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Alta Via 1
Arrival day: Arrive in Dobbiaco
Your trips starts on arrival in Dobbiaco. This decorative town is in the Sud Tirol style and is on the branch railway line from the Brenner pass. There are several restaurants for dining out.
Hotel in Dobbiaco (breakfast)
Your trips starts on arrival in Dobbiaco. This decorative town is in the Sud Tirol style and is on the branch railway line from the Brenner pass. There are several restaurants for dining out.
Hotel in Dobbiaco (breakfast)
Stage 1: Lago di Braies to Rifugio Sennes
Purple 3 (grade) 9.4km with 920m ascent, 300m descent
Take the bus to Lago di Braies, and then the mountains start immediately above this glacial lake hemmed in by mountains. The local bus takes you there from Dobbiaco. Take to the hillside, steep and loose in places, and climb towards Croda de Becco, an optional 2,810m peak that is a detour on the way to your hut. Views of the limestone peaks open up as the route climbs higher. (We also describe the pleasant cross-country walk to Lago di Braies, an addition for those wanting a fuller day.)
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Purple 3 (grade) 9.4km with 920m ascent, 300m descent
Take the bus to Lago di Braies, and then the mountains start immediately above this glacial lake hemmed in by mountains. The local bus takes you there from Dobbiaco. Take to the hillside, steep and loose in places, and climb towards Croda de Becco, an optional 2,810m peak that is a detour on the way to your hut. Views of the limestone peaks open up as the route climbs higher. (We also describe the pleasant cross-country walk to Lago di Braies, an addition for those wanting a fuller day.)
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 2: Rifugio Sennes to Rifugio Lavarella
Red 3 (grade) 10.1km with 530m ascent, 570m descent
Cross-country is the theme for the next two stages as you cross large areas of upland meadow and rock. Cut across grassy meadows from Rif Sennes before descending in steep hairpins to Rif Pederu. Follow a track up from the road to Rif Lavarella and the surrounding huts.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 10.1km with 530m ascent, 570m descent
Cross-country is the theme for the next two stages as you cross large areas of upland meadow and rock. Cut across grassy meadows from Rif Sennes before descending in steep hairpins to Rif Pederu. Follow a track up from the road to Rif Lavarella and the surrounding huts.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 3: Rifugio Lavarella to Rifugio Lagazuoi
Purple 3 (grade) 14.8km with 1,325m ascent, 630m descent
From Rifugio Lavarella take the track up to a high plateau with the option of climbing up to Forcella di Lech. This exhilarating ascent to the rocky pass is one of the scenic highlights of the trip and offers splendid views of the Tofana and Cristallo massifs. Descend steeply to Le de Lagacio before climbing again to Rifugio Lagazuoi, the highest hut on the trip at 2,752m. From the hut it's worth making the short climb along the Kaiserjägersteig (or Austrian Mountain Troop Path) to the summit of Lagazuoi.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Purple 3 (grade) 14.8km with 1,325m ascent, 630m descent
From Rifugio Lavarella take the track up to a high plateau with the option of climbing up to Forcella di Lech. This exhilarating ascent to the rocky pass is one of the scenic highlights of the trip and offers splendid views of the Tofana and Cristallo massifs. Descend steeply to Le de Lagacio before climbing again to Rifugio Lagazuoi, the highest hut on the trip at 2,752m. From the hut it's worth making the short climb along the Kaiserjägersteig (or Austrian Mountain Troop Path) to the summit of Lagazuoi.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 4: Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Nuvolau
Purple 3 (grade) 9.9km with 710m ascent, 860m descent
Today there is the option to explore the Galleria Lagazuoi, a restored First World War tunnel. The main walk takes you to under the shadow of the immense cliffs of the Tofana de Rozes, before heading into the valley. From Pian dei Menìs, the route climbs back into the hills. Walk near the splendid Cinque Torri (five towers) and onto the bold ridge that holds the Nuvolau hut. This small and simple hut is one the most atmospheric on the AV1. Nearby Rifugio Averau is our comfy alternative, and offers some of the best food on the route.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Purple 3 (grade) 9.9km with 710m ascent, 860m descent
Today there is the option to explore the Galleria Lagazuoi, a restored First World War tunnel. The main walk takes you to under the shadow of the immense cliffs of the Tofana de Rozes, before heading into the valley. From Pian dei Menìs, the route climbs back into the hills. Walk near the splendid Cinque Torri (five towers) and onto the bold ridge that holds the Nuvolau hut. This small and simple hut is one the most atmospheric on the AV1. Nearby Rifugio Averau is our comfy alternative, and offers some of the best food on the route.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 5: Rifugio Nuvolau to Rif Citta' di Fiume
Purple 3 (grade) 13.4km with 390m ascent, 1,040m descent
Retrace your steps down the ridge and skirt underneath it to reach Passo Giau, second of the road passes above Cortina. The hills beyond allow wide open walking over meadows, interspersed with short climbs. At the end of the day, the realm of Cortina is far behind and the Zoldo area looms large. Monte Pelmo is unmistakeable in view with its two summits.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Purple 3 (grade) 13.4km with 390m ascent, 1,040m descent
Retrace your steps down the ridge and skirt underneath it to reach Passo Giau, second of the road passes above Cortina. The hills beyond allow wide open walking over meadows, interspersed with short climbs. At the end of the day, the realm of Cortina is far behind and the Zoldo area looms large. Monte Pelmo is unmistakeable in view with its two summits.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 6: Rif Citta' di Fiume to Rifugio Vazzoler
Purple 3 (grade) 18.2km with 750m ascent, 950m descent
Passo Staulanza is crossed early today, being a wooded road pass. After Rifugio Coldai we pick up a long traverse around the back of Monte Civetta. We walk in and out of rocky hollows, the Civetta always on our left. Rolling downhill at the end of the day we come to Rifugio Vazzoler in its wooded setting.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Purple 3 (grade) 18.2km with 750m ascent, 950m descent
Passo Staulanza is crossed early today, being a wooded road pass. After Rifugio Coldai we pick up a long traverse around the back of Monte Civetta. We walk in and out of rocky hollows, the Civetta always on our left. Rolling downhill at the end of the day we come to Rifugio Vazzoler in its wooded setting.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 7: Rifugio Vazzoler to Passo Duran
Purple 2 (grade) 11.5km with 650m ascent, 760m descent
Today's distance passes quickly on generally good terrain, with short sections of more slow-going and steep walking, and a couple of rocky steps in exciting positions. Several combes are crossed as we round the Southern end of the Civetta massif. Reach the quiet road at Passo Duran and our welcoming hut, with its characteristically Italian menu.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Purple 2 (grade) 11.5km with 650m ascent, 760m descent
Today's distance passes quickly on generally good terrain, with short sections of more slow-going and steep walking, and a couple of rocky steps in exciting positions. Several combes are crossed as we round the Southern end of the Civetta massif. Reach the quiet road at Passo Duran and our welcoming hut, with its characteristically Italian menu.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 8: Passo Duran to Rifugio Pian de Fontana
Purple 3 (grade) 16.7km with 1,085m ascent, 1,050m descent
Enter an area of bold mountains today, at times with a more remote feel than the hills before. The crossing of the Cime di Zita involves a narrow ridge, at the higher end of difficulty for the AV1. Just before the main climb, Rifugio Sommariva makes a good stopping point for lunch. Descend a long, steep and interesting hillside bringing you to a grassy shelf hidden from civilisation. Here sits the Pian de Fontana refuge, a rustic and charming place to spend the night. (This is our second quite basic hut, with dorms and with one cold shower, but the atmosphere is so cosy.)
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Purple 3 (grade) 16.7km with 1,085m ascent, 1,050m descent
Enter an area of bold mountains today, at times with a more remote feel than the hills before. The crossing of the Cime di Zita involves a narrow ridge, at the higher end of difficulty for the AV1. Just before the main climb, Rifugio Sommariva makes a good stopping point for lunch. Descend a long, steep and interesting hillside bringing you to a grassy shelf hidden from civilisation. Here sits the Pian de Fontana refuge, a rustic and charming place to spend the night. (This is our second quite basic hut, with dorms and with one cold shower, but the atmosphere is so cosy.)
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 9: Rifugio Pian de Fontana to La Pissa
Blue 2 (grade) 12.2km with 250m ascent, 1,440m descent
The trek ends with a modest half-day stage to the road. To avoid the AV1's via ferrata finish over the Schiara massif we take the straightforward path to Rif Bianchet, then the wide track to La Pissa. We catch the local bus to Belluno. The city comes as a contrast to the calm of the trek, being a lively place very much in an Italian style. We suggest a lively, informal restaurant in the middle of town.
Hotel in Belluno (Breakfast)
Blue 2 (grade) 12.2km with 250m ascent, 1,440m descent
The trek ends with a modest half-day stage to the road. To avoid the AV1's via ferrata finish over the Schiara massif we take the straightforward path to Rif Bianchet, then the wide track to La Pissa. We catch the local bus to Belluno. The city comes as a contrast to the calm of the trek, being a lively place very much in an Italian style. We suggest a lively, informal restaurant in the middle of town.
Hotel in Belluno (Breakfast)
Departure day: Depart from Belluno
Enjoy your last breakfast in Belluno and look round the old towns before departing. The train to Venice makes it easy to keep exploring and we can advise on further travel in Italy. Congratulations on the AV1!
Enjoy your last breakfast in Belluno and look round the old towns before departing. The train to Venice makes it easy to keep exploring and we can advise on further travel in Italy. Congratulations on the AV1!
Trip Options
We try to be as flexible as possible with our trips and we can adapt the route and accommodation booked to suit your preferences. Whilst, the spacing of huts determines the schedules available on the Alta Via 1, there are some great options for longer or shorter itineraries alike. We love to work with hikers to plan a trip which best suits each group's walking style. This could be a more challenging dash, or staying at each available hut to savour the scenery and cuisine.Make the trip shorter
Our normal 9-stage trip can be made shorter, completing the full route in 8 or even 7 stages. The trip is made shorter by hiking futher each day. For fitter hikers, it is possible to walk from Rifugio Vazzoler to La Pissa (the finish) in 2 stages rather than 3, by staying at Rifguio Sommariva al Pramperet. It is also a viable option to condense the first 2 stages of the trail into one by walking directly from Lago di Braies to Rifugio Lavarella. Thus we have our 7- or 8-stage treks.
Our 4-stage Alta Via 1 North (Lago di Braies to Cortina) and 6-stage Alta Via 1 South (Cortina to La Pissa) holidays are fantastic trips in their own right. As a rule, we like to suggest our normal stages but walking fewer of them to those with fewer days to spend, leaving the others for a later visit.
Add a rest day
We suggest a rest day in Cortina for those wanting a break part way through. In this case we'd book your first night in Dobbiaco. The rest day comes part way through stage 4 of our standard itinerary, giving 2 shorter days (to and from the bus stop at Pian dei Menis) either side of the rest day. Cortina is a great base for a day, being a busy Alpine hub - similar to Chamonix in France.
Make the trip longer
If you fancy enjoying the majesty of the Dolomites for a bit longer, it is possible to extend your trip by splitting the route into more stages. For a 10-stage trip we split the long day from Citta’ di Fiume to Rifugio Vazzoler with a stay at Rifugio Coldai, giving two fairly even stages of 9km each. To make the trip even longer, you can add in a night at Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet, between Passo Duran and Rifugio Pian de Fontana (11 stages or 12 with a rest day). Many options work well so please ask us for more details. We'll be delighted to provide suggestions and advice.
Hike with a leader
Hike with confidence in the company of our fully qualified International Mountain Leaders (IMLs), with the navigation, accommodation and arrangements taken care of. If your group would like a guide for your trip, please get in touch for more details or view our scheduled guided trips.
Circuit in the Dolomites
We combine the north section of our Alta Via 1 and the east section of our Alta Via 9 to create an 8 stage loop of the Dolomites. The circuit includes Lago di Braies, Lagazuoi, lake Misurina and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. We suggest a first and last night in Dobbiaco and you can add a rest day in Cortina to make the trip longer. Please email us for details!
2025 Prices
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Alta Via 1 14 July to 18 Sept 2025 |
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| Dormitory | Classic | Comfy | |
| Self-guided | |||
|
9 stages (10 nights) |
GBP 1,710 Singles 130 |
GBP 1,790 Singles 130 Main Trip |
GBP 1,940 Singles 200 |
|
10 stages 1 rest day (12 nights) |
GBP 1,950 Singles 330 |
GBP 2,090 Singles 370 |
GBP 2,240 Singles 440 |
| Specialised schedules | |||
|
8 stages (9 nights) |
GBP 1,635 Singles 130 |
GBP 1,715 Singles 130 |
GBP 1,835 Singles 180 |
|
12 stages 1 rest day (14 nights) |
GBP 2,100 Singles 330 |
GBP 2,280 Singles 330 |
please ask us |
| Options | |||
|
Baggage transfer |
Please ask us | ||
Accommodation
Where we stay
Our Classic mix of accommodation aims to give an enticing taste of life in the Italian Dolomites and is our most popular option. We include lovely 3 or 4* hotels in Dobbiaco and Belluno plus 8 nights in cosy and welcoming Italian mountain huts. 3 of the huts we use on our 'classic' trip only offer places in shared rooms or dormitories. At the other 5 huts we will try for private rooms and our price assumes private rooms on 5 nights. If the private rooms are full we'll reduce your price by between GBP 10 and 20 per person, depending on the hut.
Dormitory Accommodation
If you prefer to stay in shared rooms and dormitories please book our dormitory accommodation option. We use the same 3 and 4* hotels in Dobbiaco and Belluno.
Comfy
On our Comfy trips we upgrade the hotel in Belluno and 2 of the huts. On our comfy trips there is a possibilty of private rooms in up to 7 of 8 huts. Our Comfy price assumes private rooms on these 7 nights, but this depends on availabilty. We will reduce your price by GBP 10 to GBP 20 per person for dormitory places in the huts, depending on the hut. Please note walking distances on our Comfy trip our slightly different. We don't recommend our Comfy mix of huts on the 12 stage trip as it leads to very uneven walking stages.
Single Room Supplement
Our single supplement covers single occupancy rooms in the hotels and at 1 of the huts on our comfy trip.
Solo Travel
We do not take bookings for solo walkers on self-guided trips. For solo walkers we suggest our guided Alta Via 1.
Our Classic mix of accommodation aims to give an enticing taste of life in the Italian Dolomites and is our most popular option. We include lovely 3 or 4* hotels in Dobbiaco and Belluno plus 8 nights in cosy and welcoming Italian mountain huts. 3 of the huts we use on our 'classic' trip only offer places in shared rooms or dormitories. At the other 5 huts we will try for private rooms and our price assumes private rooms on 5 nights. If the private rooms are full we'll reduce your price by between GBP 10 and 20 per person, depending on the hut.
Dormitory Accommodation
If you prefer to stay in shared rooms and dormitories please book our dormitory accommodation option. We use the same 3 and 4* hotels in Dobbiaco and Belluno.
Comfy
On our Comfy trips we upgrade the hotel in Belluno and 2 of the huts. On our comfy trips there is a possibilty of private rooms in up to 7 of 8 huts. Our Comfy price assumes private rooms on these 7 nights, but this depends on availabilty. We will reduce your price by GBP 10 to GBP 20 per person for dormitory places in the huts, depending on the hut. Please note walking distances on our Comfy trip our slightly different. We don't recommend our Comfy mix of huts on the 12 stage trip as it leads to very uneven walking stages.
Single Room Supplement
Our single supplement covers single occupancy rooms in the hotels and at 1 of the huts on our comfy trip.
Solo Travel
We do not take bookings for solo walkers on self-guided trips. For solo walkers we suggest our guided Alta Via 1.
Route
Our classic Alta Via 1 trip gives a complete journey on foot from Lago di Braies near Dobbiaco, to La Pissa near Belluno without the need to use public transport.
The AV1 trail itself is a well-defined route with a number of variants. Where the route splits, our route generally takes the easier option, with harder alternatives also described in your routecards. This means that you can choose your route depending on the level of challenge you wish to take on.
The Terrain
The terrain on the Alta Via 1 provides an exciting mix of solid trails, over which you can stride out among the high peaks, combined with narrower zig-zagging hillside paths on steep, loose and sometimes exposed terrain. The Alta Via 1 is first and foremost a walk, with no via ferrata or climbing sections.
In some places the paths are particularly steep and loose, for example on the final approaches to mountain passes and in loose descents such as the descent from Forcella di Lech (stage 3) as well as the ascent to Col dell Orso (stage 7), and ascent to the Cita Zima ridge (stage 8). These sections require steady balance and a head for heights.
There are also sections of handrail used as aids to walking on the narrower, more exposed paths, such as those on the ascent from Lago di Braies (stage 1), on the alternative descent from Lagazuoi through the First World War tunnels (stage 4), and on the descent to Rif Pian de Fontana (stage 8). Please ask us for further details and photo of these sections.
Is it for me?
The Alta Via 1 is an outstanding trek with a mix of high mountain passes, excellent views and comfy mountain huts. It is manageable for fit mountain walkers who are happy to walk for up to 8 hours a day over rocky and sometimes exposed ground. If you are fit and active in your day-to-day life, and have day hiking experience, then the AVU can also be suitable for those new to multi-day trekking in the European Alps. The days are not too long and the route is generally well waymarked, aiding navigation, though a map and compass are essential for safe navigation poor weather.
A level of self-sufficiency on the AV1 is necessary as transfer bags (an optional extra) can only be transferred to the huts at Passo Duran on our classic itinerary, and to your hotel in Belluno at the end. On all other nights you’ll need to carry with you everything you need for daily life; it’s not too much and makes for a satisfying daily routine.
Difficulty
The Alta Via 1 is first and foremost a walk and we grade it as a Purple 3. There are no glacier crossings, via ferrata or rock climbing. There are, however, sections of steep and rocky ground which require steady foot placement and an ability to cope with walking along some narrow and exposed paths. One such section is a relatively narrow ridge between Passo Duran and Pian de Fontana (stage 8) with drops to both sides. Please let us know if you’d like more detail on the trickier bits of the trail.
We do not include the difficult via ferrata on the Schiara, the mountain at the end of the trek above Belluno, instead we opt for the variant to finish at La Pissa. From here we take the local bus to Belluno. Our trip also misses out the Monte Pelmo circuit: this is a widely underestimated variant, with exceptional difficulty and exposure, more than that of the Walker's Haute Route.
Alta Via 1 Walking Guide - more about the route itself
The making of our Alta Via 1 - our story
How to get there
Hikers who are seeing more of Italy after the AV1 can use Venice as a start point for the South - Rome by train, for example - and in fact Belluno links to the Northern cities of Verona, Milan and Turin. In Italy, we love Venice, Rome and Turin and we will be glad to chat about trains and travel around Italy.
Travel to and from the trip is not included in the holiday price. We take care to give the most useful notes possible about all the travel options. We supply these both on booking and in your info pack, and we offer personalised tips at any point. The aim is that our walkers arrange their travel by the simplest and most scenic means as suits their plan.
Please ask us if you have any questions about getting to the route; we'll be delighted to advise.
Included
- Bespoke accommodation itinerary - tailored to suit your particular requirements
- Breakfast every morning
- Dinner at the huts (on 8 nights for our main trip - unfortunately we cannot include dinner at Refugio Averau if staying in a private room)
- Detailed Routecards AVU1-9 of the Exploratory system, printed on waterproof paper
- The 4 topographical maps covering the route
- Downloadable GPX Tracks covering the route
- GPX tracks covering our main route
- Expert advice and local information
- A comprehensive 'Season Update' following our pre-season recce
- Full support during your trip from the Alpine Exploratory team (9am until 9pm in the Alps)
Not included
- Travel to and from your trip
- Local transport whilst on the trip unless specified
- Travel insurance
- Lunches, snacks, drinks and evening meals in the towns (this would be 2 nights on our main trip)
- Baggage transfers (available as an extra)
Baggage transfer
We offer a partial baggage transfer service on the Alta Via 1 as an optional extra. It is important to be aware that due to the AV1 route staying high up in huts, bags can only be transferred from Cortina to Passo Duran (which has a road) and Belluno. For clients on our Comfy trip, we can also offer additional drops to Passo Giau and Passo Staulanza which are road stops on the route. If you're adding a rest day we can organise baggage transfers from Dobbiaco to Cortina as well. Unfortunately we are not able get your bags to you at the other huts, so on these nights your bag will travel ahead to the next hotel and be waiting for you there. Please do contact us for more information on baggage transfer and for prices.
Got questions about the Alta Via 1?
Feel free to ask us any questions you have about any aspects of your planning and preparations! Lucy, Steph, Nicky, Rob, Evie, Ben and Amy will reply with expert advice. We spend a lot of time walking our routes and more broadly exploring ski and hiking trails around the world so do feel free to ask anything at all.
 
Enquiry Form
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If you prefer, please feel welcome to email or call us. Thanks!
| Contact Alpine Exploratory | |
| info@alpineexploratory.com | |
| Phone | +44 (0)131 214 1144 |
| Our times |
9am to 5pm UK time Monday to Friday |
| Australia | 02 8319 2266 |
| Canada | 416-548-4819 |
| New Zealand | 04 889 4515 |
| USA | 646-757-1102 |
Open to the world
Since Alpine Exploratory started in 2005 we have loved getting to know our clients from around the world. Along with the UK, our best-represented countries are the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Please use our national-rate numbers for a cheaper call to contact our office in Edinburgh.
Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram, and our Blog for photos and updates from our own travels and clients' trips.
Rifugio Lagazuoi at the end of Stage 4
Alpine Exploratory
+44 (0)131 214 1144
