction to multi-day running in the mountains, often called ‘fastpacking’. Oftentimes, if you feel your legs are screaming with fatigue, you’ll have the opportunity to take a cable car and thus shorten your distance.

The alpine landscapes are breathtaking. You’ll witness the majestic earth pyramids in the Rivelone and Castro, as well as the Alpe di Siusi, the largest high-altitude Alpine meadow in Europe., a real treat for trail running. Several lakes dot the landscape and you’ll reach the spectacular Sassolungo Fork, the highest point on the entire trail.

To lighten the weight of your rucksack, each stage ends at an alpine hut or a small mountain town where you’ll find accommodation, showers, and food and drink. Of course, a good pair of trail shoes is essential. I highly recommend wearing warm, waterproof layers to deal with the frequent weather variations in the high mountains.

The best time to embark on this adventure is from late June to mid-September when refuges are open and the weather is most favourable. Avoid the colder seasons when snow may make your journey difficult and dangerous. Given the limited availability of places in the refuges, it’s essential to book your overnight stays well in advance. Each day, you’ll pass by several refuges where you can stop for a hot meal.

The most convenient way to reach Bolzano, your start point, is by train as it’s well connected to all major Italian cities. At the end of your run in Selva, you can take a bus back to Bolzano.

Grab your rucksack, lace up your shoes and enjoy your trail running between the Sciliar and Puez Mountains. Enjoy your run!