Dolomites small group hiking vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Activity - As a hiking vacation, the daily activity is inherently carbon free and it is good for your health!

Transport - Careful thought went into planning the route to reduce its dependence on transport. Where we need transport, we will use public buses and cablecars rather than private taxis. It requires only 2 short luggage transfers and we employ electric vehicles where possible for this purpose. We have also planned to start and end the tour in locations that are easily accessed by public transport, avoiding the need to hire private transfers. Furthermore, if you travel to and from your vacation entirely by public transport, we will gladly refund you 5% of the trip cost! If you must fly, don’t forget to look for flight connections that use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to reduce your flights carbon emissions by up to 80%.


ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Environmental Protection - Our route takes us through two protected Nature Parks, where your expert Guide can educate you on the variety of amazing flora and fauna that call these mountains home. They will also educate you on the challenges that these precious habitats face and demonstrate techniques to minimise your environmental impact.

Accommodation - All of our accommodations have been chosen as the most sustainable options available. Our three mountain huts achieve Level 3 Sustainability Certification employing techniques such as water and waste management strategies, on-site energy production and plastic free operation to reduce their environmental impacts. Of course, each hut is only reachable on foot, therefore minimising the local traffic and preserving the quiet, idyllic nature of the surrounding area. The three hotels that we visit are similarly sustainably minded, growing their own or sourcing local ingredients, generating their own or buying 100% renewable energy and renovating with sustainable building techniques. The first hotel that we stay in has its own farm where they are dedicated to the conservation of rare breeds and they amazingly know each of their animals by name!

Food - Beyond our accommodation providers either growing their own produce or sourcing it locally, the traditional food of the alps is typically vegetarian allowing us to guarantee vegetarian options at every meal. Dairy products are entwined throughout alpine life and culture so although not impossible, vegan food can be challenging to find and you might want to pack some extra supplies in case options are limited.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Accommodation - we will visit 6 different accommodation providers during our tour, all of which are owned and operated by local families. These accommodation providers are important employers and are essential players in the local tourism industry. They also support the local economy through purchasing local produce, using local building materials and supporting local artists.

Local Business - There will be various opportunities throughout the trip for you to support local businesses. Ortisei, Selva and San Cassiano are small villages whose shops are filled with locally made produce, clothing and art. There is an optional day for you to do a completely different activity which might involve using a local masseuse, somelier, cheese-maker, paragliding pilot or Mountain Bike Guide. Furthermore, your Guide and Tour Operator is based in East Tyrol, which is less than 2 hours from the trail which lies in South Tyrol.


EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Every effort is made to work with partners who adhere to highest standards, both in terms of quality and welfare for their partners. Family owned businesses are prioritised and each premise is visited to ensure that it meets expectations.

This trip is open to all participants regardless of their sex, age, race or religion. Being an active, physically demanding, walking vacation, it may not be suitable for people with certain disabilities or those who are not sufficiently fit. However, we encourage everyone who is interested to inquire and after a consultation we can help advise as to whether or not this vacation is appropriate for you or put in place measures to be able to include you on the trip if possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have concerns or questions.