Alta Via 1
Trek the entire Alta Via 1 hut-to-hut trail in nine days and check off a major accomplishment
Traverse some of the most scenic locations in the Dolomites on foot
Explore two legendary mountain passes near Cortina d’Ampezzo: Passo Giau and Falzarego Pass
Rest in genuine “rifugios” and savor the delicious traditional fare of the region
Uncover the remnants of World War 1 in the area
Experience Italy's iconic Alta Via 1 starting at Lago di Braies
Explore Cortina and its stunning surroundings on our tour
Marvel at the rock towers of Cinque Torri
Discover the beauty of Tofana di Rozes and Monte Civetta
Catch the sunset in the Dolomites and stay in cozy rifugios
Itinerary
Your adventure starts with a quick bus transfer from Dobbiaco to Lago di Braies, a breathtaking alpine lake nestled amidst towering peaks and steep rock faces in the northern Dolomites. As you ascend towards the Forcella Sora Forno mountain pass, take in the stunning scenery that surrounds you. Depending on your preference and availability, you can spend the night at Rifugio Bella or continue on a gently sloping path until you reach Rifugio Sennes beside the beautiful Senessee Lake.
6.4 km and 930 m of elevation gain / 100 m of elevation loss
The day begins with a descent towards Rifugio Pederu, where a military camp used to stand during WW1. On your way, you will cross a lively mountain stream. You’ll either spend your night here or climb out of the valley to one of the two rifugios up there. The path gradually ascends through a valley enclosed by the surrounding mountain peaks. Upon reaching an elevated plateau above 2000 meters of elevation, you will soon be at your destination for the night, Rifugio Lavarella. It lies on the shores of picturesque alpine lakes.
Berggasthaus Pederü / Rifugio Lavarella
7.6 km and 60 m of elevation gain / 840 m of elevation loss
The first ascent of the day takes you to the stunning Lago di Limo, which is sure to get your blood pumping for the rest of the day’s journey. The path then leads across rocky terrain, mostly flat, until you reach the steep climb towards the Forcella di Lago mountain pass. Be careful during the treacherous descent that follows, as sure footing is essential. Next, you’ll ascend gradually across a rocky plateau before arriving at Rifugio Lagazuoi, which sits atop a ridge at an elevation of 2750 meters. From the rifugio, you’ll enjoy stunning views overlooking the Falzarego Pass.
Rifugio Lagazuoi / Rifugio Scotoni
17.8 km and 1700 m of elevation gain / 530 m of elevation loss
Leaving behind the highest point on the route, the trail winds through a landscape that still bears the scars of the battles fought here during World War I. As you pass through tunnels and former warehouses, the path leads downhill below the towering Tofana di Rozes mountain peak and towards the Falzarego pass. While the pass connects to Cortina d’Ampezzo in the east, you’ll be heading south, following a forest path that takes you past the awe-inspiring rock formations of Cinque Torri. After a while, you’ll reach Rifugio Nuvolau, perched on a ridge with a breathtaking view of the peaks across the valley of Cortina.
9.3 km and 625 m of elevation gain / 780 m of elevation loss
Following the ridge path from yesterday in reverse, you will descend below it and make your way across the picturesque Passo Giau, with its lush alpine meadows and grazing cattle.
From there, the trail will lead you on a meandering path, with rolling hills and expansive views of the surrounding mountaintops. High above everything else, the majestic Monte Pelmo towers with its twin peaks, and you will spend the night at Rifugio Citta di Fiume, nestled in its shadow.
15 km and 570 m of elevation gain / 1200 m of elevation loss
The day’s trek starts with a descent towards Passo Staulanza, followed by a more challenging ascent towards the Forcella Coldai mountain pass. Afterward, you will traverse the majestic Monte Civetta, one of the iconic symbols of the Dolomites. As you gradually descend below 1800 meters of elevation, you will arrive at Rifugio Vazzoler, nestled among the pine trees.
18 km and 940 m of elevation gain and 1130 m of elevation loss
Today’s stage is slightly shorter than some of the last ones, and it begins with a 300-meter descent before climbing to the Forcella del Camp mountain pass on the southern side of the Civetta massif. Steep rockfaces will keep you company from above as you follow the trail to Rifugio Carestiato, lying above Passo Duran, where you’ll descend tomorrow.
9 km and 620 m of elevation gain / 530 m of elevation loss
The day begins with a descent to Passo Duran. Southbound, you will initially follow the road, but not for long. As you climb over the first ridge, a new valley will open up before you and uncover the traversing path beneath the Tamer Grande mountain peak. As kilometers pass, you will feel like you are entering a new world with grassy ridges all around you. You’ll end your day at Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet.
Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet
12.8 km and 700 m of elevation gain / 650 m of elevation loss
Today presents one of the last real challenges of Alta Via 1. Although the path is not technically demanding, crossing Cima de Zita still calls for some added caution, but following that climb, you only have to descend through a funnel-shaped landscape, past Rifugio Pian de Fontana, and continue downwards until you reach Refuge Furio Bianchet, your hut for the last night on Alta Via 1.
Rifugio Furio Bianchet
11 km and 800 m of elevation gain / 1400 m of elevation loss
On your last day, you only need to descend to La Stanga in Val Cordevole, where you can catch a bus to Belluno. The path is not demanding as you will avoid the via ferrata section across the Schiara massif, making this stage a suitable last day to ease you back into life outside the mountains.
6.8 km and 45 m elevation gain / 850 m elevation loss
Self guided
Included in price
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Description
Italy’s breathtaking Dolomites are on full display along the iconic Alta Via 1 trail, which boasts some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the country. While the landscape is undeniably gorgeous, it also carries a somber history. Many areas, like the Falzarego mountain pass, still bear the scars of World War I battles.
Compared to its counterpart, Alta Via 2, this trail is accessible to most hikers and spans 120 kilometres and 6700 meters of elevation across nine stages. From the start at Lago di Braies to the finish at La Stanga, Alta Via 1 provides an unforgettable experience that stretches your limits.
The trail takes you through a variety of scenic locations, including the alpine meadows at Passo Giau, the formidable Monte Civetta, and the rock towers of Cinque Torri. You won’t want to miss a single moment of the stunning sights.
Since much of the trail is away from civilization, you’ll need to stay in the rustic mountain huts, known as “rifugios” for the full experience. These authentic lodges offer homemade Italian dishes and comfortable accommodations for a restful night’s sleep.
Our Alta Via 1 hut-to-hut tour includes rifugio bookings and a precise GPS track of the planned route. Our detailed itinerary includes a daily highlights section, so you won’t miss any landmarks.
Mountaineer Reinhold Messner once said that each Dolomite peak is a work of art. With so much beauty to behold, can you afford to miss this experience?
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