Welcome to the Self-Guided Dolomites Running Vacation.

Every self-guided running vacation comes with a carefully crafted itinerary for the travelers - their interest and fitness levels. On a 7-day running vacation, we craft an itinerary that allows runners to see the five most spectacular runs in the entire Dolomiti range while staying in cliffside multi-generationally owned Italian rifugios.

READ THIS: Packing (light) tips for your next adventure 

GENERAL THINGS TO CONSIDER 

*This is an active trip with lots of time outdoors, but there will also be a couple of nice dinners - pack at least one appropriate outfit for those.  

*Any type of luggage is fine, but remember: no one ever wishes they’d brought more stuff! Stick to the essentials and pack only what you need. If your luggage is too big or too heavy for you to carry it all yourself, it’s too much stuff!

*Have some sort of ‘day bag,’ whether it’s a small backpack, messenger bag, etc. It should be big enough to carry money, a camera, a water bottle, and a jacket – something you can keep with you in the vehicle.

*Please do not expect any proper laundry opportunities during the week! Our final hotel may be able to arrange something for you, but it's not guaranteed.  *You'll often be finishing a run with lunch at a hut, and will likely want to have a good and portable set of warm/dry clothes to change into  

CLOTHES

*2-3 pairs running shorts + 1-2 pair running tights or pants

*2-3 short sleeve running shirts/tank tops + jog bras and 2-3 long sleeve running shirts

*2-3 non running shirts/tops

*2 pairs pants or jeans or skirts

*1 warm jacket (down or fleece)

*1 waterproof rain jacket (can double as a running jacket - please ensure that this is fully *waterproof*)

*1 lightweight jacket or pullover

*Underwear

*1 set of sleepwear

ACCESSORIES + SHOES

*1 pair trail running shoes + 1 pair sandals +  1 pair non-running shoes (note that you will be required to have a pair of 'indoor' shoes at the rifugio; running shoes cannot come inside. Sandals will do the trick)  

*5-6 pairs socks 

*Running hat *Warm hat/beanie

*watch / charger

*Sunglasses

*Day bag

*Shower towels are provided by the hotels but please bring a small pack towel for sweat/rain.

*Gloves 

*Hydration pack (mandatory!); you should be able to carry drinking water (minimum of 1L, though 1.5L is better), extra layers, rain gear, camera, etc.
*Poles (optional): can be helpful on steep climbs and descents, especially for those with knee issues. Previous runners were happy to have them! 

TOILETRIES 

*Shampoo/soap/conditioner 

*Toothbrush/toothpaste

*Brush/comb

*Few travel packages of kleenex and/or wetwipes (emergency/backup TP)

*Feminine products

*Razor

*Contacts/solution if needed

*Sunblock

*Moleskin or bandaids – we’ll have some of this for the group, but blisters are a common problem and it’s good to have some of your own on hand

*Any other medication you may need (we will have a basic first aid kit for the group)   

DOCUMENTS

*Passport (US citizens must have 6 months validity when you enter Europe)

*1-2 credit/debit cards (make sure to call your bank the week before departure and tell them the dates that you will be overseas, and make sure to tell the that you will be in Italy along with any other stops that you have planned. This way they won’t put a security hold on your card).

OTHER STUFF  

*Phone/camera + charger

*Books/tablet

*Journal/pens if desired

*a few large ziplocs (useful both for waterproofing your phone in the rain, and to carry out any toilet paper you may use on the trail)

*Ear plugs if you are a light sleeper/your roommate snores *Electrical adapter: you'll need the European style with two round prongs, like this