Some growth simply cannot be discovered until you are bold enough to unshackle yourself from your comfortable trappings and push yourself further than you ever thought possible!
Is your spirit longing for a life-changing adventure with the Lord?
Encounter Dolomites is an epic pilgrimage through the staggering landscapes and surreal beauty of northern Italy. Trek the world-famous Alta Via trail system, stay in charming alpine huts, and experience God and His creation in a way you never have before.
Every mile offers an opportunity for perseverance, reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth. Along the way, trekkers will be guided through Solace’s 4-part pattern for spiritual renewal—challenging your body, mind, and spirit and inviting God to meet you in the journey.
The Adventure
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Approx. dates: July 19–31, 2027
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9 days of trekking
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55–65 miles hut-to-hut through the Dolomites
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5–9 miles per day, with elevations from 4,000–8,800 feet
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Stay each night in charming alpine huts, with breakfast and dinner included
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Fly into and out of Venice, with an additional day in Venice at the end
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Approx. cost: $4,300 early registration / $4,700 regular registration, plus discretionary funds
Registration deadlines:
Early: March 1, 2027
Regular: April 15, 2027
See FAQs below.
All details are preliminary and subject to change.
Zoom option available
- "Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things..." 1 Tim. 4:7. There is so much value in immersing the whole self - body, soul, and spirit - into a singular focus. As we prepare, train, and strive to navigate these mountains, our spirits will be striving in tandem toward God. We will discipline our bodies as well as our spirits to truly avail ourselves to the Lord. This experience can change your life!
Why are we doing this?
- A self-guided trek along various routes of the Alta Via system through the Dolomite mountains in Northern Italy. We will hike 55-65 miles at elevations ranging from 4,000 ft. - 8,800 ft. Average 5-9 miles per day. Each day, we will focus on elements of Solace's pattern for spiritual renewal. As we push our bodies along the path, our spirits will strive toward the Lord!
What will we be doing?
- Tentatively scheduled for July 20-31, 2027, though we'll discuss with our group possible dates in September when it is cooler and less crowded.
When is the trip?
- Early Registration will cost approx. $4,300. Regular Registration will be approx. $4,700. This covers all lodging, airfare, other transportation, most meals, and our logistics service company. Expect some meals, incidentals, tips, and discretionary expenses. Some excursions will incur additional costs.
What will the trip cost?
- Strenuous, but not technical. We'll trek 9 days. The other days are for tourism and travel. Average 5-9 miles per day with plenty of elevation gain. This trek requires a high level of fitness. Be prepared to train for a minimum of three months prior to the trip to ensure adequate fitness and healthy weight.
How hard is the trip?
- We will utilize a self-guided service company who will coordinate all of our travel, lodging, meals, and transportation. The Alta Via system is well-marked, so a personal guide is not necessary. We will each carry our own gear including clothing, personal essentials, and a daily lunch. No tents or bedding required. Packs should be around 40-50L and weigh around 15-30 lbs.
Will we have guides and porters?
- Each day, we'll observe various spiritual practices like prayer, scripture, meditation, silence, and fellowship. We will focus on Solace's 4-part renewal process: AVAILING ourselves fully to the Lord, REPENTING of worldly thoughts and actions, RECEIVING whatever the Lord has for us, and ABIDING in Him.
What does the spiritual renewal part look like?
- This is a hut-to-hut hike. Our accommodations will be prearranged. We will stay in charming alping huts where we will have breakfast and dinner and meet other trekkers from across the world. Some huts will have private room options while others might have a dormitory-type arrangement.
Where will we be staying?
- Your primary gear need will be footwear, proper clothing, and a mid-size backpack between 30-50L. While you don't need a sleeping bag, a bag liner is ideal. Trekking poles are helpful.
What kind of gear will I need?
- Yep! Our plan is to add one day to the end of our trip for rest, reflection, and an opportunity to see the famous city of Venice!
Will we get to tour Venice?
- This adventure is designed for men & women 16 years and older in excellent shape by application only. This spiritual renewal retreat is designed to draw Christ-followers closer to God with the help of the Holy Spirit. This part is essential. If spiritual renewal is not of the highest importance to you, we are happy to direct you to regular outfitters for a more traditional trekking experience.
Who can go?
- While I wouldn't describe this adventure as "dangerous," participants should be cognizant of the inherent risk. There are no technical climbing elements, and there is very little exposure to falls. But 55-65 miles of uneven terrain over 9 days including significant elevation gain involves a high physical demand. We take every precaution we can to ensure participant safety, but risk cannot be eliminated. Every participant must acknowledge and accept that there is inherent risk of serious injury, illness, and death while trekking, and remote Italian medical services might not match the standards to which you are accustomed. That said, you might conclude that the risk is worth it!
Is this safe?