In this edition of our mini blog series, we chat with Phil, one of our expert tour leader and longtime hiking enthusiast, about his journey into guided hiking, what makes the Dolomites so special, and how to prepare for our guided trek through this iconic area. 

1. How did you get into guided hiking? 

“I started working in the adventure and guided hiking space back in 1999 when I worked for an overland expedition company in South America. We used to visit mountainous areas through Peru, Ecuador and parts of Patagonia, working closely with local guides. I found that people loved the hiking portions of the tours we delivered the most, and so did I! I returned to New Zealand and started delivering my own hiking experiences for people and I've never looked back.” 

2. How would you describe hiking through the Dolomites? 

“Hiking in the Dolomites is the perfect mix of accessible and adventurous. Well-marked trails take you through everything from wide-open meadows to steep, rocky passes, with jaw-dropping views almost the whole way. Some days are easier, others feel more rugged. Along the way, cosy mountain huts (rifugios) offer a spot to rest, grab a good meal, and soak in the scenery. The Dolomites deliver that rare feeling of real adventure without ever being too far from a warm meal and a great view.” 

3. Is there a trail moment that always amazes you? 

“I'm ALWAYS amazed when I look across to the Sella Massif and then out to the Sassolungo mountain group from Passo Gardena. From this mountain pass, you're standing above two amazing valleys sweeping out below, and in both directions, you're looking at huge, towering steep peaks. The contrast in colours is cool—green meadows, alpine flowers and orange/rose coloured rock towers. Fantastic!” 

4. Tips for preparing for the Dolomites? 

“Certainly—the best way to prepare for a hiking trip is to simply go hiking. I know not everyone has a hill or area on their doorstep—so time on the treadmill, a regular route around your local neighbourhood etc. If you live somewhere that's dead flat, do some incline training on the treadmill with some regularity, and if you live in a place where there's some hills, then take the time to walk up them, get the heart rate going, and condition yourself as much as possible. Thankfully, we don't encounter anywhere in the Dolomites where altitude is an issue, so that's not a consideration, and there's no hours-long steep inclines we take on.” 

5. What’s happening right now in the Dolomites? 

“Right now, the snow from the winter is rapidly melting off, and the green shoots of the alpine meadow grass are coming through. Soon (by early June) the Edelweiss flowers will be in bloom across the meadows, and it'll be glorious! Currently, the weather in the Dolomites is mostly fine as Spring takes hold, and it'll continue to warm up!” 

Why the Dolomites Should Be on Your Hiking List 

The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mountain range in northeastern Italy, known for their dramatic limestone peaks, lush alpine meadows, and culturally rich rifugios (mountain huts). Whether you’re crossing high mountain passes or enjoying a plate of pasta with a view, the Dolomites deliver a unique blend of adventure, accessibility, and comfort. 

• 📍 Location: Northern Italy, spanning the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia 
• 🏔️ Highest peak: Marmolada (3,343 m) 
• 🚶 Best time to hike: June to September for wildflowers, open rifugios, and mostly stable weather 
• 🌼 Flora highlight: Edelweiss blooms in early summer 
• 🌍 Recognition: UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009 

The Dolomites offer the rare chance to feel remote while still being deeply connected to culture, cuisine, and community. Ready to lace up your boots?