

Luxury Wellness Hotels | Mindful Running | Challenging Mountain Trails | Meadows and Wildflowers | Spa | Gourmet Italian Food
Be prepared for some of the most breathtaking trails you’ve ever run (due to their beauty and elevation) while being pampered in some of the most luxurious four-star hotels of Sud-Tyrol.
You’ll run the trails of the Pale Mountains, as the Dolomites are known, a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserved for its stunning natural beauty with an amazing group of women who, like you, run because of how it makes them feel.
There’s something about running the mountains that feeds the soul. Perhaps it’s the grandeur of soaring peaks or the vastness of the landscape that can shift your perspective about things that are happening in your life. In a place like the Dolomites, those seemingly big problems become minuscule when compared to these vertical limestone mountains.
Every run will be completely different as we explore different natural parks within the Alta Badia region of the Dolomites. At times, we’ll use gondolas to access the valley’s upper elevations in order to maximize our rewards (and views!) while running sections of the area’s most famous trails, the Alta Via 1 and 2. This is a challenging retreat best suited to those with some trail-running experience.
This Retreat is Level III
This retreat is rated Level III. This means it’s suitable for you if:
- You’re comfortable running/hiking six days in a row for around 4 to 5 hours (including hiking sections, water breaks and photo ops).
- You are physically able to hike long uphills and steep downhills on rocky terrain.
- You have experience running on mountain trails.
- You’re OK with running/hiking on trails with loose dirt, rocks and some muddy sections.
- You’re comfortable on high and exposed, and at times narrow, trails.
- You’re game for running in the rain (don’t worry about what to wear; we provide you with a comprehensive packing list).
- You don’t mind sharing a room (single travelers are matched with roommates).
- You have (or are willing to acquire before the retreat) trail running shoes.
Note:
The total run distance for this retreat will be between approximately 42 and 50 miles. Each day’s run in this itinerary is represented by time spent on the trail rather than miles run because the mileage covered will depend largely on your run pace. Faster runners will cover more mileage than slower runners on some days. These run times include breaks to enjoy the views, take photos, eat and drink. The precise route and trails run may change due to changes to trail closures, weather conditions, guide recommendations and other safety considerations.
Note that the footing in the alpine trails can be challenging at times, and you will be exposed to heights, rocky, loose rocky trails and narrow mountain trails. For these reasons, this retreat is for experienced trail runners only.

About Running in the Italian Dolomites
THE ENVIRONMENT
The Dolomites, also known as the “Pale Mountains,”, are a mountain range in the northern Italian Alps covering an area that is shared by the provinces of Belluno, Bolzano, Trento, Udine, and Pordenone. The Dolomite region is characterized by jagged peaks and ridges with scenic valleys nestled in between. The Dolomites is comprised of several natural parks and protected areas that collectively became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 to officially recognize it as “among one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world.”
THE ELEVATION
Our runs take place generally between 5,000 feet and 9,000 in elevation on well-established trails. All runners–not only those coming from sea level–find it necessary to adjust their running pace to account for the elevation. We have accounted for this slower pace in our allotted run times, giving you plenty of time to run and hike at the speed that suits you best.
THE WEATHER
July is the warmest month of the year here, with daytime temperatures usually between 50 and 70 degrees. However, since we’re in the mountains, weather can change rapidly, so we’ll want to have light rain jackets with us in case of some precipitation.
THE FOOD
We’ll dine daily on traditional Ladin/Italian dishes that showcases the Italian’s passion for fresh, delicious food. Some local favorites include Tris di Canederli (three different flavors of farm-style dumplings), speck, a type of cured ham similar to prosciutto specific to South Tyrol, polenta, the “bread of the Dolomites,” and of course, apfelstrudel, an Italian-style apple strudel. Even though menus are heavy on breads, pastas and meat, gluten free and vegetarians will find satisfying alternatives.
THE LANGUAGE
Local residents speak different languages: German is spoken in the north and northwest; Italian in the south; and Ladin in the central area – in the four valleys that branch off the Sella Massif (Val di Fassa, Val Gardena, Val Badia and Livinallongo) – and in Ampezzo. For this reason, you’ll notice the villages, mountains and other landmarks have three or more different names.

Daily Spa Access at Each Hotel
At each hotel we stay at throughout the retreat, you have access to the hotel spas, typically offering access to private relaxation areas, steam baths, infrared sauna, indoor or outdoor pool and hot tubs. Massages may be booked in advance or on site (when spots are available) and are highly recommended, as they can really help your recovery between our runs!

Four-Star Wellness Hotels
Located in the heart of the Dolomites, the Hotel Excelsior offers direct access to endless trails. Hotel Excelsior is a full-serve resort that sets new standards in terms of mountain experience, enjoyment and relaxation. They have created an oasis of well-being which makes you feel like home, thanks to the warm hospitality and professionalism of their family and employees. The property features 64 deluxe rooms and suites that are furnished with high quality and natural materials and will give you the pleasure of a cosy and private atmosphere. Its wellness areas extend over 2.500 m² and include the new Dolomites Sky Spa with a breathtaking panorama infinity pool and different relax areas exclusively for adults, a separate wellness area for families with pools and dress-on saunas, as well as our "Castello di Dolasilla", where you can indulge in various treatments. As a member of the Belvita Leading Wellness Hotels, we are one of the most beautiful wellness hotels in South Tyrol.
POSTA ZIRM CORVARA
For 200 years, the Posta Zirm Hotel, owned by the Kostner family, has provided refuge to wayfarers and adventurers from around the globe. You can spend time recovering from your mountain adventures at the Wellness-Farm, a Feng-Shui sanctuary of well-being that will instantly relax you and restore your mind, body and soul balance.
As your “home away from home,” the Posta Zirm's hotel rooms offer air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a minibar, and free wifi. Guests have access to room service and a concierge. In addition, Posta Zirm Hotel offers a pool and free breakfast, which will help make your Corvara in Badia trip additionally gratifying.
HOTEL TYROL, SELVA
he Hotel Tryol is a Run Wild Retreats' staff favorite, and you'll soon discover why! This luxurious property is nestled among the Gardena Dolomites, surrounded by green pastures, dazzling mountain lakes and shady forests at the foot of the Passos Sella and Sassolungo. After its opening in 1996, the Hotel Tyrol set a new local standard in comfort, in aesthetics and in elegance.
The hotel was built in the traditional Gardena style in which wood, being a natural and traditional building material and design element, plays a main role. The custom-made 50 rooms in elegant, cozy Gardena style were inspired by the fluctuations within the wonderful nature that surrounds us. Untreated wood is featured throughout its design. Elaborate floor plans, warm colors, luxurious fabrics are combined with modern, contemporary furnishings. The large windows and balconies bring the splendor of the landscape into the bright rooms. Each elegant room is elaborately decorated with a solid-wood entryway, and precious stones and mosaics highlight the spa area, giving each part of the hotel an earthy, cozy feel.

Mindful Running Workshops
Learn how to run more mindfully to become a better runner. This includes natural running form clinics duringf which you'll learn about the Power Posture: use proper alignment to make gravity do more of the work. This reduces the muscular force involved with running so it feels easier and less strenuous on muscles and joints.
Focus on efficiency: Use natural running techniques to drastically improve efficiency. You'll practice changing stride length, cadence and tempo on various types of terrain. Then put the pieces together to achieve the ultimate trail running experience. Learn to cultivate the circumstances for flow to occur by being relaxed and mindful.

Klean Kanteen Water Bottle

Transformational Travel Journal
Begin your mindful travel experience before leaving home with the Transformational Travel Journal
This unique journal was thoughtfully written, based on the rigorous multi-disciplinary study by our friends at the Transformational Travel Council. Based on ancient wisdom, mythology, and contemporary science, it is more than a journal, it is an insightful guide to exploring the world, and your own backyard, more mindfully.
We invite you to begin dreaming and designing for your next journey today, from the inside out, learn to Travel with H.E.A.R.T., and Follow the P.A.T.H. Whether it is for you or an intrepid friend, this wise investment in travel will not only be life-affirming for the traveler but life-enhancing for others, and our civilization.
This journal guides into a deeper connection with yourself, with others, and the world around you. It also encourages time and space to reflect and make meaning of the experiences you have, and thereby, fostering a more intentional, virtuous, and heart-centric life while contributing to a more ethical, empathetic, equitable, and ecological world.
Transformational Travel is inherently about leaving our comfort zone and returning with new perspectives. It is a catalyst for growth, change, and positive impact. Price includes shipping. (A surcharge may apply to international orders.)