THE ALTA VIA 1 TREK IN THE DOLOMITES
the dolomites:
hiKE THE ALTA VIA 1
Chamonix – Zermatt crossing
9 DAYS, SELF-GUIDED
The Alta Via 1 trek is an iconic 120-kilometer trail from Lago di Braies to Belluno, winding through the Dolomites. This legendary route takes you over mountain passes, through lush valleys, and alongside rugged peaks. It offers breathtaking views every day. Ideal for trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Alta Via 1 features moderate to challenging terrain.
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Alta via 1 trek itinerary
Day 1: Lago Di Braies – Rifugio Biella
On your first day, you will enjoy a private transfer from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Lago di Braies. Taking you to the official starting point of the Alta Via 1 Dolomites trek. This short but unforgettable stage introduces you to the world-famous Lago di Braies, renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. After taking time to hike along the lake, you will gradually ascend toward your first Dolomites rifugio. As a result, this first day is the perfect combination of iconic scenery, gentle hiking, and authentic alpine atmosphere.
Approximate distance : 9km – Elevation gain: 1070 m / elevation loss: 235 m (5,5 miles – Elevation gain: 3500ft / Elevation loss: 775ft)
Day 2: Rifugio Biella – Rifugio Lavarella
From Rifugio Biella, the Alta Via 1 trail begins with a steady ascent across rocky terrain. You’ll, then, enjoy the panoramic views of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park. The path then eases into a gentle descent toward Rifugio Lavarella. This trail heads through a peaceful valley with meadows and streams.
Approximate distance : 13,5km – Elevation gain: 850 m / elevation loss: 1130 m (8,5 miles – Elevation gain: 2050ft / Elevation loss: 2985ft)
Day 3: Rifugio Lavarella – Rifugio Lagazuoi/Scotoni.
Today’s stage will lead you through some of the most iconic landscapes in the Dolomites. Beginning at Rifugio Lavarella, you will gradually ascend through alpine meadows. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys of the Dolomites. As you continue, the scenery becomes even more panoramic, revealing the dramatic contours of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park. In the distance, the majestic peaks of the Tofane group rise into view, adding to the spectacle. Afterward, the final climb before reaching the historic Lagazuoi hut brings you to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with extraordinary 360-degree vistas. From here, you can admire the legendary Civetta and the mighty Marmolada, two of the Dolomites’ most celebrated peaks.
Approximate distance : 13km – Elevation gain: 1700 m / elevation loss: 700 m.LTA VIA DO
Day 4: Rifugio Lagazuoi – Rifugio Nuvolau
Today’s stage of the Alta Via 1 trek leads you toward the Falzarego Pass, where you’ll encounter remnants of World War I, including fortifications, tunnels, and trenches. The trail continues to the striking Cinque Torri, a dramatic rock formation of five towers that also recalls the area’s wartime history. Finally, a steep but rewarding climb brings you to Rifugio Nuvolau (2,574 m), your accommodation for the night. From here, legendary 360-degree views stretch across the Dolomites, including Monte Civetta, Marmolada, and other iconic peaks.
Approximate distance : 11,5km – Elevation gain: 745 m / elevation loss: 900 m (7 miles : Elevation gain: 2440ft/ Elevation loss: 2940ft)
Day 5: Rifugio Nuvolau/Passo Giau – Rifugio Staulanza/Citta di Fiume
From the renowned Passo Giau, a steep downhill track first leads you toward the pass. After this initial descent, the route continues on gentler, rolling terrain through the scenic Pelmo region. Along the way, the landscape gradually opens up, offering a remarkable close-up view of Monte Pelmo, often referred to as the “Throne of the Gods.” As you cross the alpine meadows on your approach to Rifugio Staulanza, you may encounter charming wildlife, including marmots and alpine choughs.
Approximate distance : 19,2km – Elevation gain: 690 m / elevation loss: 1470 m (11,9 miles – Elevation gain: 2255ft / Elevation loss: 4825ft)
Day 6: Rifugio Staulanza/Citta di Fume – Rifugio Vazzoler
This stage of the Alta Via 1 trek takes you around the base of Monte Civetta, one of the Dolomites’ most impressive peaks. The trail passes through alpine pastures and lush forests as you head toward Col de la Puina and Forcella di Col Duro, offering a peaceful and scenic experience. As you near Rifugio Vazzoler, the landscape opens up, with the iconic Civetta range towering overhead.
Approximate distance: 15 km – Elevation gain: 885m / elevation loss: 945m (9,5 miles – Elevation gain: 2905ft / Elevation loss: 3100ft)
Day 7: Rifugio Vazzoler – Rifugio Carestiato
This short stage of the Alta Via 1 trek winds through forests and alpine pastures, where you can admire edelweiss and spot marmots. The trail crosses the Civetta Massif, offering panoramic views of the Dolomites. The hike concludes with a gentle climb to Rifugio Carestiato, a cozy, secluded mountain hut in the heart of the Civetta range.
Approximate distance: 9km – Elevation gain: 630m / elevation loss: 515m.
Day 8: Rifugio Carestiato – Rifugio Pramperet/Pia de Fontana:
The hike to Rifugio Pramperet is one of the more challenging stages of the Alta Via 1 trek, yet it offers an unforgettable journey through remote and untouched areas of the Dolomites. The day begins with a steep ascent to Moschesin Pass, where panoramic views reward your effort. After a short break, the trail descends through Val Pramper to Rifugio Pramperet, an idyllic and secluded spot surrounded by rugged peaks—perfect for your final night on the Dolomites trail.
Approximate distance: 13 km – Elevation gain: 695 m / elevation loss: 665 m.
Day 9: Rifugio Pramperet – La Pissa
On the last day of the Alta Via 1 trek, descend from the secluded Dolomites through forests, making your way toward the La Pissa bus stop. The trail can be steep in sections, but as you descend, the landscape opens up to stunning views of Valle di Zoldo. The hike concludes at La Pissa, where you can catch a bus back to Belluno, marking the end of this unforgettable Dolomites adventure.
Approximate distance: 17,5 km – Elevation gain: 860m / elevation loss: 2265m.
Note: the itinerary, accommodations, distances and altitudes may vary slightly for many reasons beyond our control: accommodation availability, weather and terrain conditions.
Please also be aware that self-guided trek involves your own responsibility for the route you choose and the choices you make on the trails. We will provide you with a roadbook, map and GPX tracks but you will be hiking every day on your own and we cannot be responsible for the decision and events that may occur during your hike.
alta via 1 dolomite
Included:
- Accommodation: 8 nights in dormitory-style accommodation in mountain huts.
- Meals: 8 breakfasts and 8 dinners
- Private transfer from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Lago di Braies on day 1
- Travel information: roadbook, GPS tracks
- Assistance from our team on site.
Not Included:
- Repatriation & Rescue (mandatory) and Cancellation (highly recommended) insurances.
- Accommodation for one night before the trip (Day 0) and one night after the trip (Day 9).
- Transfers throughout the trip and transfers to Cortina d’Ampezzo and from Belluno.
- Lunches, snacks and personal expenses.
- Everything not indicated in the “included” section
Options on request: contact us.
- Transfers to Cortina d’Ampezzo and from Belluno.
- Accommodation in Cortina and/or Belluno.
Duration: 11 days | Level: Expert | Period: from beginning of June -July to September | Group size: unlimited | Trip: self-guided | Destination: Italy
Advice from our team :
The Alta Via 1 trek is a demanding route that requires skills and a certain experience. A training beforehand and a good physical shape are necessary.
F.A.Q.
Trekking the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites
A technical path is a trail with particularly uneven terrain and a very heterogeneous surface (tread, all types of terrain). The path is therefore less “rolling”, more irregular, and requires more attention and caution from the hiker.
Some of these technical passages can cause, when the ground requires it:
- The crossing of permanent installations (wired handrails, ladders, footbridges…).
- The use of technical equipment (use of a rope to protect a progression, use of crampons on hard snow).
- To be able to demonstrate ease of movement and technical skills (where and how to place one’s feet in order to progress with maximum safety).
- The use of knowledge and a technical skills based on years of experience (being able to adopt the best behavior and make the best decision).
ALTA VIA 1
The technical difficulty of a trail can apply to the entire itinerary or just specific sections, requiring greater focus and careful attention. Crossing technical paths demands more physical and mental effort, affecting the time needed to complete the route and the recovery required afterward.
All technical trails are manageable if you stay calm, methodical, and well-prepared, planning each step carefully before taking action.
When in doubt, it is best to consult a professional mountain guide, ensuring safe decisions and proper guidance for more challenging sections.!
This comes down to defining what an expert is!
You are the only one to know your practice very well and who can attest to your own skills. Trained, knowledgeable, already experienced in some significant experiments, your objective is to improve and practice by multiplying the experiments as often as possible.
If you define yourself as such, then do not hesitate to consult all our programs that mention the expert level.
When in doubt, call in a professional!
These are two hiking itineraries of several days each, on mountain ranges subject to the same coercion and dynamics. The mountain environment presents the same characteristics (ecosystem, weather/climate, relief and landscapes…). These two hikes are therefore as beautiful as each other, however, the Alta Via 1 is more difficult than the Tour du Mont-Blanc, because :
- The very large number of people on the TMB has encouraged the formation of wider trails. The path is much more “rolling”, convenient and “smoothed” by the passage of hikers, mountain bikers, pack animals). Walking is easier on the TMB trails.
- The Alta Via 1 trails cross passes that are higher in altitude (between 1500m and 2800m). The physical effort is more demanding and the climatic constraints potentially more severe.
- The itinerary presents stages or portions of stages that are more technical (a lot of rocky sections). Overall, the trails are narrower, and there are more exposed passages that require more physical and psychological effort.
- The Alta Via 1 program offers a much greater daily vertical drop and total distance covered. The management of the effort and the recovery time requires more experience.
In fact, one must know one’s own aptitudes (meaning you know your limits and your level) and always prepare your hike (check the weather the day before, the itinerary / distance, elevation, … make sure you have the appropriate equipment).
Practice makes perfect ⚒
You can take day trips that offer an equivalent or more demanding level of difficulty with a backpack. You can also multiply experiences that consolidate your skills & abilities (diversify practice environments and modes of execution, acquire new skills like map reading, compass or GPS navigation).
And of course, always be aware of the outing you’re about to embark on.
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