Read what our clients have said about us:
“We would give you and Trek Mountains 6 out of 5 stars! I think the highest you can get is 5, but we would give you 6! We look forward to coming back to the Dolomites and we will contact you. We have given your contact info to a few of our friends.”
Mary Ellen and I had a fantastic time in the Dolomites. Your arrangements, directions, recommendations and maps were “spot on!” The weather was to be expected in the mountains: sun, rain, snow, clouds. We had it all. The refugios you selected and the accommodations were perfect. Food was good and the beer cold! Even the basic house red wine was good.
The amount of time on the trails between the refugios was just right. The Dolomite scenery was spectacular. trekMountains did an excellent job of providing maps, directions, refugio and hotel arrangements.
- Hotel accommodation 5/5
- Local transport arrangements 5/5
- Choice of mountain accommodation 5/5
- Cleanliness of mountain accommodation 5/5
- Food 5/5
- Accuracy and ease of use of walking instructions 5/5
- Pacing and routing of itinerary 5/5
- Value for money 5/5
Harold & Mary Ellen Mullins, USA, trek: self-Guided Alta Via 1 Full Trek, Dolomites, Italy.
“The whole thing was just so well organised – the only effort involved was what we put in to starting and completing the routes.”
” I will treasure memories of the scenery, lovely people, the food – perfect.”
- Hotel accommodation 5/5
- Local transport arrangements 4/5
- Choice of B&B 5/5
- Cleanliness of B&B 5/5
- Food 4/5
- Accuracy and ease of use of walking instructions 4/5
- Pacing and routing of itinerary 4/5
- Value for money 5/5
Martyn Grover, UK, Self-Guided Amalfi Coast, Italy.
“” The whole thing fulfilled our expectations and requirements. I have known about Trek Mountains for many years and been on a previous trek so knew I could trust Ann and her recommendations.”.”
Great location for accommodation which enabled all of the walks with ease. No stress.
- Hotel accommodation 5/5
- Local transport arrangements 5/5
- Accuracy and ease of use of walking instructions 5/5
- Pacing and routing of itinerary 5/5
- Value for money 5/5
Les Owen, UK, Self-Guided Amalfi Coast, Italy.
- Accuracy of pre-trek information 5/5
- Service from trekMountains office 5/5
- Hotel accommodation 4/5
- Choice of mountain accommodation 4/5
- Cleanliness of mountain accommodation 3/5
- Food 4/5
- Accuracy and ease of use of walking instructions 4/5
- Pacing and routing of itinerary 4/5
- Value for money 5/5
Jacob Bracha, Israel: self-Guided Alta Via 1 Full Trek, Dolomites, Italy.
“This was an excellent well organised trip from initial booking to the conclusion of the trip. Hence we are doing another trip with yourself.”
“The best thing about the trip was being high up in the Dolomites for most of trip and stopping in Rifugio which are generally far superior to those in France & Switzerland both in terms of accommodation and definitely food.
We will remember being in the mountains every day. We have spent time in the Dolomites on a motorbike and it was good to actually get deeper into them on foot.
If you are thinking of doing this trek, if you like beautiful mountains and good food, just do it. This trip is too good to miss.”
- Hotel accommodation 5/5
- Mountain accommodation 5/5
- Food 5/5
- Accuracy and ease of use of walking instructions 5/5 – When I spoke to Andy and Lisa after their trek they also made some constructive comments on how to improve the walk instructions 🙂
- Pacing and routing of itinerary 5/5
- Value for money 5/5
Lisa Breeze and Andy Woosman, UK, self-Guided Alta Via 1 Full Trek, Dolomites, Italy.
Lisa and Andy have now booked with trekMountains to return to the Dolomites for an Alta Via 2 self-guided trek.
“Thank you Ann – I will always treasure my memories of this walk with you and the group”.
“If you love walking on mountains this is the best.
Six days of pure walking pleasure in an extremely beautiful environment staying in mountain top refugees in a comfort that would not be expected – with a wonderful group.
The leadership of the group was most significant. Ann is an excellent leader, who very quickly assessed the group skills and experience and worked this into the daily routine to the satisfaction of all. Her ability to read the needs and satisfy these was notable. The route and views of AV1 were amazing and Ann was able to name, describe the locations and provide some history – a valuable addition.”
- Hotel accommodation 5/5
- Mountain accommodation 5/5
- Food 5/5
- Pacing and routing of itinerary 5/5
- Appraisal of trek leader 5/5
- Value for money 5/5
Les Owen, UK, Guided Alta Via 1 Trek, Dolomites, Italy.
“The scenery is absolutely stunning, the people super friendly and all and all I’d say we had really good weather”.
Highlights/Lowlights:
“The hike from Fanes to Lagazuio over Forcella dl Lech. This may have been everyone’s favorite day…this hike is amazing and everyone absolutely loved coming down the pass….we were amazed at the trail.
The hike out of Lagazuoi – Between the 6 of us we took 3 different ways – One person took the tram (cablecar) down, 3 went down the tunnels and two of us, including myself, hiked out. It was great to have so many options.
Best lunches – Da Strobel – on the hike out of Lagazuoi and Rif. Coldai
Breakfast was a little leaner in regards to the selection the further south we went which wasn’t a total surprise.
Favorite lodging – The place in Cortina was really really nice and the one at Staulanza…it was perfectly timed in the hike and it rained that afternoon so it was nice to be indoors…the food was excellent there. I loved Nuvolau that location was really hard to beat and same with Lagazuoi.
I wouldn’t be surprised if you hear from us again there was a lot of talk about what a great trip this was and how we might need to make this an annual trip :0
Again thanks for everything it really made it easy and enjoyable for all us.”
Renee Rivera, American. Alta via 1 Self-guided trek, Dolomites, Italy.
“Not a cheap trip, but to walk and climb in such a pristine environment was a privilege, that I’ve not found in any other of the mountain ranges that I’ve visited”.
“The most abiding memory of the trip for me will be summitting Qaqqaq Aoife. The best thing about the trip was walking/climbing in virgin territory with two knowledgeable and competent guides”
- Hotel accommodation 4/5
- Mountain accommodation 5/5
- Food 5/5
- Pacing and routing of itinerary 5/5
- Value for money 4/5
Charles Masters, British. Greenland Unclimbed Expedition.
Charles is a regular trekMountains client, and he requested that we put together a trip in Unclimbed Peaks in Greenland for him. He has climbed extensively in the Himalaya and has trekked the Alta Via 1 and the Alta Via 2 in the Dolomites with trekMountains. He is now booked again with trekMountains to trek on Kilimanjaro.
“It would be difficult to criticise any aspect of the trip and most unfair on the guides themselves. It was superb in every aspect”.
“The organisation and attention to detail inspired confidence and was very reassuring. Thanks to all involved in the organisation.
If you are thinking of doing this trip, ensure that you are fit. The terrain is physically demanding and a high level of stamina is required to be able to keep on going. No specialist skills are required – the guides supplied excellent on the spot training but a head for heights is essential. However these points aside, the rewards are tremendous! The terrain was awesome!”
- Hotel accommodation 4/5
- Mountain accommodation 5/5
- Food 5/5
- Pacing and routing of itinerary 5/5
- Value for money 5/5
Mike Brinkworth, British. Greenland Unclimbed Expedition.
“Everyone must visit the Dolomites. Our trek was relaxed and enjoyable largely due to our leader Ann.”
“I think most people could do this trip with intermediate fitness levels.
The best thing about the trip was the spectacular scenery, the remoteness of the rifugios and the comeradie of the group.”
- Hotel accommodation 5/5
- Mountain accommodation 5/5
- Food 5/5
- Pacing and routing of itinerary 5/5
- Appraisal of trek leader 5/5
- Value for money 5/5
Dianne and David Naylor, Australian. Guided Alta Via 1 Trek, Dolomites, Italy.
Dianne and David have now booked again with trekMountains for a trip to Mt Kenya and Mt Meru in East Africa.
“Do it, amazing 10 days.
The memory I will most treasure from the trip is standing on top of an unclimbed peak.”
- Hotel accommodation 5/5
- Mountain accommodation 5/5
- Food 5/5
- Pacing and routing of itinerary 5/5
- Value for money 5/5
James Masters, British. Greenland Unclimbed Expedition.
“I will treasure the memory of the descent from the Col after Rifugio Fanes to the lake before Rifugio Lagazuoi – it requires a good for heights as it is a sheer drop”.
“You need to be fit generally, you need to have a firm footing, to have done some practice walks to get your ascending and descending muscles warmed up. Our 11 year-old walked it with a backpack with ease. Our teens had no problems. Make sure you stay abreast of the weather as it changes rapidly and be prepared for snow/cold even in August.”
- Hotel accommodation 4/5
- Mountain accommodation 5/5
- Food 4/5
- Pacing and routing of itinerary 5/5
- Value for money 4/5
Brian Fox. Alta Via 1 Trek self-guided, Dolomites, Italy.
“We had the opportunity to do extra activity which was not part of the original itinerary. This gave us a chance to experience walking with harness and the via Ferrata.”
“The walk down the cliff when heading towards Refugio Lagazoui was epic for me.
The memory I will treasure the most was the well planned itinerary, able to experience the different types of Refugios (posh and basic), fantastic sceneries everyday and able to learn so much (ranging from trek information to history of italy and UK) from our trek leader, Ann.”
- Hotel accommodation 5/5
- Mountain accommodation 5/5
- Food 5/5
- Pacing and routing of itinerary 5/5
- Appraisal of trek leader 5/5
- Value for money 5/5
Clarice Er, Singapore. Alta Via 1 North guided trip, Dolomites, Italy.
It is a good duration for a trek and it’s well varied in terms of scenery and rifugios”
“I will treasure the memories of the sunset and sunrise at Rifigio Nuvolau!
The landscape was amazing.
I loved Rifugio Fanes for the comfort and superb food too!”
- Hotel accommodation 4/5
- Mountain accommodation 5/5
- Food 5/5
- Pacing and routing of itinerary 4/5
- Appraisal of trek leader 5/5
- Value for money 4/5
Esther Wong, Singapore. Alta Via 1 North guided trip, Dolomites, Italy.
“Seeing and listening to the Dalai Lama in person on his 79th birthday at the Kalachakra will take some beating! “
“The best thing about the trip was the combination of trekking in magnificent surroundings and the opportunity to experience (something of) the local life and culture. Our guide Tashi was excellent in this (as in every other!) regard, e.g. taking us to the Kalachakra Festival, always being ready to discuss aspects of life in Ladakh, arranging for us to see inside a shepherd’s hut at the summer pasture at Shang Phu.
We will always treasure seeing and listening to the Dalai Lama in person on his 79th birthday at the Kalachakra will take some beating!
Leaving that aside, Nimaling was very special. The approach, the campsite location, the shepherds’ huts, Kangyatze, the view of the onward climb to the highpoint of the trek – and, above all, the time to enjoy all this because of the rest day spent here.
What would you say to someone who was thinking of doing this trip?
Do it now – Ladakh is changing (and we’re all responsible in part for that)”.
Les and Julie Telford, UK – Shang Valley Trek, Indian Himalaya
“I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who was thinking of doing this trip”
“The best thing about the trip was not having to worry about language problems. Having everything organised.
I’ll treasure the beautiful scenery and the way the group worked well together”.
Les Saunby, UK – Alta Via 2 guided trip, Dolomites, Italy
“Go for it”
“I’ll treasure what a good time we all had, I wouldn’t change anything about the trip”.
Steve Ellingham, UK, Alta Via 2 guided trip, Dolomites, Italy
“We will be passing your name on……..I hope that’s OK!”
“Hi Ann
I thought you would like to know that we are all back, well and safe – and extremely happy. The Dolomites were absolutely stunning and we all loved the walking and the refugios. Teddy (who is 7) is already planning to take his children back one day – if his wife will let him!!
Thank you so much for managing to re-organise everything at such short notice. Although everyone said it was the busiest time it didn’t really feel it. We thought Biella was a particularly wonderful refugio but enjoyed all of them in their own way!
We will be passing your name on……..I hope that’s OK!”
Helen Scott, UK family – Alta Via 1 self-guided trip, Dolomites, Italy
(and they did pass our name on, and their friends booked too the next year)
“I wanted to turn straight round and do it again”
“I had a great trip Ann, really loved it all and wanted to turn straight round and do it again. Our trek leader was excellent. I was grateful for every step I had run in getting fit for the trek, though it was
only just enough & I found the altitude tough at the top!
Thank you”.
Jacqui McCloy, UK – Annapurna Sanctuary, Nepal Himalaya
“I’ll treasure the opportunity to have a view of the Berber tribe’s daily life”
“The best thing about our trip was that our local guide enabled us to appreciate the life of the local people in the mountain villages.
What is the memory that you will treasure the most from your trip?
Les: The mix of mountain walking and the culture of the local people
Julie: The opportunity to have a view of the Berber tribe’s daily life”
Julie and Les Telford, UK – Toubkal Circuit, Morocco
“Godfrey was very good also on the safari: knowledge, patient approach – which was rewarded on numerous occasions, not rushing around like so many of the other operators!!”
“The trip was amazing, both trek & safari; physically the hardest thing I’ve ever done ….
All the Rift Valley guys (guides, drivers, cook & porters alike) did a fantastic job, we were very impressed. Both trek & safari were very well organised. Lots of chatter/talk on the trek with Elias & Fransis and the guys (Elli … the waiter/lead vocalist) … considerable education and practice with Swahili … A great bunch of guys!! Great sing song at the final camp on the last morning, led by Elli. Yes, Elias said he’d texted you when we got down.
Godfrey was very good also on the safari: knowledge, patient approach – which was rewarded on numerous occasions, not rushing around like so many of the other operators!!
Will be in touch again soon…”
David & Katie Saunders, UK – Kilimanjaro and Safari, Tanzania
“I’ll treasure being on top of the world at Lagazuoi”
“I wouldn’t change anything about the trip.
The best thing about my trip was – the whole experience”.
John Winton, UK – Alta Via 1 Dolomites guided trek, Italy
“Our 12-day Dolomite trek was spectacular”
“trekMountains put together a challenging but doable trekking itinerary for us. They were flexible and responsive to our needs/abilities. Without their extensive knowledge of the Dolomites and personal experience trekking there, we could never have organized this trip by ourselves. The plan was flawless and the trip was one of our best ever. We were tired but happy at the end of every day on the trail. The scenery in the Dolomites is gorgeous, the accommodations comfy, the trails well-marked, and even the weather in early September was perfect. We live in Alaska and are familiar with beautiful mountains, but the Dolomites are especially scenic. Finally, we were also impressed with the personal care and attention we received from trekMountains when one of our group had a medical problem.”
- Accommodation: 5/5
- Adventure / Activity: 5/5
- People: 5/5
- Food: 4/5
- Equipment / facilities: 5/5
- Sustainability: 5/5
- Value for money: 4/5
William Saupe, Alaska – Private Group Alta Via 1 Dolomites trek, Italy
“She knows what she’s doing and does it well! I highly encourage others to use her services for their travels”
“My husband & I recently did a self-guided trek in the Dolomite mountains in northern Italy with another couple using the maps, descriptions, and itinerary planned for us by Ann Foulkes. It was a fabulous experience DESPITE my landing in an Italian hospital for 3 days after developing a cardiac arrythmia due to a low blood potassium level. The cardiologist did not allow me to finish the final 4 days of the hike. However, I found Ann’s visit to the hospital, her assistance in helping my hiking friends to visit me, and the hotel arrangements as a post-hospital alternative in Cortina to be so warmly concerned and helpful. She knows what she’s doing and does it well! I highly encourage others to use her services for their travels..and trip insurance is essential! :)”
- Accommodation: 5/5
- Adventure / Activity: 5/5
- People: 5/5
- Food: 5/5
- Equipment / facilities: 5/5
- Sustainability: 4/5
- Value for money: 4/5
Marilyn Pierce-Bulger, Alaska – Private Group Alta Via 1 Dolomites trek, Italy
“General consensus was that this was a good trek, among our best”
“General consensus was that this was a good trek, among our best. The weather helped, but it is a wonderful area. Your itinerary fitted us very well and the rifugi were all way above expectations. The food in all of them was excellent, better than the hotels too. The snowy morning at Lagazuoi was actually a bit of a bonus in retrospect. Would like to thank you most sincerely on behalf of all of us for what was an excellent week. Alta Via 2 maybe???”
Roger Murray, UK – Private Group, Variation on the Alta Via 1 Dolomites trek, Italy
“Many, many thanks for a truly unforgettable trek in the Dolomiti”
“Ann organised a superb trek for us here in the Dolomites. She is an excellent and sympathetic leader with a very good knowledge of the area and a carefully researched trip.”
Mike Gray, UK – Alta Via 1 Dolomites guided trek, Italy
“The memory I will treasure the most from my trip is being on top of the world at Lagazuoi”
“The highlights of our trip were the views from Pelling and on the Sikkim trip, the trek up to the Goeche La, the bird-life and getting to meet Tenzing Norgay’s son”.
“Also the visit to the school was great. Pualzhour, our guide, was excellent throughout”
“I highly recommend working with Ann! She is incredibly knowledgeable and incredibly fast to respond to all questions and emails. Ann is incredibly clear in emails and most importantly asked myriad thoughtful questions that truly show how much Ann cares about the details and putting together a trouble-free, fulfilling itinerary based on what was a long list of requests and specifications! Ann is warm, kind, generous, went above and beyond to help us, and I would highly recommend Ann for future adventure and travel bookings!! ”
Annie Wang, Alta Via 1 self-guided trek, Italian Dolomites