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Recommended Walking Time
The best season for walking the suggested trails is undoubtedly
summer, from June until September. Walking the trails in summer
means that one is likely to encounter favourable weather conditions.
On the Dolomites “Alta Via” n. 2 one can also encounter snow
and ice on the ground even in midsummer. This applies particularly
on the alternative route No. 5 of the sixth stage, leading in the direction
of Marmolada (Punta Penía, summit at 3,343m), and also on the
eighth stage on the Passo delle Faràngole, (pass at 2,932m) and in the
surrounding area.
The hiker should always have climbing aids such as climbing irons,
which are normally light and can be carried in a rucksack, and use them
as soon as they find themselves on a path covered with snow and ice.
In this case, the use of a pickaxe and a light rope is often necessary
to secure less experienced walkers. After all, an accident is a bad
experience for every alpinist.
Equipment
Every mountain hiker must pay special attention to his equipment.
The market offers endless varieties of products of all different
types, colours and technical specifications for every season. In a
number of specialised shops experts are on hand to advise the hiker,
allowing for a thorough preparation. Nevertheless, here are a few of
our own recommendations:
The choice of the right clothing such as underwear is very important:
Traditional clothing made of wool or cotton has been replaced
today by synthetics such as polypropylene, which are often mixed
with polyester fibres or other newly developed clothing material. This
helps sweat to evaporate and keeps the body dry by managing perspiration.
(textile and clothing research is constantly developing and by
the time this guide is published new materials will have appeared).
Grandma’s hand-knitted woollen socks are a thing of the past.
Today, textiles made from synthetic materials are commonly used
and have the advantage of keeping the body warm and being breathable.
Many hikers use a pair of very light nylon stockings that offer
protection to the skin and support the muscles.
One should pay special attention to the choice of walking shoes.
Light walking shoes will suffice in the southern part of the path but
on the snow-covered mountains in the north, robust hiking shoes
such as alpine hiking boots are more suitable as you can attach crampons
to give a better grip on hard-packed snow.
Sunglasses are absolutely essential when on snow-covered areas.
Trousers: today, plus fours (shorts) are only worn in Italy for
example by deeply nostalgic people who value customs and traditions,
yet in other countries they are far more common. Today, longer
trousers are probably better as they are lightweight, flexible, have
many pockets, are waterproof and available in different high-visibility
colours etc.…
Classic, heavyweight wool shirts are also a thing of the past.
Today, clothing made of synthetic fibres, such as pile fabric or new
functional and smart textiles, are more suitable. They are made of
materials that have active breathing properties. Pile is an excellent
plush type material, which is light and warm and has been used for
years in waterproof sweaters. Today, the same material is also used
for gloves and caps.
It is not difficult to select a good ‘windcheater’ type fleece jacket.
Those made of polyamide are the lightest and are 100% waterproof
but also highly breathable. Such garments can be very expensive but,
for the less fashion-conscious hiker, good-quality products can be
found at good prices in the end of season sales.
Walking poles (sticks) are light and can be extended and adjusted.
Walking uphill, the walker can save up to 30% of the energy
used without poles. They are imperative for hikers with knee problems
because they partly transfer the rucksack’s load to the arms.
10 FROM BRIXEN TO FELTRE THE DOLOMITES “ALTA VIA” N.2 11