Alta Via 1 Self-Guided Hike

Hiking in the Alps is typically possible from mid-June to late September, depending on the snow conditions at high elevations. Many hiking routes cross mountain passes that are located above 2000 meters, so it is important to check the current conditions if you plan to visit in early summer.

Keep in mind that the huts along these routes close for the season outside of this time frame, so it is not possible to plan multi-day tours outside of these months.

We have rated our tours on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being the easiest and 5 being the most challenging. The difficulty level of a tour indicates how fit you need to be and how much hiking is required. All of our Alta Via 1 tours are suitable for people who are regularly active and can hike for about six to eight hours per day.

In addition to the physical demands of the hike, there is also a technical difficulty level to consider. This refers to the skill level required to navigate the path. A level 1 trail is smooth and wide, like a gravel road, while a level 5 trail is uneven and exposed, requiring the use of your hands for balance. Essentially, the higher the technical difficulty level, the more surefooted and skilled in scrambling you need to be.

We recommend booking your tour as soon as possible to secure a spot, as accommodations along the trail tend to fill up quickly. This will help you ensure that you have a place to stay during your trip.

In the event of an injury, it is best to call local emergency services. While you may be in a remote area and unable to continue without further exacerbating your injury, it is important to remember that you will be hiking along popular trails and will not be completely stranded.

However, if you are feeling too tired to continue hiking, you can choose to reroute towards the nearest town along the trail and find public transportation there. Although Alta Via 1 does not pass directly through any large towns, it does pass close to some of them.

Most of the huts along our hut-to-hut hikes are equipped with showers, but their availability may depend on recent rainfall. Keep in mind that mountain huts are not luxurious hotels, so don't expect the same level of amenities. However, they do offer a comfortable and convenient place to rest after a day of hiking.

No. The huts provide blankets and pillows for comfort, but it is a good idea to bring your own sleeping liner to reduce the need for the huts to wash their bed linens every day. If you don’t, you might need to buy one on the spot.

Cell phone reception in the mountains can be unreliable. You may be able to get a signal if you can see a town or if you are near a mountain hut. Even if you cannot get a signal inside the hut, you may be able to get one by stepping outside. Wi-fi is not widely available in the mountains, and is only offered at select lodges.

If you dress appropriately, you can typically complete most stages of the hike even in light rain. However, if a storm is forecasted, it is important to not hike and to wait until the storm passes, even if that means spending an additional day at the hut. This is for your own safety.