MINIMUM IMPACT HIKING IN THE DOLOMITES

Hiking is one of the most pleasant and healthiest outdoor pursuits, but it also requires increasing awareness of the negative impact that it can have on nature and on the landscape. High in the mountains the mantle of humus is often very thin and the vegetation is extremely vulnerable to the damage caused by people walking over it: 3000 crossings of a stretch of alpine field in a year are enough to turn a grassy area into a barren terrain.

Hikers on the High Altitude Trail must do their best to avoid shortcuts to limit the effects of washing away of the waters and prevent unsettling the ground; they must also try not to go off the paths so as not to disturb wildlife, and to reduce noise pollution, particularly when crossing protected areas or biotopes of particular scientific importance. They should not leave rubbish behind, gather mushrooms, berries, flowers or fossils. If you have to light a fire, do so with extreme caution and only in appropriate areas.

REMEMBER THE LEAVE NO TRACE SKILLS

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Use and Impact from Fires
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors
• Other Leave No Trace Considerations