Dolomites Alta Via 1 Complete
- Hike high trails through the towering peaks of the Dolomites
- Enjoy warm hospitality and delicious Italian food in historic mountain ‘rifugios’
- Visit chic Cortina on arrival and Belluno at the end of your journey
- Hear the call of marmots in the Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi
- The sense of achievement in completing one of Europe’s classic long distance trails
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in CortinaYou’ll find pretty Cortina nestled in the heart of the Dolomites. It’s a great place to spend your first night amongst the mountains and to buy any last-minute provisions. Known as the ski and mountaineering centre of the High Dolomites, Cortina offers plenty of restaurants and shops. Reaching Cortina from Venice is easy; there is a twice-daily express bus service.
A friendly and traditional Alpine style hotel which is very popular with walkers. Enjoy the cosy and comfortable rooms, locally sourced produce from the breakfast buffet as well as wifi in the rooms. There is an on-site restaurant serving typical regional dishes, or venture into the centre of Cortina (5-10 min walk) and choose from one of the many restaurants here.
The Hotel Regina is a family-run hotel located in the heart of Cortina d'Ampezzo, serving as the perfect base for your adventures. This historic hotel has recently undergone renovations to meet modern requirements while blending a cozy mountain atmosphere with contemporary design. The spacious rooms provide a comfortable environment and come equipped with all the amenities you require.
Hotel Ciasa Lorenzi, operated by the Lorenzi family, is a unique gem in Cortina d'Ampezzo, offering unparalleled views of the Dolomites and warm Italian hospitality. Nestled in the heart of the city, it is perfectly positioned to bask in the morning sunshine and witness the breathtaking sunset. The rooms are designed for peace and comfort, and guests can indulge in a sumptuous breakfast buffet featuring a variety of sweet and savoury dishes.
After a good sleep, take a scenic bus via Dobbiaco to Lago di Braies (1494m), a spectacular lake and the official start of the Alta Via 1. Stride out from the far end of the lake with the mountains looming high on all sides, walking through patches of dwarf pines to the head of the valley. In clear weather you may catch sight of the three giant monoliths of the Tre Cime.
Your first day on the Alta Via 1 involves a good ascent to Rifugio Biella (2327m) from where you can take an optional hike up to the summit of Croda del Becco (2812m), or continue on the mountain track down to Rifugio Sennes, located at 2126m or Rifugio Fodara Vedla at 2134m, with panoramic views over Croda Rossa (3246m), Cristallo (3221m), Sorapis (3205m), and Tofana (3243m).
Walk to Rifugio Sennes: 10km/6miles, Ascent/Descent: 942m/299m
Walk to Rifugio Fodara Vedla: 12km/7.5mi, Ascent/Descent: 947m/465m
Rifugio Sennes offers accommodation for up to 60 guests in dormitories and rooms with shared facilties, as well as rooms with private facilities. Enjoy the comfort of a family-run lodge with traditional food, lovingly cooked by the owners. The rifugio enjoys panoramic views over some of the most beautiful peaks in the Dolomites: Croda Rossa (3146m), Cristallo (3221m), Sorapis (3205m), and Tofana (3243m). Managed by Erich and Cilla Palfrader, the rifugio was built by the Palfrader Family ‘Corjel’ between 1937 and 1939, and has opened year-round since the 1940s.
Experience the Dolomites, their magic and their rugged beauty during a stay at the Fodara Vedla mountain hut and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Mutschlechner family.
Today’s trek is along an old WWI mountain track, as you follow switchbacks on a 500m descent to Rifugio Pederü (1548m), which is ideally placed for a bite to eat. Admire views of the Sennes and Fanes massifs.
Continue across the Valle di Rudo as the trail then climbs up the Valun de Fanes to reach Rifugio Fanes (2060m), located above the town of San Vigilio di Marebbe, in a karstic limestone bowl in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park.
Walk starting from Rifugio Sennes: 10km/6mi, Ascent/Descent: 568m/639m
Walk starting from Rifugio Fodara Vedla: 8km/5mi, Ascent/Descent: 567m/477m
The Fanes Hut is found in Val Badia, and offers various room types, from en suite rooms through to dormitory-style accommodation with shared facilities (total of 70 beds). The rifugio was built in 1928 by brothers Fritz, Rudi and Alfred Mutschlechner, and is now run by Alfred’s son Max, who has run it since 1978. The rifugio was completely renovated in summer 1996, and so offers a great standard of accommodation with plenty of wood and charming features. The team at the rifugio pride themselves on offering typical Ladin cuisine, with a selection of wines, grappa and liquors are also available, as well as typically South Tyrolean produce.
The history of the Lavarella mountain lodge goes back to 1912, when Mariangelo Frenner of San Vigilio di Marebbe built the first mountain hut, serving as a barn. The Lavarella hut is now run by Hanspeter, his wife Michaela (the chef) and his daughter Anna and her husband Gábor. The lodge was renovated in 1980, 1986 and finally in 1997. The rooms have private washing basins since 2006 and since 2009 there is a Finnish sauna at 2.050 m above sea level with an outstanding Dolomites view for their lucky guests! The kitchen was renovated and modernised in 2013.
Continue along the AV1 passing shimmering Lago di Limo (2157m). As you climb the slopes of the Fanes group pause to admire the views to the southern mountain ranges and Marmolada. Crossing the grassy bowl of the Passo Tagéda, we suggest opting for an easier broad track past the windy slopes of Forcella del Lago (2486m), with a (manageable) steep descent on a path through scree to Lago Lagazoi (2182m).
Here in the Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d’Ampezzo you’ll see remnants of the Austrian- Italian WWI front line. Stop at the open-air ‘Museo all’aparto della Grande Guerra’ with its fascinating interpretation boards. Ascend on a zig-zag path to the Rifugio which lies at 2752m.
Walk to Rifugio Lagazuoi: 12km/7.5mi, Ascent/Descent: 1,065m/450m
Walk to Rifugio Scotoni: 10km/6mi, Ascent/Descent: 535m/609m
Rifugio Lagazuoi was built in 1965 by Ugo Pompanin and has been run by his family ever since. The rifugio offers 74 beds in total with two types of accommodation (all with shared bathroom); rooms on the first floor (some with balcony) are furnished in wood and include bed linen. There are also spacious dormitories with bunkbeds which include a mattress cover and eiderdown (bed linen is not provided – please bring your own sleeping bag liner). Dormitory accommodation is in large rooms. There is a boot drying room.
This delightful hut is a great place to stop for some fantastic food and drink, and also to rest after a day’s walking in the Dolomites. Try the apfelstrudel with cream, which is simply delicious! Rooms are as follows (each has private facilities): 1 x 6-bed dorm, 1 x 5-bed dorm, 2 x 4-bed dorm. Bedlinen and towels are provided. Half board is a set menu. Credit cards accepted. The surroundings of the Scotoni hut were the setting for much conflict between the Italian and Austrian armies in the First World War. Make time to visit the small chapel in honour of all war victims and take the opportunity to learn more about the history of the Dolomites.
Rifugio Col Gallina, set at the foot of Mount Lagazuoi at Passo Falzarego and easily reachable by car, is a wealth of nature, fun, and traditional hospitality.
Starting point of charming hikes in the summer, the Rifugio is just right on the Col Gallina ski slopes in winter.
With a bit of luck, you will experience an unforgettable sunrise in this impressive mountain setting this morning with a cup of coffee on the balcony of the mountain hut.
The day begins with a steep descent to Passo Falzarego (alternatively, you can take the cable car down), where you can discover remains from the First World War along the way. You can then relax on a short, flat section before another strenuous climb.
Walk starting from Rifugio Lagazuoi: 8km/5mi, Ascent/Descent: 503m/685m
Walk starting from Rifugio Scotoni: 10km/6mi, Ascent/Descent: 1093m/514m
Rifugio Averau offers ensuite double/twin rooms in the loft area of the building, with further dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities also available (6 or 10 beds). Downstairs, Paola and Sandrone take turns at cooking, and are well known for their delicious cuisine, which you can enjoy on the rifugio’s wide terrace with its incredible view of the Civetta and the Marmolada.
Behind the Averau hut, pass the impressive rock formation Cinque Torri and the Passo Giau (2,236m). Hike across colourful flower meadows, and lush green alpine meadows await you. It is not uncommon to see eagles soaring high above. The trail continues over stone paths and lush meadows to your accommodation, Passo Staulanza (1,783m), where you can find the best hot chocolate in the Dolomites.
Walk to Rifugio Passo Staulanza: 19km/12mi, Ascent/Descent: 675m/1441m
Walk to Rifugio Citta Di Fiume: 15km/9mi, Ascent/Descent: 560m/1178m
This traditional Rifugio is run and cared for by the Sala family. Offering private rooms and dorms, there is also a Sauna available for use upon request and payable locally.
Founded in 1964, the rifugio’s “Malga” is the typical housing of the valley; the basement is constructed of local stone while the upper part (roof included) is made of wood. The ground floor, with its three arched spaces (rooms), is well-preserved example of a traditional cowshed. A dwelling is thought to have been built here as early as 1600 and appears on maps dating from 1833. The present building dates back to 1924; with further modifications made in 1964 when the building changed from cowshed to Rifugio! Accommodation is in mixed-sex dormitories only.
A rewarding day awaits as you cross lush pastures with views to Monte Pelmo (3,168m), a more accessible option follows a pleasant and peaceful track which then ascends to Rifugio Coldai (2,132m).
Stroll around Lago Coldai and up to a small pass before you drop down into the valley with views of Lago di Alleghe. Ahead you’ll reach the mountain pass, Forcella di Col Rean. The path to Rifugio Vazzoler (1,714m) brings you over several passes as you skirt by the Civetta massif.
Walk starting from Rifugio Passo Staulanza to Vazzoler: 15km/9mi, Ascent/Descent: 861m/914m
Walk starting from Rifugio Citta di Fiume to Vazzoler: 18km/11mi, Ascent/Descent: 955m/1150m
Photogenic Rifugio Vazzoler, with its red roof and shutters, also has an impressive alpine botanical garden. Accommodation is in dormitories. Breakfasts and dinners are simple. Showers are payable locally.
The hut is located on the summit of Col Reàn, 2250 meters above sea level, on the northwest face of Civetta, thus offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Today you’ll walk an undulating path as you first climb steeply to the next pass; Forcella del Camp (1,933m), followed by some straightforward trekking high in the Dolomites. Finally, a mountain road takes you down to Passo Duran. Both the Rifugio Passo Duna C Tome and Rifugio San Sebastiano are located here (1,605m).
Ascent/Descent: 953m/1082m
Rifugio Passo Duran ‘C Tome’ offers a warm welcome, with rooms in dormitories as well as double/twin rooms. Please note that there are two rifugios at Passo Duran; C Tome is the first one that you will come to.
Rifugio San Sebastiano has been recently constructed in a traditional chalet-style, offering double/twin rooms (some with bunk beds) with shower and WC. It is nestled between two beautiful valleys, and along the Zoldana Agordina on road SS347. There is a small shop and a lovely café bar, as well as a wonderful fireplace where you can relax at the end of the day’s walking. Please note that there are two rifugios at Passo Duran; San Sebastiano is the more ‘traditional looking property’ and you will walk pass Passo Duran ‘C Tome’ to get to San Sebastiano.
After breakfast, set out on trails that feel more remote than before, with ever-impressive alpine vistas. Today you’ll be walking via the Forcella del Moschesin (1,950m) and up the rocky western slopes of the Cima de Zita.
You are now entering the Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi, the wildest of the national parks on the trail and with a good chance of spotting deer and marmots. A vibrant orange lily flowers amongst the grass, rocks and shrubs.
In one or two places you’ll find the gradient particularly steep, and the ridge path to the day’s highest pass at 2,451m feels somewhat exposed. Enjoy glimpses of the Venetian plain. Descend sharply to Rifugio Pian de Fontana (1,632m).
This is a lengthy stage with a steep descent at the end of the walk. It is possible to split today’s walk in two by staying at Rifugio Pramperet (1,857m) if you prefer—please talk to our experts.
Ascent/Descent: 1,099m/1,031m
This is a simple but homely rifugio, with 32 beds in dormitory-style accommodation. There’s often a roaring fire which goes well with a tipple of grappa!
As you descend the twisting mountain track back into civilisation, find time to reflect on the incredible vistas, wonderful food and wine, and unique characters you’ll have met along the Alta Via 1. The final stage of your walk is via Rifugio Bianchet (1,245m), through woodland dotted with boulders and tiny cyclamen, to meet the road at La Pissa, from where you can take a bus (30 minutes) to Belluno.
Belluno is the perfect town in which to end your long distance trail. With its compact size, you will enjoy a leisurely stroll around the cafés and boutiques of the old town.
Ascent/Descent: 480m/1,672m
The Cappello e Cadore Hotel is a popular 3* star hotel with 32 rooms which occupies a fantastic location in the heart of the historic centre of Belluno. You’ll find it nestled between the central Martiri and Piloni piazzas. Rooms have aircon, TV, electronic safe, minibar, hairdryer, and there is free WiFi in the lobby.
After breakfast, you can take a train from Belluno (via Conegliano) to Venice—just a 1h50mins journey, or continue your travels in Italy!
This trip has a carbon score of 9kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 9kg is equivalent to 5.5 avocados. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?Experienced hikers will love this classic long-distance trail through the stunning high peaks of the Dolomites. You should be sure-footed and have a head for heights to really get the most from this trip. It is not suitable for people suffering from vertigo. There are two particularly long days on this trip; Day 8 & Day 9 where you can expect to be walking between 8-10 hours each day. We can split these days up if you prefer, please see the detailed itinerary for more info. You should be prepared to stay in remote yet charming ’Rifugi’ - these mountain huts give a great sense of camaraderie, with dormitories, and the option at times to have a private room. Great food, good company, and mouth-watering scenery, so….andiamo!
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Hut to Hut Walking | Walk from hut to hut, changing accommodation each night
Groups > 10
The minimum age for this tour is: 18 Years
This walk is graded strenuous, due to the days where you have to carry your own pack, although grading is often subjective. It includes daily walks of between 9 and 16.5km with ascents of up to 900m, and descents of up to 1300m. You’ll be following switchback footpaths, country lanes, both narrow and wide tracks and rough mountain paths. You should be prepared for rocky and loose ground and unavoidable narrow paths across scree slopes. We have deliberately avoided routes involving Via Ferrata. Some of the ascents and descents are considerably steep and some can be exposed so require a good head for heights and sure-footedness in places. It may be possible to split some of the longer days of the itinerary, please see the detailed itinerary for more info. You should have a good level of walking fitness to get the most from this trip and be an experienced mountain walker.
We specifically select your rifugi to give you a taste of warm Italian hospitality and so that you are able to join in the camaraderie with your fellow walkers. For the first and last nights of your tour, you will stay in a friendly 3* hotel on a breakfast basis. In Refugio San Sebastiano only breakfast is included, but you can buy dinner locally at the refugio. For your remaining hut nights you will stay on a half board basis in mountain huts - ‘rifugi’. They offer comfortable accommodation and good local food and drink. Some of the rifugi are more basic than others; they are a mixture of CAI (Italian Alpine Club) and privately-run properties.
Hut accommodation is booked in mixed-sex dormitories made up of alpine-style communal sleeping areas or in bunk beds. We can sometimes book private rooms in the huts on a double occpancy basis only (some with shared facilities and some with en suite) and where this type of room is available this is noted against each accommodation; this 'room upgrade' is at an optional supplement. However, please note that private rooms in the mountain huts are in demand and extremely limited. If you wish to ask for a private room you need to BOOK EARLY. While we are always happy to request, it may not be possible to reserve private rooms in the mountain huts, and their lack of availability is not an accepted reason for cancellation. You must be comfortable with dormitory accommodation before booking your Alta Via 1.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This trip is not available to solo hikers due to the remote terrain. For singles traveling in a larger private group, single rooms are not available except on the first and last nights (in hotel accommodation). A supplement for a single room in the hotels is required.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning. Dinner is not included in Cortina or Belluno as there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Whilst staying in the rifugi dinner is included (excluding drinks). Dinner is not included at Rifugio Fanes where dinner can be bought locally from an a la carte menu. Meals in the mountain huts are always simple, hearty fare.
- Accommodation for 2 nights in a comfortable 3* hotels (en suite room), and for 8 nights in mountain huts (mixed-sex dormitory accommodation
- 10 Breakfasts
- 7 or 8 Dinners (in the mountain huts/Rifugios), Dinner is payable locally if you overnight at rifugio San Sebastinao.
- Access to maps, GPX tracks, and daily route information with the Macs Adventure App
- 24-hour assistance by phone
- Baggage Transfer from Cortina to Belluno
- Getting to Cortina and from Belluno
- Travel Insurance
- Lunches, dinner in Rifugio San Sebastiano (Passo Duran), Cortina and Belluno, drinks & snacks.
- Public transportation, including buses, trains and cable cars.
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
- Any items not specifically mentioned in the program.
- Day to Day Baggage Transfers
- Additional nights during the trip
- Private room supplement for the rifugios (subject to availability, rooms with either shared or en suite facilities).
- Baggage transfers
- Transfer to and from Venice Airport
Getting to Cortina
By Air: Venice Marco Polo Airport is the most convenient airport, with various interational airlines operating here. The smaller Venice Treviso Airport is serviced by low-cost carrier Ryanair (London Stansted, Bristol, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford).
From Venice Marco Polo airport (or Venice Mestre bus station): it is possible to take the Cortina Express to Cortina (approx. 2h20); departures are twice-daily, usually in the afternoon, so please ensure you check their website for timetables.
From Venice Treviso Airport: From the airport take a bus (approx.12 mins) to Treviso, then from Treviso Sud there is an ATVO bus once a day to Cortina (approx. 2 hrs). Or you can take a bus from Treviso town to Venice Mestre or Marco Polo Airport for onward connections with the Cortina Express (see above). Check the timetable on the ATVO website.
Getting from Belluno
To from Belluno to Venice: From Belluno you can take a train (changing at Conegliano) to Venice Santa Lucia station (approx. 2h30); see www.trenitalia.com for timetables. From here, take a bus from Venice Mestre to Venice Marco Polo Airport (35 mins). See timetable.
To return from Belluno to Cortina: Dolomiti Bus Lines 9 and 30 run between Belluno and Cortina, if you need to return there to collect any additional luggage (we can request if luggage be left at your first hotel in Cortina—subject to prior agreement). Journey time takes just over 1 hr. For timetables, see www.dolomitibus.it/dolomitibus/jsp/orari
Bag transfer is included from Cortina to Belluno so you only need to carry the gear you need for hiking.
if you wish to have your bags moved to the huts, this is available as an optional extra. Due to some of the huts' remoteness, transferring bags to each overnight location is impossible. If you opt for bag transfer, bags cannot be delivered to Rifugio Fanes, Rifugio Sennes/Lavarella, Rifugio Averau/Nuvolau, Rifugio Coldai, Rifugio Vazzoler and Rifugio Fontana. These days, simply carry a few overnight things in your day pack to see you through. If you choose not to opt for baggage transfer, you will need to carry your kit with you each day. Since you are staying in dormitory-style accommodation, you will need to bring a sleeping bag liner (or you can sometimes buy or hire one locally). Bed linen is provided when booking private rooms.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Ninety-nine percent of the time, they will only transfer one bag per person, but the allowed weight ranges from anything between 15 and 20kg per bag, depending on the tour you are taking. We do not have control over the limits that these providers set. Therefore, it is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags, or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees) which we must respect.
Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes standard walking gear such as waterproofs, good walking shoes/boots, sun protection, water bottle and a comfortable backpack with waist strap.
We suggest that you book as soon as your plans are finalized as its a popular trip with a short season and accommodation is limited (particularly private rooms). However, we will always try to accommodate your plans.
Baggage transfer is not included. However on a few nights you can add baggage transfers (at an additional charge) to your tour. Please contact the Macs team to ask which nights it is possible on your tour.
Due to the remoteness of the huts it is not usually possible to take any form of transport between them. The staff at the rifugi will be able to advise you of your best options.
This trip is graded moderate to strenuous and requires good physical condition.You must be used to mountain walking, crossing scree or snowy patches, and challenging ascents and descents to get the most from this trip.
The best time to walk is July to mid-September, with August the most popular month (with the locals too!) and so busier in the huts. It is not unheard-of for snow to fall on higher ground during the summer, and patches of snow may still be present into July. For this reason, we offer the walk starting from beginning of July. July and August are the hottest months and carry the greatest risk of thunderstorms, which can be torrential and usually occur in the afternoon—being well-prepared and equipped for all these eventualities is essential.
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