Don't Deprive Yourself of This
Choosing the Hard Way with Paige Sweeney
The Why
"I love the idea of getting to see things not many people get to by walking.” -Paige Sweeney
There are places in this world that defy convention.
These locations are of such value to humanity that they receive special attention from the international community. By law, they're protected so future generations can enjoy their beauty.
They're known as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A place or structure must meet at least one of 10 criteria to receive this special designation.
These standards include things like representing a masterpiece of human creative genius. The Angkor Archaeological Park illustrates this feat. Stretching 154 miles, Angkor is the world's largest religious complex.
Another criterion is to be an outstanding example of an architectural or technological feat that illustrates significant states in human history.
The Chartres Cathedral in France exemplifies this benchmark. Built-in 1145, the Chartres Cathedral is one of the most authentic and complete works of medieval architecture.
To date, there are 1,199 World Heritage Sites. Each one is worthy in its own right. But perhaps the most breathtaking and mind-altering examples meet criterion seven.
These sites are of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance. 148 sites from 72 countries meet this criterion. The Dolomites are Italy’s contribution.
Consisting of 18 peaks, each rising above 3,000 meters, the Dolomites are some of the best mountain landscapes in the world.
Their beauty derives from their towering peaks. These spires create an all-encompassing feeling. Their limestone walls soar thousands of feet into the air, making you feel like you’re sitting in the front row of a movie theater.
Weaving through the Dolomites is the Alta Via. Split into two distinct treks, the Alta Via 1 is a 77-mile hike through the eastern Dolomites.
You’ll experience 22,000 feet of elevation gain over eight days, so it’s no walk in the park. But it requires no via Ferrata, making it more manageable than its big brother, the Alta Via 2.
Covering almost 100 miles with over 38,000 feet of elevation gain, the Alta Via 2 is a hiker's dream. And one that stops even the most experienced adventurers in their tracks.
"I hiked the Alta Via with a group of four. Three of us came from Alaska—the adventure capital of the United States,” says Paige Sweeney. “We all wanted to experience a new terrain, though. And the Dolomites are just so beautiful. Everything is so big and in your face.”
Paige grew up in rural Iowa. But she craved adventure. And your imagination can only mask the fact you're in corn fields for so long.
After a brief stint in Colorado, Paige found her home in the Alaskan wilderness, where she can pursue her creative passion for adventure photography.
Due to the nature of her creative pursuits, Paige bears witness to the exquisiteness of our natural world. From glacier tunnels to cottages bathed in the Northern Lights, the captivating is Paige’s every day.
So, you might think that one would become numb to it all, but magic and newness still exist. You just have to work a little harder to find it.
On the final day of backpacking, Paige’s group woke up early for a sunrise hike. When these well-seasoned adventurers exited the valley they had been camping in, they were met with something unexpected: an inversion.
A cloud inversion is a rare weather occurrence where the normal temperature distribution is reversed.
The temperature near the ground is lower than it is high in the air. The result is a stunning display of natural beauty worthy of protection, deserving of admiration.
Moments like these are rare. You have to earn the right to see them. But that's the point. Doing hard things is good for you.
"We chose the Atla Via 2 because we wanted something challenging," says Paige. "I love the idea of getting to see things not many people get to by walking. When we saw the inversion, we were all like, ‘Wow…this is outstanding.’"
The Training
Fitness doesn’t have to live in the gym. The gym is a tool that can enhance your experience in nature, but it’s not a prerequisite. Paige and her friends didn’t have a set training regime. But since they use their fitness daily, they were prepared for the Dolomites.
Pursue physical activities you love
Everyone in Paige’s group lives in or near adventure. They’ve created a lifestyle that suits their passions. Because they live so close to the mountains, they’d hit five-mile hikes weekly with three to four thousand feet of elevation gain.
Pro tip
Stretching before and after a hike will prevent injuries and make carrying your back more manageable.
The Food
There aren’t any campsites in the Dolomites. There are several lodges and mountain huts you can use, though. The benefit of staying in lodges is that many have meal options.
Hut meals
The huts that Paige and her friends stayed at included breakfast and dinner. Breakfast consisted of fresh pastries. Dinner was an assortment of three different meal options.
On the trail
Everyone in Paige's group packed trail snacks. The group's go-tos were protein bars. But if you run out, no worries. You pass through towns and other campsites. So you can always refuel.
You pass through several towns and other huts along the way. So, you can grab lunch at one of these stops if you need it (note: most only accept cash.)
Pro tip
Bring liquid IVs 'cause that third glass of vino hits different.
The Gear
Paige’s gear kit
Salt pills
Nalgene
Water filtration system
Pro tip
“The Altra Trail Runner is our shoe of choice when logging miles, and know we have no water crossing (not waterproof). They’re light and feel like you’re walking on clouds.” - Paige Sweeney.
Lessons Learned
Paige, on patience
“I knew I needed to work on it, but I didn’t realize how much. I mean, we’re in Italy. Let’s take our time and enjoy it.”
My $0.02
Which would you prefer?
Taking a bus to Machu Picchu.
Or spending five days walking through the Andes?
One option offers ease and convenience, the other a challenge.
Your destination is the same, but that’s not the point. Doing hard things is good for you. If you always take the easy or convenient way, you limit yourself.
Don’t deprive yourself of what could be. Always do the hike.