When I phoned my dad one day asking him if he would like to hike Alta Via 1 with me in the Italian Dolomites, he didn’t even blink before saying yes. He loved our adventure and asked me when the next one would be.
Many months later (more than I’d like to admit), I finally compiled a detailed guide to help you plan the Alta Via 1 for yourself! It became a part of a series of over 60 articles dedicated to hiking and photography in the Italian Dolomites.
The Comprehensive Guide To Alta Via 1 – Part 1: Overview + Days 1-5
The first part of the guide covers an overview of Alta Via 1, answers questions on the best time of year to hike it, and provides the average daily cost of the excursion.
I will also break down the first five days of the route, including the path numbers, short summaries, photos, and possible route extensions, before we move on to the second part.
In the second part, I will cover days 6-11. At the end of the guide, you will also find the list of most mountain huts along Alta Via 1 with their contact info and possible early escape routes for those who don’t plan on hiking the complete path.
Alta Via 1 – The Stats
Alta Via 1, also known as the Dolomite High Route 1, is undoubtedly Italy’s most famous backpacking route. Many websites and printed guides give contradicting information about the route’s length, saying it is anywhere from 120 to 150 kilometres long.
I measured the mileage with a Garmin GPS daily, and the total kilometres amounted to 142 (not including the extensions). According to Garmin’s website, there is a 5% margin error when surveying the distances.
The total elevation gain is 7200 meters (23600 feet), and the elevation loss is 8100 meters (26570 feet)
Unlike Alta Via 2 or Alta Via 4, which I have hiked during the same summer season, Alta Via 1 is a non-technical route and doesn’t require via ferrata equipment (unless you plan to do some of the extensions). If you are a fit individual, it’s an incredible journey, especially when you are just starting to dip your feet into the world of backpacking.
How to pack for Alta Via 1
The general rule for any hut-to-hut treks is to go as light as possible. Thanks to the well-equipped huts, there is no need to carry tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, or food!
Your backpack shouldn’t be more significant than 38 litres. If you are a skilled packer, then a 30-litre backpack should suffice. For your convenience, I have written a comprehensive packing list, including links to my favourite gear and a downloadable checklist!
The optimal time of year for hiking Alta Via 1
Hiking seasons in the mountains are usually very short, and the Dolomites are no exception. Most huts on the Alta Via 1 stay open from the third week of June until the third week of September.
Snow can linger on the northern slopes as late as mid-July, so pack gaiters if that’s when you plan your trip. I hiked Alta Via 1 at the very start of the season, and we encountered snow on most days, in some places a couple of meters deep!
The weather is very predictable during June, July, and August. The days usually start with clear blue skies. By late morning, clouds begin to build up, and in the early afternoon, thunderstorms roll in. It’s wise to leave the huts right after breakfast and pre-pack before to avoid being caught in thunderstorms.
September tends to have the most stable weather. Although night and morning temperatures are below freezing, the days are still pleasantly warm, and the skies often stay blue throughout the day.
Where Does the Alta Via 1 Start?
Lago di Braies – the gem of the Dolomites marks the start of the route. A hotel is right on its shoreline for those who want to start early on the first day.
If you come from abroad and use public transport, you can first travel to Cortina D’Ampezzo. Cortina is one of the most charming tourist towns in the Dolomites.
A few shuttle companies, including Flixbus, operate between Venice and Milan airports. Local buses run regularly from Cortina to Lago di Braies. The journey takes around 1 hour. You can check the schedule on the Sued Tirol Mobil info website.
Where does Alta Via 1 end?
Alta Via 1 ends at a bus stop near La Pissa—in the middle of nowhere! Don’t worry, though—you won’t be left stranded. Buses operate every hour; you can find the schedule in the last two huts along the route. The bus will take you to the biggest city, Belluno, where you can travel back by bus to Cortina or any other place in Italy by train.
The cost of hiking Alta Via 1
Of the three Alta Vias I walked, Alta Via 1 was the most expensive. There are a couple of reasons for this.
Firstly, Alta Via 1 is the most famous backpacking trip in Italy. The demand raises the prices. In the Rifugios, you will encounter people from all over the world. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet new friends, as you will often stay with the same people in the same huts throughout the whole traverse.
The second reason Alta Via 1 is more expensive is that the huts are often privately owned and provide higher service than on other routes.
Many have been renovated into more fancy backcountry lodges rather than basic refuges. Some have modern booking systems on their websites and even started providing free Wi-Fi for their guests.
In general, you should calculate spending a minimum of 100 Euro/per person/per day on average, but 110-120 Euros is more of a realistic budget if you would like to have drinks, cakes, or whatever else there is on offer.
You should also budget for the accommodation before and after the trek, transportation, and any necessary gear purchases.
Read more: Italian mountain huts and what to expect when staying in them.
When should you make reservations for Alta Via 1?
The popularity of Alta Via 1 has skyrocketed in the last few years, and the huts book out well before the season starts. If you are considering backpacking Alta Via 1, be prepared to start making reservations in October the year before. By January, many huts will already be fully booked.
The process can be tedious and stretch across a few weeks or even months, as not all huts begin taking reservations simultaneously. Luckily, most huts have a booking system integrated into their websites, making the process much easier. A few years ago, I had to e-mail or call one by one hut.
TIP: Go to the end of part 2 of my Alta Via 1 guide for a list of links to all the huts.
An interactive map of Alta Via 1
I created the map below to give you an overview of Alta Via 1. I marked all mountain huts as well as day routes and extensions. Click on the button in the top left corner of the map to see the different layers and names of the places.
While pretty accurate, this map should not be used when navigating the mountains. For that, you will require a proper topography map.
For crossing Alta Via 1, you need to purchase the TABACCO MAPS numbers 031 (Dolomiti Di Braies), 03 (Dolomiti Ampezzane), and 025 (Dolomiti Di Zoldo) either online or in any sports, souvenir, or cigarette shop in the local towns. Even some Rifugios sell them!
Alta Via 1: day-by-day breakdown
Day 1: Lago di Braies to Rifugio Biella
- Distance: 9.3 km / 5.8 mi
- Walking time: 3-4 h
- Elevation gain: 937 m / 3074 ft
- Elevation loss: 120 m / 393 ft
- Path number: 1
The first day is relatively short, with only 9,5 kilometres (5.9 miles) to cover before you reach the first refuge. The start couldn’t be more scenic—turquoise Lake Braies surrounded by soaring peaks, with Croda del Becco towering above them all.
You will have two choices: to navigate the lake counterclockwise, following the official route, or clockwise, which is slightly quieter and more scenic. The ascent starts once you make it to the other side of the lake. It’s essential to start early, as much of day one is spent on sun-exposed paths. Good sunscreen and a headcover are a must.
A short cable-protected section is around halfway to the hut but is only valid when the conditions are icy or wet. In around 3 hours following path no. 1, you will reach Forcella Sora Forno (in Italian, Forcella means a saddle or a pass). From here, you can make a short descent to your first hut.
Night 1: Rifugio Biella (Seekofel Hütte)
Rifugio Biella is quite basic. If possible, ask for a room that isn’t in the attic, with paper-thin walls. I hope you packed those earplugs. Spend the afternoon enjoying the vast views from the terrace, or head out and summit the nearby Croda del Becco.
TIP: If Rifugio Biella is fully booked, try the next hut – Rifugio Sennes, which is 60 minutes further along the route.
Extension day 1: Croda Del Becco/Seekofel Summit
If you want to hike to the top of Croda del Becco, I recommend you check in at the hut first and leave most of your stuff behind. Take only the necessities and head back out to Forcella Sora Forna.
A clear sign will point you in the direction of the summit route. From the saddle, it’s around a 2-hour round trip. My dad and I decided to do the summit hike for sunrise on the second day of the traverse, and we made it back to the hut just in time for the all-you-can-eat breakfast.
From the summit, you can look down to Lago di Braies, where you started the hike.
Day 2: Rifugio Biella to Rifugio Fanes
- Distance: 15.4 km / 9.6 mi
- Walking Time: 4h 15 min
- Elevation gain: 654 m / 2146 ft
- Elevation loss: 908 m / 2980 ft
- Path numbers: 6, 6A, 7
The day starts by following a wide gravel road, which cars use to carry supplies to Biella hut. Follow the signs for Rifugio Sennes, which you will reach within one hour. By the way, this is an excellent alternative for a night if you prefer a bit more comfort or don’t plan on doing the Croda del Becco extension.
From Rifugio Sennes, continue through the green pastures, passing a few more wooden huts before you start the long descent to Rifugio Pederu located at the end of the glacially shaped Tamersc Valley. This is an excellent spot for lunch, and some scooped ice cream. Yes, they sell decent Italian gelato in the mountains!
Don’t stay too long to avoid the midday sun as you begin your ascent to Rifugio Fanes on path no. 7. The route is exposed at first, then plateaus for a bit before gently climbing up again along a path leading through the forest.
After approximately 2 hours of leaving Pederu, you will reach Rifugio Fanes.
Night 2: Rifugio Fanes
Rifugio Fanes is an amazing hut that feels like a fancy backcountry lodge. There is no phone reception, but the hut offers free Wi-Fi between certain hours of the day. It isn’t speedy, but it does the job.
When booking in advance, prepayment is required for the accommodation. Oh, and did I mention hot showers are included in the price?
TIP: If the hut is full, rifugio Lavarella, a mere 5-minute walk away, is a great alternative and attracts a younger crowd. Another option is Ücia dles Muntagnoles, only a few hundred meters from Rifugio Fanes.
Day 3: Rifugio Fanes to Rifugio Lagazuoi
- Distance: 14.5 km / 9 mi
- Walking time: 4h 30 min
- Elevation gain: 1086 m / 3563 ft
- Elevation loss: 418 m / 1371 ft
- Path numbers: 11, 20B, 20
Day 3 was one of my favourites of the whole traverse. You will see very few signs of civilisation as you continue the hike through the Fanes—Sennes—Braies National Park.
The first couple of hours of the day are spent on path no.11, an old military road. The views are idyllic: green pastures, crystal clear lakes and streams, snow-covered peaks, and very few people in sight.
After that, the path branches off to the left as you begin the ascent to Forcella (saddle) del Lago and enter the beautiful Dolomiti Ampezzane. On a good weather day, you can spot Rifugio Lagazuoi from the saddle.
From the saddle, you drop down through a steep gully to a small turquoise lake, followed by another ascent through moon-like landscapes to the hut.
On this part of the hike, we encountered a lot of snow and sometimes sank knee-deep, making our ascent much more difficult. The views from the terrace of Rifugio Lagazuoi more than made up for the struggle.
Night 3: Rifugio Lagazuoi
I have stayed in the Lagazuoi hut twice before. The hut made it onto my list of Dolomites’ most photogenic mountain huts. The rooms are cosy, and the hut has warm showers and an excellent breakfast.
Don’t miss the chance to summit the nearby Picollo Lagazuoi (only a 30-minute return trip from the hut), from which you can photograph the refuge and its excellent location.
TIP: If Lagazuoi is fully booked, try your luck with the nearby Rifugio Scotoni or Rifugio Gallina.
Day 4: Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Averau
- Distance: 9.3 km / 5.8 mi
- Walking time: 3h
- Elevation gain: 370 m / 1214 ft
- Elevation loss: 700 m / 2297 ft
Day 4 provides a few path choices leading to the next refuge, and I will cover some below. To visualize your options, it’s best to refer to the Tabacco Map 03.
Path Numbers Option 1: 401, 402, 441
The shortest and fastest route takes you down Path 401 to Forcella Travenanzes, then follows path 402 on the descent to Passo Falzarego. You then ascend path 441 to Rifugio Averau.
This is the option I chose, and I recommend it to anyone who plans on doing the extensions in the afternoon. If you feel lazy today, catch the cable car down to Passo Falzarego and continue hiking on path 441.
Path Numbers Option 2: 401, 402, 412, 440
The original Alta Via route. This starts like option one but passes Forcella Travenanzes and continues on path 402 to Forcella Bois. It then goes down and turns onto path 412, leading to the restaurant ‘Da Strobel. Afterwards, it crosses the road and follows path no. 440 passing lake Limides, rifugio Scoiatolli and finally ending at rifugio Averau
Path Numbers Option 3: Lagazuoi tunnels, 402, 441
If you would like to learn a little about the bloody history of Passo Falzarego, this is a great route. The entry to the Lagazuoi tunnels is only a few hundred meters from the Lagazuoi hut. The tunnels are dark and narrow, so you will need a head torch and, ideally, a helmet to avoid bumping your head on the low ceilings.
The tunnels flood during bad weather, stopping my dad and I from going this way. I had explored the Lagazuoi tunnels the previous year, so I didn’t feel I missed out.
Night 4: Rifugio Averau
I recommend staying at Rifugio Averau. Albeit slightly more expensive than other nearby options, it offers exquisite food and the most comfortable mattresses on the traverse. Something one learns to appreciate after hiking all day long.
TIP: Other huts nearby are Nuvolau, Scoiatolli, Cinque Torri, Fedare or the Berghotel at Passo Giau
Possible extensions Day 4: Via Ferrata Averau or Cinque Torri
Extension 1: Via Ferrata Averau
Starting within a hundred meters from the Averau hut, Via Ferrata Averau takes its name from the summit it leads to. I have done it the previous year for sunset.
If it weren’t for the bad weather on the afternoon of our 4th day on Alta Via 1, I would have loved to take my dad to show him the fantastic views from the top. Visit my post to see for yourself.
Extension 2: Cinque Torri
If you choose the second variant for the day when hiking from Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Averau, you will walk by Cinque Torri. It translates to five towers and it is an interesting rock formation near the hut.
Right at the foot of the towers is an old military fort turned into an outdoor museum dating back to the First World War. You can spend the afternoon exploring the area.
Day 5: Rifugio Averau to Rifugio Citta Di Fiume
- Distance: 14.5 km / 9 mi
- Time: 4h 15 min
- Elevation gain: 550 m / 1804 ft
- Elevation loss: 1030 m / 3380 ft
- Path numbers: 452, 436, 458, 467
Today, you will cross another one of the very photogenic mountain passes of the Dolomites – Passo Giau. Throughout the day, you will get nearer to the unmistakable Mount Pelmo – one of the highest Dolomiti peaks. You can recognize it by its distinct armchair shape. Rifugio Citta di Fiume is located right at its foot.
Unfortunately, the weather was not kind to us that day. We spent most of it hiking in thick clouds and rain until it cleared up in the late afternoon.
I didn’t mind, though; we had perfect blue skies every day for the rest of the trip. The first four photos above were taken the previous year when I explored the area.
Night 5: Rifugio Citta Di Fiume
Rifugio Citta di Fiume is relatively small and may not provide the same fancy services as the other huts on the first four days of Alta Via 1. Still, it makes up for it with a great atmosphere and delicious homemade food.
TIP: The next accommodation option is Rifugio Passo Staulanza, approximately 60 minutes further along Alta Via 1.
Hi Marta thank you so much for these super helpful tips & writeups! I’m planning on visiting the dolomites for the very first time next summer (tentatively july) and would love to do a hut-to-hut hike. If we wanted to do a 5-6 day hut-to-hut hike, on terrains that are challenging but not technical, would Alta Via 1 be a good option in your opinion? If so which half would you recommend (part 1 or part 2)? thanks in advance!
Hi Kristina. Thanks for your nice feedback. Yes Alta Via one is not technical. The first part definitely feels more crowded because of many day hikers on the trails. I would go for the second part, starting around Rifugio Citta Di Fiume or Coldai. I hope that helps!
this is super helpful! thank you for getting back to me 🙂 do you have any tips on booking the rufugios? seems like the rufugios open their reservation systems at different times, making it tricky to plan day by day. we are flexible with our dates which should help – would you recommend booking whatever is available first and just hope whatever reservation gaps in between will work out? i worry if i waited until all reservation systems were open it might be too late?
Hi Kristina. I would definitely recommend booking straight away once the system opens and whatever is available first, then continue with the rest of the bookings as they become available. Most of the time there is always an alternative if one hut or the other is booked out and you can shift things around. Don’t wait until everything is available to book.
Hi Marta
I am finding your site so helpful. I am planning a 3 night hut to hut next summer with my family of four (me, hubs, 10 and 13 year old). Debating between stages 1-3 starting at lago de brais or this route 1) passo falzerego-> rifugio scoattoli (lunch at averau and explore cinque Torri 2) scoattoli ->rifugio Dibona 3) dibona to lagazoui 4) end with Cable car down to passo falzerego. We want it to be enjoyable and easy enough that kids don’t complain. What do you recommend?
Hi Jenilee. Thanks for visiting my site! The second option will definitely be a lot more relaxed than the first one, but the area around Passo Falzarego is very busy. If you want something a little more quite then look into the second part of Alta Via 1.
Many thanks Marta! Which entry would I use and where would I start with second part of Alta via 1?
Hi Jenilee. At the end of my Alta Via 1 guide (Part two) I write about late entry possibilities. Please check it out.
Hi Marta! This is insanely helpful and I am using a lot of your itineraries and plans for my upcoming trip.
I was wondering if you had any advice – the last Rifugio I have booked is Lagazuoi. I was planning to hike more after staying here, before heading to Cortina in the afternoon/evening
I was wondering if there was any way to fit in Cinque Torri and/or Via Ferrata Averau in just a day from Lagazuoi? Appears I am being ambitious and should have just booked a longer holiday to do the whole hike…. regardless I appreciate your input and this website so much 🙂
Thanks!
Hi Tara. Thanks for following. You can still hike on the last day from Lagazuoi to Averau and then down to Cinque Torri (it will add 30 minutes to the hike, all downhill) From Cinque Torri you can take the chairlift down to parking lot and then catch a bus to Cortina. I hope that helps!
Hi Marta, thanks so much 🙂 will look into it!
Hi. What is the Alta Via 1 southern trail like as an alternative to the northern?
Thanks
Hi Carolyn. After Rifugio Tissi/Vazzoler it gets significantly quieter on the trails.
Hi. This is a very helpful blog. I am also having trouble booking from day 3 onwards so I am now looking to book through a company. What are some good companies to book through? I’m looking at mont trekking and hut to hut. I welcome any others or comments on these?
Thanks
Hi Carolyn. I never used any companies. I always book the huts myself, so I am afraid I can’t help you with this question.
Thank you so much for this! My friend and I would like to do your suggested 5 night route and have booked up until night 4. Question – once we leave Rifugio Citta Di Fiume where is the best place to exit to get back to a town? Thank you!
Hi Jayne. Thanks for stopping by. At the end of part 2 I have a whole chapter dedicated to early exit possibilities. Check it out. If I were you I would probably still hike the last day until the Col Dei Baldi gondola and cought the gondola down to Alleghe. You can check bus schedule on google, Suedtirolmobil or mooveit app. The schedules won’t be available for a while though. Usually they appear around april. I hope that helps!
Hi Marta, thank you so much for all of this detail and info!! As others are mentioning, Rifugio Lagazuoi and Scotoni are booked up. You suggested staying at Rifugio Gallina instead. How do I approach hiking from Fanes to Gallina? Is it much longer than Lagazuoi, or do I need to re-route. Thanks for your help!
Laura
Hi Laura. You could either catch the gondola down to Passo Falzarego and hike downhill to Col Gallina or you could just follow Day 4 option 2. All together you would be looking at extra 1.5-2 hours on day 3, but your day 4 would be very short. I recommend getting maps for AV1 to better visualise the route. I hope that helps.
Hi Marta,
Thanks for the helpful info. Would you be able to provide advice for if we were looking to do the hike in 8/9 days. Which days we would make longer for example?
Many thanks
Hi Sam. To cut off a couple of days you can do the following. Connect day 4 with day 5. You can first catch the Lagazuoi cable car down to Passo Falzarego then hike to Citta Di fiume refuge.
You can also connect day 7 with day 8. I hope that helps!
Thanks Marta,
I am looking at booking the Alta via for this coming summer (2025) is it too late to book now? I’m struggling to find available accommodation for the 9 nights in a row. Are there any other multi day hikes you can recommend in Europe?
Hi Sam. Yes, many of my readers already reported the same. There are a lot of multiday hikes in the Alps. You can check out the Stubai High Trail or Lechtal High trail or Karwendel High Trail in Austria. Alta Via 2 or Alta Via 4 in the Dolomites (ferratas in those two)
Hi Marta – thanks so much for this website, super helpful. I am looking at 5d/4n for the north section of Alta Via 1 in the 2nd week of September 2025 – crazy but the huts are almost booked out!
So far, I can book nights in Refugio Biella > Rifugio Fannes > XXXX > Rifugio Nuvolau (Nuvolau bookings open in Feb next year, but I’m banking on getting a room…) and then on the last day, do a day hike around Cinque Torre before getting the bus back to Cortina.
Do you have a reccomendations of a Refugio for night 3? Rifugio Lagazuoi and Rifugio Lagazuoi and Col Gallini are already booked out.
Thinking somehow to get over to Rifugio Angelo Dibona, which dose have availability! Do you think that would that work?
No problem doing a longer hike day if required – I’m just not sure if the routes will work/make sense between Fannes > XXXX > Rifugio Nuvolau, if Lagazuoi is unavailable.
Hi Laura. That’s pretty crazy that the huts are already booked. You can try Rifugio Scotoni instead of Lagazuoi.
I am in a similar situation to Laura, though I’m looking for late June into the first week of July. Lagazoui and Scotoni are full…any suggestions on where to look next? I am hesitant to book the other rifugios without having a place to sleep for some of the nights. If I really can’t find anything, I may have to check later in the season (although it looks like September is also filling up).
Thank you in advance!
Hi Louise. You could look at some accommodation at Passo Falzarego directly, for example Rifugio Col Gallina. You could also reroute a bit and stay at RIfugio Dibona. then rejoin the route the next day. I hope that helps!
Thank you! I found a booking that day. Now we just have Averau/Nuvolau/Scoiattoli/Fedare/Cinque Torri, most of which appear to be booked so far. Are there any others in the area you would suggest?
There is a hotel directly at passo Giau that you could try.
Hi there – thanks so much for the detailed information (and beautiful photos). We are new to hiking but were hoping to do Lago di Braies to Rifugio Averau in 3-4 days stopping along the way based on your recommendations. If we were to hire a car and park it near Lago di Braies, how would we get back there from Rifugio Averau? Many thanks!
Hi Saranee. If you want to hire a car to get to the Dolomites then it would be better if you leave it around Cortina, then from Cortina catch a bus to Lago di Braies. Once you reach Averau you can exit the next day on Passo Giau and catch the bus back to Cortina which will be a much shorter bus ride. Your car will be waiting for you there. I hope that helps!
Hi Marta, we love your info – fantastically valuable. We’re heading to the Alta Via 1 in June 2025 and have already found both Fanes and Lavaraella booked out for the day we need. It seems Muntagnoles is the only other nearby Rifugio available coming from Sennes the night before – does Muntagnoles seem the best next option or is there another secret place you know about…?
Hi Warwick. Yes, the reservations opened very early for the next season. Muntagnoles is your best option. If that is full then you will need to stay in Pederu and then have a big hiking day the next day between Pederu and Lagazuoi.
Thanks for all of the detailed advice. What are your thoughts on hiking from Pederu to Lagazuoi in one day? Very much want to do Day 3 of the hike but because of timing constraints, we can’t start at the beginning. We are not experienced hikers, but we’re in good shape and have until next summer to train.
Alternatively, if we took the gondola directly up to Lagazuoi, is there enough day hiking? Thank you!
Hi Kate. Thanks for visiting. I think the better way to approach it is connect day 4 with day 5. If you hike from Pederu to Lagazuoi in one day it is going to be almost 1700 meters of elevation which is A LOT. If you connect day 4 with 5 you can shorten the day by first taking the gondola from Lagazuoi down to Passo Falzarego then onwards hiking to Rif. Averau then PAsso Giau and end the day in Citta di Fiume.
Hi! Is it necessary to book rifugios or it’s possible to get the place even on the flor without booking? We are planing to go in September:)
Hi Pawel. You definitely need to book. It’s not Poland (I experienced this once in Tatra’s and it was ridiculous) 😉 If you don’t have a spot you will be asked to hike back to the valley.
Bonjour et merci pour cet excellent document
Mon unique question est: peut on bivouaquer près des refuges car je voudrais randonner dans une semaine et je n’ai rien réservé. Donc je pense que cela va être difficile de faire autrement qu’en bivouac
Merci
Hi Thieury. I don’t speak french but I translated your comment and I am sure you can translate mine. No, you cannot camp in your tents next to the huts or nowhere along the trail within the nature park boundries.
Your site is great! A few questions…
We’re planning to ship a box containing non-hiking clothes (and the soft duffels we flew with) from the Hotel Lago di Braies to our hotel in Venice. DHL can ship a box of that size for around €50-100 and is reportedly more reliable than the Italian postal service. We plan to complete the paperwork and payment online in advance and have DHL pick the box up at the hotel. DHL and the hotels at both ends say this should work. We’ll bring the empty box, the paperwork, and packing tape from home. Any thoughts/tips? The alternative is to pay a private company to drive stuff (which could be in any sort of bag) to Mestre for €430.
We’ve decided to split stage 3 and spend a night at Rifugio Scotoni. Which route should we take, the direct route via Col Locia or the standard AV1 over Forcella del Lago? They both sound beautiful but different. The standard route would take a little longer because we’re staying at Scotoni, but that’s fine if it’s a more enjoyable hike. Still another option is to take the direct route via Col Locia to Scotoni, and then the next day backtrack to Forcella del Lago before continuing onto Rifugio Lagazuoi.
From Rifugio Averau (where we’re staying), is it worth doing the sidetrip up to Rifugio Nuvolau?
We’ll break stage 5 with a night in Cortina. That sounded fun before we realized we’d be in Cortina before the trek as well, and now it’s too late to change. So we’ll do the short hike from Rifugio Averau to Passo Giau where there’s a 9:15am bus to Cortina. That hike takes an hour, right? If we miss the bus, are taxis readily available at Passo Giau or do we have to call one from Cortina? Or should we hang out at the pass for a gourmet lunch at Da Aurelio and then take a taxi to Cortina?
Thanks for this extensive guide Marta! My friends and me will be going beginning of September to do the AV1, your map makes life easy!
One question I’d like to ask you: in order to safe weight and reduce cost we are considering to use one harness for two persons. The person with the harness that goes first would throw the harness at the next person upon completion of the ferrata. Is this possible in you view or would it be required that everyone gets their own harness?
Thank for your help in advance!
Hi Roel. There are no via ferratas on Alta Via 1 (unless you plan on doing extensions). There is one short section right after rifugio Nuvolau if you do go this way but this can be bypasses and instead hiking from Averau to Passo Giau. This is what I did with my dad. I did not carry VF equipment with me on AV1. If you do decide to do the extensions then you absolutely both need harnesses. Bringing just one and sharing it would be a very bad idea and I don’t even want to start explaining why. There is no price tag on your own safety and subsequently life. As for the weight look for the black diamond couloir harness. They are extremely lightweight. My partner uses it. Once my own wears off I will also get it. I hope that helps!
Hello Marta,
you detailed articles are super clear and helpful – Thank you!
We are family of 5 (kids between 4-9) and we want to do a ~4 days of hiking.
Which days you would choose? or do you have any other recommendations for 4-5 days hut hiking with kids.
Thank you
Hi Marta! Thank you for such detailed information! 🙂
My question is a bit random… Is there a lot of walking near cliffs on the IV1? That’s my biggest fear when thinking about hikes and the reason why I rarely go on them, if I don’t know the area. I’m not scared of heights normally and I’m quite fit, but the idea of tumbling down a cliff doesn’t leave my head hahaha I think I’d be ok for long distances and the elevation gain etc (I do triathlon), it’s “dangerous” paths that scares me. I’d love to start going on hiking trips and I think I’d get over my fear with time, but I don’t know where to start. I’m hoping the Dolomites might be it!
Thank you!
Hi Mari. Thanks for visiting. I understand your concern. There are some short sections on Alta Via 1 that can be difficult for someone with fear of heights. Why don’t you just start with day hikes and see how you do, before you commit with a hut to hut hike. Dolomites are very unique mountains with many cliffs at 90 degree angles. I reckon the trails in Austria are somewhat more levelled.
Thank you for the tip! I’m gonna take a look at Austria then and plan the Dolomites with just day hikes for now 🙂
Have lots of fun wherever you go. happy hiking.
I thought I posted this question, but I couldn’t find it. I apologize if you already answered it. But wondering if you have any alternates to Rifugio Citte di Fiume? Looks like Rifugio Aquileia is near.( we are coming from the north from Malga Giau).
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
James
Hi James. You did post it twice. Comments have to be first approved before they show up here. All good 🙂
The closest alternative to Citta di Fiume which keeps you on track is Rifugio Passo Staulanza. I hope that helps!
Hi Marta! Thanks so much for the excellent guide – extremely helpful. We have found a plan for 5 days with a bus ride in the middle to save on time. We start at Lago Di Braies and end at Rifugio Tissi. I was hoping for advice around how we can get from Rif Tissi to Venice Airport, same day? What is the closest town from Tissi that we’ll be able to get public transport from to Venice Airport? How long is the walk?
Hi Sam. At the end of Alta Via 1 part 2 I have enlisted the late entry/early exit possibilities. Tissi is around midway between rif. Coldai or rif. Vazzoler, so you could either retrace your steps from the day before or keep hiking to Vazzoler and then exit to Listolade then bus to Agordo. Look for bus and train connections on Google maps, Sued tirol info or Mooveitapp sites. Some connections might not be up there yet. I hope that helps.
Hi Marta,
Your description and breakdown of the AV1 are gold, thank you!
I am planning to walk the full route in September, but needing to find some alternative rifugio due to lack of availability as some places. Happy to be walking up to 7-8 days were needed. Couple of questions:
Q1. I’m looking to go from Rifugio Scotoni to Rifugio 5 Torri (as an alternative to Lagazuoi to Nuvalolu/Averau). Is this do-able if I take the ‘original route’ that goes via Forcella Travenazes, or would I best to to via Passo Falzarego?
Q2. Walking from Rifugio 5 Torri to Citta di Fiume… also ok to do in 1 day?
Thanks so much! Nicole 🙂
Hi Nicole, thanks for your great feedback. Yes it’s all doable. You can hike from Scotoni to Travenanzas saddle and then exactly the way I describe to Rifugio Averau. From Averau you just drop down to Cinque Torri and then the hut. It will be 30 mins extra from Averau to Cinque Torri Hut. The next day you can retrace back to Averau and keep walking as normal to Citta di Fiume. Scotoni is very close to Lagazuoi and Cinque Torri is very close to Averau so you won’t be adding that many kilometres to your day. I hope that helps
Thanks Marta, this is so helpful! Appreciate the advice and insights on your website – it’s been invaluable so far 🙂 Nicold
I am glad to hear that. Happy hiking!
Hi-
This has been so incredibly helpful for planning my trip! I have run into a little issue where I am staying at Rifugio Scotoni and Rifugio Citta Di Fiume, but in between there Averau, Scoiatolli, Nuvolau and cinque torri are all full for my dates, any other recommendation?
Thanks!
Hi Sophia. I just noticed that I didn’t answer your comment yet. I think your best bet might be to just hike from Scotoni to Passo Falzarego then take the bus to Cortina and stay somewhere there then rejoin the trail the next day at Passo Falzarego. You could also try and reroute the day and hike from Scotoni to Rifugio Federa in one day. The next day from Federa to Citta di Fiume would be very short but you could add the Col De La Puina hike to it. I hope that helps!
Hi Marta! I love all of your posts, this is super helpful.
We are planning to spend our last night at Rifugio Tissi and then exit maybe with a stop at Rifugio Vazzoler on the way down. Do you know the best way to exit from either of these rifugios?
I have heard the section from Vazzoler to Rifugio Carestiato can be a bit sketchy with a lot of slopey rock skee. We are trying to skip this section!
Thanks so much in advance!
Hi Talia. thanks for visiting. I do have this exit option described in the article towards the end of part 2. You must have missed it when reading the article 🙂
Hello Marta,
Thank you so much for the information and we plan to follow closely to your itinerary! We were wondering, we are planning our trip for August and unfortunately noted that online the Rifugio Lagazuoi is already full and no availability for any days in August. Is there a relatively close alternative Rifguio we could stay instead? Greatly appreciate any info! Thanks!
Hi Alison. Rifugio Scotoni is pretty close. You should also check the accommodation directly on Passo Falzarego (for example Rifugio Col Gallina). I hope that helps!
Hi Marta,
These articles are exactly what I’ve been looking for to plan one of my first hut-to-hut’s and they’ve been great so far. I’m planning on doing around 5 days of hiking on the AV1, with 2 other guys, in the second week of June (most of the huts seem to open by 8th June).
Firstly, if I were to start at the beginning, where are the best places to exit (we’d be happy doing quite long distances – around 15km + 800m vert). You’ve already mentioned that starting at Passo Falzarego to Citta Di Fiume to La Pissa is a good option, but would that be too strenuous (we’re 18 years old so not much experience but have a lot of energy).
Secondly, because we are going so early in the season, what issues might the snow bring? Would we ever have to abandon because of the snow? How cold could it be in the day? Is the Southern part of the AV1 less likely to have as much snow? Are there a few days which we could try and avoid/work around if there is a lot of snow?
Finally, what do you think is best for people my age (should I consider a different trail to the AV1)? I have already done 5 days of AV2 and 5 days of Julian Alps, but that was with my Dad. Is it worth me trying to persuade my friends to do the whole thing in one go (AV1)?
Sorry for so many questions,
Daniel
Hi Daniel. Thanks for your great feedback. Now for your first question, I won’t answer that here because it is all explained in the text (look at the end of part 2, late entry/early exit points). You can plan accordingly with that so start or end at any of those points. As for the snow situation I did AV1 just at the start of the season after a very snowy winter and it was fine. There were places where we did wade in snow but generally in the morning the snow is very hard, as it gets warmer the snow gets softer. We only had the snow on the northern slopes. You can look at the pics and see for yourself. Gaiters might come in handy so the snow doesn’t fall into your boots and get them wet. During the day it was already very hot. Again you can judge by the pics what we were wearing. At night the temperatures can hover around 0 degrees at high altitudes (that’s what we experiences in the Lagazuoi hut). I think AV1 is best to start with. Most of the other hikes I recommend include via ferratas in them. I hope that helps!
Thanks for the advice, super helpful.
When do you think I need to start booking by – I know some of the huts don’t even open bookings until March, but I don’t know if the huts will be very full in early-ish June and thus have competition for rooms.
Hi Daniel. Alta Via 1 books out months in advance so I would get to booking as soon as you know your dates.
Hello readers, We just wanted to leave a comment after using this blog to plan our own trip to the Dolomites from Thursday June 23rd to Monday June 26th (just before peak visiting season began). We ended up doing just 5 days and 4 nights on the Alta Via 1 and started by taking a bus from Cortina D’Ampezzo to Lago di Braises, ending at Cinque Torri by taking the lift down to an area where we could catch a bus back to Cortina D’Ampezzo. Just a note for folks who have a car, there is a free parking lot in Cortina that many people in camper vans stay at but it was full as there was a big ultra marathon running event going on then (dont know the name but ask around). We ended up finding a paid parking lot near a gas station that we could pay for up to 3 days and then we were able to add on time when we had Wifi in the huts. So it ended up working out. We were also there right before “high season” began so some buses were not running their normal schedules. There were also not too many people most days on the trail. Just sometimes big groups but we could usually avoid them. The weather was great too! Around this time, we didnt need to get a permit to start at Lago di Braises but during the high season, you may need to.
We stayed at Rifugio Sennes the first night. We highly recommend Sennes over Rifugio Biella, #1 because its high value for its cost and #2 because it is much cozier and built up than Biella, even though it was one of the least built up huts we stayed at. Biella seems to be a bit bare bones/has less amenities and space compared to Sennes. That being said, Sennes still feels small and cozy. The only other visitors were bikers during the day and other hikers. We just had to email a few times and then call Sennes to get on their books and to confirm our lodging reservations.
The second night we stayed at Rifugio Fanes, which you can book online. We were even able to get our own room that night. They had amazing food and again, the only other folks up there were bikers and hikers. We arrived at midday during each of our hike days so on this day we visited Rifugio Lavarella for lunch and a beer, which was a short walk from Fanes. In between Sennes and Fanes, we stopped at Pederu Berggasthaus for an espresso and pastry – highly recommend giving yourself sometime to chill there and take in the view. At Fanes, we signed up for a yoga session which was really needed!
The third night we stayed at Rifugio Lagazuoi, which we booked online. The hike from Fanes to Lagazuoi is long so prepare for a big day of hiking. It is a very busy Rifugio as people can take trams up for the day but it makes sense as the view is amazing. After the last tram though, it is very chill and only hikers staying the night are there. They have a sauna too so make reservations ahead and try it out! Their food was also so delicious. FYI, around this time, there wasnt much snow but we did have gaiters just in case.
The next day we took the path through the Lagazuoi tunnels on our way to Rifugio Avareau. Be aware there are two routes when you enter the tunnels and you can take either as they both go to the same place. It is well worth it! Your knees may hurt a bit as the steps down are big but its a unique experience. From there we stopped in the small town at the bottom of the mountain to enjoy some snacks and then we headed up to Rifugio Averau, checked in, and then hiked up to Rifugio Nuvolau (which I highly recommend as you get an amazing view of the area plus they have great food).
On our last hiking day, we were originally going to hike down to Passo Giau but because it wasnt the peak season yet (which started right after we were leaving), busses werent running during the weekday or at least when we were departing. So we decided to hike down to Cinque Torri and hike around that area, before taking the lift down to catch a bus to Cortina. To figure out the bus times, we asked around but there also seemed to be schedules in the huts.
Overall here were some things we noticed or advice we have from our experience:
We noticed that the food options for half board dinner, at most of the huts we visited, were more diverse than described in the blog. We also found that for the huts we visited, showers were available, and all but Lagazuoi’s were free. We highly recommend starting early in the day so you can arrive around midday and can still enjoy lunch at the rifugio you are staying at or another close by. This gives you lots of time to relax, read a book, chart the next days hike (which you should do every day before the next days hike), do an extension or short walk somewhere, write in a journal, meet other hikers, etc. We were surprised how many of the Rifugios took card and that we didnt end up using much of our cash. Of course, we were only on one part of the Alta Via. Also, we recommend you try the local house Grappa or other digestifs when you can!
Out of all the huts we went to, we loved Rifugio Sennes the most as it felt like we were in nature, far from people but still had the wonderful comforts of beer, delicious cheese plates, etc. It also had an older feel, Alps charm. The other Rifugios were really nice, just a bit more modern in some of their updates. Originally we had planned for 5 days thinking that would be enough hiking but at the end of the 5 days, we wish we had planned to do more! We were trying to fit in travel to Slovenia and Croatia so we chose 5 days. Once we got to day 4, our bodies were accustomed to that much hiking and just wanted to continue! One day we hope to do the full Alta Via 1 and 2 plus other areas. Its such an amazing place to visit – so epic and unique.
Hi Sarah, Thanks for visiting and for your personal input. This is the longest comment I have ever received :D. I do feel I need to address a couple of things. Sennes is better to stay at if one does not plan on doing the Summit of Seekofel extension. Biela is better if extension is in the plan or if one plans on starting the AV1 later in the day. Yes, you are definitely right, it is a nicer refuge than Biela with that said Biela isn’t bad. As for food I’ve got to say you stayed in the 4 most luxurious huts on AV1. Once you cross Passo Giau the huts become significantly less luxurious, showers are not free of charge (Whilst Fanes and Averau were FOC, Lagazuoi operates theirs on a token basis, which you have to purchase at reception). Same goes for cards, not all huts accept them, although year after year more and more huts do (finally) so that’s a step forward for sure. I still very much appreciate your recount. I am sure it will help others choosing what’s best for them. I hope for you to come back and hike more of the Dolomites!
Sara, thanks for your reviews! I’ll be saving this in my planning folder.
Hi Sarah! Just wondering how far in advance you had to book the huts?
Hello,
I am wondering if we want only to hike to Rifugio Citta Di Fiume what are our options (if any) for transportation out). Or is there another option for only doing 4-5 nights in the Rigugios? Thank you for such wonderful information.
Chaia
Hi Chaia. Thanks for stopping by. You can start Alta Via 1 later and finish earlier. Please refer to the second part of my AV1 Guide. at the end I have descrive late entry and early exit route possibilities. Let me know if you have any more questions
Hello Marta,
Thank you for the wealth of information on your website! Our family is hiking the Northern section of the AV1 exiting at Rifugio Staulanza, July of 2024. We would like to make our way to Bolzano next but wondered how to navigate there. I saw in one of your posts that there was a bus stop at Staulanza. Would you recommend taking this connecting through Longarone or Selva di Cadore? Is the bus fairly frequent? Thank you!
Hi Kim. Yes if you zoom onto Passo Staulanza there is a bus stop. there. As for your question you have to check the bus connections yourself. I usually use either google maps, mooveitapp or Sued Tirol Mobil website for bus connections. Bear in mind that it will be a while before the schedules on some routes will be release for the nexts season.
What you could also do is instead of ending at Passo Staulanza, keep hiking towards rifugio Coldai and take the Col Dei Baldi gondola down to Alleghe then travel onwards to Bolzano. The public transport will require a lot of changes and a good few hours. If you were hiking Alta Via 2 which is more to the West, getting to Bolzano would be much easier.
Hello,
I just completed the TMB from June 19-July 2 with all of the variants. AV1 seems kind of boring (just walking) as compared to AV2. I read your AV1 with the via ferrata extensions but it requires full via ferrata gear. I am leaning more toward hiking the AV2 because I am excited about the via ferratas. I am a rock climber and am very comfortable with heights. My hiking friends do not want to carry the full gear either. Can I do the via ferratas on AV2 without the full gear? I could bring climbing slings and carabiners as backups.
You have done AV1 and AV2. If I can only do one AV route, which would you recommend doing if I have no problem with heights. Thank you.
Hi Grace, thanks for visiting. You do need via ferrata gear on AV2 and I would never publicly tell anyone to go without it. Even though the scrambling sections are beginner routes. Don’t put your trust into other people, rocks come flying down the VF parts all the time, released by the groups above you. Doing it without VF gear is like driving your car without seatbelt on. For the most part, it’s a non issue, but all it takes is one bad move.
As for AV1 vs AV2 both are amazing in their own ways and nothing boring about AV1. AV2 is definitely more challenging due to lenght and day-by-day distances (at least on some days). I would recommend that you look into AV4 if you need more of a challenge. It’s my favourite Alta Via. Dolomiti Brenta Traverse would be the next thing I would recommend.
Hello,
Thank you so much for your detailed report! To follow on the previous question regarding car parking, what parking lots would you recommend in Cortina to leave the car for the AV1?
Thank you so much!
Hi Anna. Thanks for visiting. There is a huge parking next to the Cortina bus station, but I am not sure about leaving your car there for a few nights. What I did when I hiked Alta Via 2 and had to leave my car for an extended time I just contacted the hotel and asked them if there was a possibility to leave my van there. They agreed and I just paid a parking fee for each day it was there.
Hello Marta
What a wealth of information you have provided here thanks so much for spending the time to do this what a generous act from you
I am Australian and have always dreamed of hiking the Dolomites for my 60th birthday
I have done multi day hikes inAustralia andNew Zealand
My daughter and I will be in Italy in June 2024 and want to hike the Alta Via 1
The route you have followed seems perfect for us
We would love to do the 10 night itinerary but if we are short on time will start on day 3 of the hike
Could you tell me when would be the best time for me to book the Refugio’s so we can be assured of getting spots(when do bookings open for the 2024 season and what are the best platforms to book on)
We were also thinking of maybe doing your itinerary but in reverse is that a good idea?
We are not planning on hiring a car so will be reliant on public transport
We are also planning to stay in the same accommodation before and after our walk so we can leave our luggage there during the time we are hiking would you recommend Cortina or Belluno?
I look forward to hearing from you
Margaret
Hi Margaret, Thanks for visiting. Due to high demand and lots of questions I receive on a daily basis I started offering trip planning services. If you would like to to answer all your questions I am happy to schedule a call with you. Please visit this page for details.
Thank you soooo much for such wonderful site!!! We have followed many of your hikes in Canda, and we are now booked for doing the Alta Via 1 in June. We are doing it at the very start of the season…..starting out on June 16th. There is still a very large amount of snow up there which is making me a little nervous. When you went in June did you have microspikes with you? Any other suggestions?
Thanks so much!!!!
Lindsey Oar
Hi Lindsey! Thanks for visiting and congrats on securing Alta Via 1. I did AV1 at the very start of the season too so you can work out how much snow there was looking at my pics. That year it was actually more than usual. This year we have less snow than usual. I wouldn’t look at the snow situation at the moment because yes there is still a lot of snow at higher elevation but the next weeks is when most of it melts. No I didn’t carry any microspikes, but gaiters might come in handy. The snow at the end of June is super wet and slushy, not icy and crusty. Let me know if you have more questions. Happy hiking.
Great blog! Nice into and wonderful images. We are planning to go in early September and do 4 days on the southern end…. We could get everything we wanted to fall into place, but at least think we have a workable plan…. Our first night is at Staulanza . We were hoping to get some local transport to access the train at either Cinque Torri or Rifugio scoiattoli…. Wondering if you know any easy way to access…. We could come in at Paso Giau but think that misses some nice stuff…. From there we have Tissi-> carestiato—>pramperet all booked. Figures crossed for good weather…
Hi Stephen. Thanks for stopping by. You should take a bus from Cortina to Passo Falzarego and start hiking there (or one stop before Passo Falzarego, take the chairlift to Scoiatolli and hike from Cinque Torri. The rest looks good! I hope that helps.
Hi Marta – great website, so very informative! I wondered what you would recommend. A couple of friends and I are planning on doing the hut-to-hut in the dolomites this july and would like to try via ferrata. We have never done via ferrata before and I am somewhat nervous about doing it having never tried it before. What would be the best routes for a 5 day? Is there one that can include hiking and via ferrata? Thanks so much!
Hi Ellie. You can try the Rosengarten Traverse. The via ferratas are beginner level and a lot of them are just extensions so you can choose to do them or skip them all together.
Thanks for this! Is the Brenta traverse or tre crime potential options for us too? I notice they’re via ferrata and over 1 or 2 beginner but then move to via ferrata. Your blog is the best guide to the Dolomites so thank you!
Hi Ellie. It’s difficult for me to answer this question for you because I have no idea what your experience level etc. is. You said the ferratas make you nervous. Tre Cime Traverse would be better, but honestly, I don’t think you will be able to book the huts for it at this time of the year. A lot of readers were writing to me already two months ago that Locatelli and Pian di Ciengia are fully booked for the summer. Of course, some cancellations do occur but it would often mean you might not get in until the last moment. Brenta is amazing but it is definitely a challenging traverse with 8 via ferratas over 5 days. I was exhausted at the end of it and I do it professionally 😉 What I am saying is don’t bite off more than you can chew. Safety first! 🙂 Rosengarten is absolutely amazing, it is in fact one of my favourite places in the Dolomites.
To add onto my comment for some context, our experience level is that we do hiking, normally choosing some obscure routes 🙂
Hi Marta,
Thank you for the rich information you provide, it’s absolutely amazing. I’m trying to come up with a realistic itinerary of the second part of Av1 for mid July. I would love some help to make sure I’m well prepared. Here’s the details:
Staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo (accommodation booked)
Day 1- Cortina (take bus to Ponte di Rocurto or walk), via Lago Federa to Città di Fumme or to Rifugio Palafavera. ( is Lago Federa to Palafavera too far in one day??)
Day2- Palafavera + hiking to summit of Civetta + sleep in Rifugio Torrani (accommodation booked)
Is it possible in one day to leave Palafavera and hike Civetta?
Day3- Rifugio Torrani (Civetta) to Vazzoler or another Rifugio close (waiting to see if there’s availability)
How long do you think it takes between Torrani and Vazzoler?
Day 4- Vazzoler or other Rifugio exiting in Listolade ( Accomodation in Agordo)
Day5- Agordo to Belluno to Venice
I really want to hike Civetta and am very lucky to have secured a spot at Rifugio Torrani on day 2.
Would you suggest another itinerary to exit after hiking Civetta?
Thank you for your time,
Jonathan
Hi Jonathan. Thanks for visiting. First of all I just want to make sure that you know that going up to the Civetta Summit is not hiking as you write it, it’s a via ferrata on all three routes and quite a hard one too. I did two of them. Bringing the via ferrata gear is essential. Now to your questions. It’s possible to walk to Lago Federa then Citta di Fiume and Palafavera in one day, but whether it is possible for you I don’t know because I have no idea how fit you are 🙂
The same goes for your question regarding going from Palafavera all the way to the summit. It will be over 1700 meters of elevation gain so it’s heck of a day. It’s possible for a very fit person for sure. Whether you can do it, is only a question you can answer yourself.
Now to day 3. You can potentially follow the crossing of the Civetta group from Torani to Rifugio Carestiato along via Ferrata Moiazza. It’s an advanced one again and I have it done it myself, but it is on my list. Your other option is just to descend to Rifugio Coldai then circle around Civetta to Rifugio Vazzoler. That would take around 6 hours.
Let me know if that helps!
Hi Marta!!
Thank you so so much for the amazing information! I am planning a trip to Italy this Aug (2023) with friends. We plan to travel from Rome up to Venice and then do the first half of the Alta Via 1. I was hoping you might be able to help/give some recommendations.
1. We will be exiting the route on the morning of Day 6 (staying in Rifugio Citte Di Fiume on Day 5, then hiking out the next morning). We need to get back to Venice where we will fly home from the following day. What is the best way to do that? Hike to Passo Staulanza as your and take buses/train from there? Rent a car from Venice and leave it at the finish place (I do have an international drivers license)?
2. Since we are touring Italy before hiking, we hope to leave our extra luggage at a safe storage place in Venice. Do you have a recommendation for that? I suppose if we rent a car, we could leave the luggage in the trunk, but that feels less safe. Thoughts?
Thank you so much for your time and help. Your articles and pictures are wonderful!!
Sarah
Hi Sarah. Thanks for visiting. Logistically it would be a lot easier for you to take a shuttle from Venice to Cortina D’Ampezzo, then a local bus to Passo Falzarego then join Alta Via 1 and walk the first day to Citta Di Fiume, then continue until the end. To speed things up on Day 2 you walk from Citta Di Fiume to Rifugio Tissi, on day 3 from Tissi to Carestiato, then Pramperet, and on day 5 you walk out to Belluno. From Belluno, you can travel by train back to Venice.
As for the extra luggage. If you plan on staying in Venice before then make sure you book a hotel that will allow you to store your luggage for a few days. Getting a rental car for a group might actually be more cost-effective and easier since you are in a group.
Last but not least. Do you already have reservations for AV1? some of my readers told me that some of the huts are already booked out, and those are usually the ones on the first half of AV1. The second half is quieter.
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have more questions.
Hi again.
Thank you for the quick response! I had not thought about doing the second half rather than the first half. Are the views and hiking just as amazing? Obviously, if the Rifugios are booked, that’s a problem.
Thank you!
Sarah
Hi Sarah. Definitely worth considering. My favorite days were 3,7 and 10 so 2 of them were in the second half of AV1. You definitely will have enough of amazing views no worries 🙂 let me know if you have more questions!
The more I research it, the more I like your suggested plan. I have a few more questions if you have time and don’t mind.
1. Your suggested route has us hiking for 5 days. Our schedule allows for 6 days of hiking. Would it be worthwhile to start at Rifugio Lagazuoi? For example, instead of spending the night in Cortina D’Ampezzo, we make our way to Passo Falzarego and take the gondola up to Lagazoui to stay there the night before we start hiking.
2. I am having trouble finding what the path/route would be from Pramperet to Belluno. Does that follow the AV1 trail or diverge from it? Do you know how many miles (or km) that day would be?
3. In your article about AV1 – Part 2, you mention Route 560 from Coldai to Vazzoler. Can this path still be taken as we hike from Fiumi to Tissi? I want to avoid roads and stay in nature as much as possible.
I am trying to confirm how many people will be going on this trip, so I have not booked Rifugios yet. I plan to book them by the end of this week though! Fingers crossed!!
Thank you again for your endless supply of information and all of your help!
Sarah
Hi Sarah. La Pissa, where the AV1 ends is connected by bus with Belluno. Rifugio Tissi is halfway between Coldai and Vazzoler. Scan the article for answers 🙂 Due to the high demand and lots of questions I receive on daily basis, I recently started to offer trip consulting to my readers to guide them on how to make reservations or what would the ideal hiking plan for them be. If interested write to me by e-mail using my contact page and I will send you the details. Fingers crossed you secure the reservations!
Thanks to you for providing all of this very helpful information!
My wife and I will be on AV1 in late July but, unfortunately, we won’t have an adequate amount of time to hike the entirety of it and still call it a vacation. We’ll have a total of six days in the Dolomites, and we’re trying to balance our (not always shared) interests in trekking, via ferrata, trail running, water color painting, and taking in the geology and history of the place. So we’re thinking we won’t want to take on more than about 50-60% of the entire distance.
Looking back on your trip, and considering what we’re trying to accomplish, what 40-ish mile length of the AV1 do you consider to be the most rewarding? And would access logistics (cable cars/road crossings/transit) be reasonable for starting and ending the trek at those spots? Thanks in advance for any feedback you can provide.
Hi Travis. Thanks for visiting. My favorite days of Alta Via 1 were day 3, 7 and 10 so as you can probably see there is a better or worse half of AV1. I am afraid though I didn’t understand how many days exactly you are looking at. I know you said 40ish mile so around 65 km but you want to do those over 4 days? Do you want to spend all 6 days that you have in the Dolomites on Av1?
Logistically the easiest for you would be to start at Passo Falzarego then hike to Rifugio Citta Di Fiume on day 1 then Coldai day 2, Vazzoler Day 3 and exit after Rifugio Vazzoler. Passo Falzarego is easily accessible by bus from Cortina d’Ampezzo and Cortina in turn can be easily reached from Venice. There are shuttle buses going daily. Let me know if that helps and if you have any more questions. Also check my late entry/early exit possibilities at the end of part 2.
Hi Marta – thank you for sharing all this information!
Question: if we were to exit the trail at Passo Giau, do you know what bus company we should take to be to get back to Cortina d’Ampezzo? Trying to determine if we should hike from Rifugio Averau to Passo Giau then catch a bus or try to find a bus around Rifugio Averau and take it from there.
Thanks!
Hi Michael. The Dolomitibus operate along this route, but their schedules and their website are so user-unfriendly that it scares me. Try to look it up on the Mooveit app or Sued Tirol Mobil. Bear in mind that schedules might not be available yet as the winter season is still in full swing.Let me know if you have more questions
Thanks for reply!
Sorry one more question. Do you where we can exit the trail after a night at the Rifugio Citta Di Fiume? Plan to head back to Cortina after this.
Hi Michael. You can exit at Passo Staulanza which is a point along the route between rifugio Citta di Fiume and rifugio Coldai. There is a bus stop at rifugio Staulanza.
Hi there!
Thank you so much for your articles, they have all been extremely helpful! I will be hiking with some friends in the dolomites the last week of June into July. We all are experienced hikers and grew up int he mountains. We are looking for a 9 day hut to hut. We were looking at your Alta Via 1 route but were thinking of combining the first and second day to make it into 9 days. While researching we noticed that a lot of other articles were going from Averau to Stalanza to Vazzoler. I guess I was wondering why you chose your route from Averau to Citta di fiume to Coldai to Vazzoler. My other easier question would be would you recommend a different 9 day hike to see the best of the dolomites. We wont be traveling with the extra gear required for the other Alta Vias. Thank you so much for your help!
Hi Cristina. Thanks for stopping by. To make the trip shorter I would actually recommend the following huts. Day 1-3 as normal day 4 Lagazuoi to Citta Di Fiume. Day Citta Di Fiume to Tissi, Day 6 Tissi to Carestiato, 7 Carestiato to Pramperet and then walk out on day 8 or stay another night in Pian De Fontana.
I think Citta Di Fiume is much nicer to stay at than Staulanza. Staulanza is right next to the road and rather in forest. Citta di fiume has awesome views of Monte Pelmo and if you felt like it you could walk up from there to Col De La Puina for sunset. If you don’t plan on taking VF equipment with you then stick with AV1. I do recommend that you get on with booking the huts though because it’s already quite late in the season and the demand has risen significantly in recent years. I hope that helps!
Hi Marta. Great info and pictures you posted here. We are a group of 4 planning to hike the AV1 in early Sept. Do you have any advice or notes on hiking towards the end of the season? Do the rifugios stay open and bus shuttles run right to the 3rd week in Sept? Thanks!
Hi Kirk. Thanks for visiting. Yes the rifugios stay open until the third week of September. I recommend checking the last refuge which you will stay at and its opening times, particularly the last day, then take off 10 nights and start your hike then. The buses are usually aligned with the hut openings. You will find the bus schedules in the last two huts you will cross along the way. Let me know if I can help any further.
Hi Marta! Your site is great. I want to backpack for 4-5 days during the 3rd week of September. I am an experienced hiker, but not a climber, so I do not want to encounter any via ferratas. The Alta Via 1 looks great except the hiking time on the trail each day seems quite short in that each day only has about 1/2 day of hiking. Do you have any recommendations for trails that don’t have via ferratas, but that might have 6-7 hours of hiking each day? Thank you!
Hi Carrie. Thanks for stopping by. Please bear in mind that the times I am giving on the site are only walking times and do not include any breaks. Look at other stats too like distances and elevation gain. You can easily combine some days to fit your own schedule. Here is an example itinerary for 5 days which would have longer days based on AV1. Passo Falzarego to rifugio Citta di Fiume. Citta di Fiume to rifugio Tissi. Rifugio Tissi to Rifugio Carestiatio. Rifugio Carestiatio to rifugio Pian De Fontana. Pian De Fontana to La Pissa. Let me know if that helps!
Marta Kulesza, Thank you for your amazing website. I am using every piece of information you have provided. After planning this trip since October 2021, I’m leaving July 14 from the US and I am doing the entire AV1. In planning my trail route, I was looking at the Tabacco Map #031. I may have an older map but I do not have the trails from Fannes to Lagazuoi or Averau. None of the trails, 401, 402, 412, 440, etc. are on this map. Can you give me some information on what map I will need to fine these trails? Tabacco Map 25 has the rest of the AV1 all the way to the La Pissa Belluno bus stop. Thanks again for your work.
Hi Thomas. Thanks for visiting. I just double-checked on my map for Cortina (no. 03) and the routes are all there, but even if you have an older map don’t stress out) whichever route you choose to take do not worry, they are all marked. Once leaving rifugio Lagazuoi you will have a clear sign for Lagazuoi Tunnels. Once you make it down to Passo Falzarego you will also have signs pointing towards rifugio Averau. Hiking in the Dolomites is easy, particularly on AV1. Passo Falzarego is clearly visible from Rifugio Lagazuoi too so the descent is super easy whichever way you decide to go down. I hope that helps! let me know if you have any more questions!
Thank you for getting back to me. In your article, you mention Map 031, not Map 03. There is my confusion. I believe you need to change Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Averau from Map 031 to Map 03. Thanks.
Hi Thomas. I do say in the article that you need 3 maps for AV1: numbers 031, 03 and 025.
Thank you again for your quick response. Yes, you did mention that I need 3 maps for this hike. Here is what you wrote for Day 4: “Day 4 gives a few path choices leading to the next refuge and I will cover some below. It’s best if you refer to the Tabacco Map 031 to visualise your options.” Map 031 does not have these trail numbers to refer to. If you mean Map 03, you need to edit your article at Day 4.
Hi Thomas. Now I got it. Thanks for catching it. I have updated it from 031 to 03. Those two maps do overlap though. Same as 03 overlaps slightly with 025. Anyways thanks for staying vigilant and I hope that whichever route you choose when hiking this stage that you will have lots of fun!
Hi, Marta — I’ve read a bunch of your articles and love your adventurous spirit. I’m going to do the AV1 this September, and will bring my ferrata gear to Italy so I can do some ferratas after the AV1. I’d like to do the AV1 ferratas to Averau and Ra Gusela, but I’d prefer not to have to carry the gear throughout the AV1. I have many years of rock climbing experience and also have done some intermediate ferratas in the USA. What do you think?
Hi Rick. Thanks for stopping by and your awesome feedback. If you are looking for a green light from me to do the via ferratas without the equipment then you won’t get it 🙂 After going through a terrible accident myself in the mountains I am a big believer in a better be safe than sorry attitude. Whilst I saw a lot of people on the beginner via ferratas without the equipment I have also noticed that most of the remembrance plaques can be spotted on the beginner routes, so there you have it. The choice is ultimately yours. I wish you lots of fun on AV1! It’s an awesome route and if you need another reason to actually bring the VF equipment then I highly encourage you to try the via Ferrata Degli Alleghesi starting from rifugio Coldai. This would mean staying a couple of nights in rifugio Coldai, but the Ferrata is awesome and the views from the top of Civetta are really worth it!
Hello, I have loved reading many of your articles… It’s definitely inspired many adventure plans for me! I had a question I wondered if you may have advice on… I’ll be hiking Alta Via 1 in late June, and am trying to find a way to send a bag from the start (Lago Braies or Cortina) to Belluno to pick up at the end. I have only found taxi services that are around 300 euros for that (which seems like a lot for one small bag). Do you know of any better ways to send a bag? Thank you so much!
Hi Wendy. Thanks for stopping by and for your great feedback! Unfortunately, apart from sending it via post, I don’t know of any place or services that do it. What I would recommend is that you travel to Belluno first then leave it at a hotel in Belluno and travel up to Braies with just the backpack that you will use for your trek. Sorry I couldn’t help any further! Let me know if you have more questions!
Thank you Marta!
That was a great idea. I didn’t know about Passo Giau.
Our dates have changed, and we’ll have to go in mid June. I am worried about the snow, so just to we get a taste of the multi day experience I booked the Lavarella and da Lagazou huts. Not sure if I should take the chance with the Sennes (as the Biella is closed), or be happy with the 2 nights?
Thank you again!
Hi Ana. No worries. I have hiked AV1 in 2019 and we started exactly on June 18th. That was the first-day rifugio Biella was open. There was still a bit of snow when hiking up to the pass, but nothing impassable. We were able to hike without any crampons. This year there was less snow in the Alps compared to previous years so you might even be lucky and have none in June. If sennes is open then do consider staying there for your first night. Good luck! Let me know how it goes!
Wonderful news Marta!
Thank you so much!!!
Glad I was able to help! Have loads of fun on your trip and let me know how it goes!
Hi Marta,
thank you so much for you reply, it was very helpful!
If we do around 5 days of the via 1 I am looking at:
Lake Braies / Sennes or Pederu / Fanes / Lagazou / Averau or Nuvolau
What do you think? Is there any better option?
And also, if we leave the car at the end of the hike (at Bai de Dones), do you know if there is transport back to Lake Braies?
Thank you again!
hi Ana. AV1 starts at Lago di Braies, which you can reach by car or bus. I would recommend that you stay your first night somewhere in Cortina D’Ampezzo and book a hotel with the option to leave your car for a few days. There are also paid and secure parking lots in Cortina where you could leave your car. Then on your first day, you can take the bus to Lago di Braies. The journey takes around 1 hour. You then hike for the next 4 or 5 days following my Alta Via 1 itinerary. If you hike for 5 days you can exit at Passo Giau and from there catch the local bus to Cortina D’Ampezzo. If you look at the map you will see that it makes sense. I don’t recommend leaving your car at the start of the hike. If I do it myself I always leave the car either at the end or somewhere in the middle and use public transport on the first day of a backpacking trip to simply get it out of the way. From my experience when I finish any multiday trek the last thing I want to do on that day is mess around with public transport to get back to the car. I prefer the car to be waiting for me already 🙂 Let me know if that helps!
Hi Marta,
thank you so much for you detailed articles! Plus, your pictures are amazing.
I would like to ask your opinion cause my boyfriend and I would like to do a 4/5 day hike, but this will be his first experience on a multi-day hike.
From what you’ve wrote I am in between the Tre Cime multiday traverse or part of Via 1.
Could you please help me?
1- considering the scenery, which one do you prefere?
2 – we will be going on the 1st week of July, is Via 1 too crowded?
3 – also, we have 10 days in total, so we can do day trips as well
Thank you so much,
Ana
Hi Ana! Thanks for visiting my site and your awesome feedback. If it is your boyfriend’s first multiday traverse then I think AV1 would be more suiting. As for your question. Considering the scenery you can’t go wrong with either one. 2) 1st week of July is considered high season but, to be honest you will meet fewer people on some sections of AV1 than on the Tre Cime traverse. The area around Tre Cime is very crowded during the high season because lots of people access rifugio Auronzo by car and hike the Tre Cime circuit in a day. Another thing to consider is the via ferratas along the traverse, you will need to carry proper vf gear with you to tackle those sections. As for day trips, there are a lot of possibilities for day hikes and day via ferratas which you can find in the day hikes category and via Ferrata category in my Italian Dolomites guide. Let me know if I can help further!
Hi Marta,
Thanks for your amazing write ups and photos!
I’m a female experienced hiker (not much climbing/mountain experience however as live in Australia) and hoping to hike either of the Alta Via 1 or Alta Via 2 solo in August this year. I much prefer less crowds and certainly don’t mind a challenge, however am also concerned about being unsafe in the mountains solo.
So I guess I have 2 questions:
1 -Which was more spectacular? Alta Via One or Alta Via Two?
2 – Would you warn a solo traveller from doing Alta Via Two (i.e. is there lots of scrambling/unsafe sections?)
Thank you kindly 🙂
Dom
Hi Dom! THanks for stopping by. To try and answer your questions:
1. It’s a tough call. There are days that I loved more on AV1 and days I loved more on AV2. If you want my honest answer I thought AV4 was the best, followed closely by the Dolomiti Brenta traverse haha. Whichever you pick AV1 or AV2 you won’t be dissapointed.
2. You will always meet people along these traverses and can team up with someone. AV2 does require carrying extra equipment for the via ferrata section. A helmet is a must, but also harness and lanyard wouldn’t hurt, especially since there are a few very cool via ferrata extensions you can do, but also because there are some short cable sections with ladders, where you really should wear a helmet.
Let me know if you have more questions!
Amazing, thank you SO much for your reply! Much appreciated!
I will look into the AV4 as an alternative… Just read your guide on it, and it looks incredible!!!
Happy adventuring 😀
Dom
Fantastic! Have lots of fun and let me know if you have any further questions!
Great write up. Looks snowy, which exact weeks did you travel? Currently planning a trip for last week of June and wondering if likely to be similar. Did you require crampons?
Hi Ste! Thanks for stopping by. It seems like you missed the answer in the text. I do say that I hiked it at the very start of the season which was June 17th – June 27th. We had snow even on the last day of the hike, but apart from the approach to rifugio Lagazuoi on day 3 when the snow was slushy and we were sinking sometimes knee-deep in it, other times we were crossing the snowfields in the mornings when the snow was hard. We did not require crampons at any point, but gaiters may come in handy. I hope that helps!