Do the huts serve vegetarian and vegan meals?

Most accommodations offer vegetarian meal options, although vegan options may be more difficult to find in huts. However, we will let you know in advance if there are any vegan options available so that you can plan accordingly.

Which equipment do I need for a hiking tour in the Dolomites?

In addition to the essential items such as hiking shoes, a backpack, and sports clothes , there are several other important items you should pack for your hut-to-hut hiking tour. Check out our comprehensive list of recommended equipment .

While we do not require you to have insurance before booking, we strongly recommend that you do. Look into joining the Italian Alpine Club , which might provide coverage in the event of any unexpected incidents during your hike.

Are the huts comfortable accommodations?

Mountain huts may not be luxurious, but they are cozy and comfortable, offering warm beds, delicious meals, and toilets. You can choose between private rooms and dormitories, but it is important to book in advance if you want to avoid sharing a room with other people. Keep in mind that huts are popular and can fill up quickly, so it is best to plan ahead to secure your preferred accommodation. You can read all about the comfort of rifugios here .

Is it appropriate for kids?

As long as children are physically prepared for long hiking days and are sure-footed, they should not have any problems participating in the tour. We recommend that children be at least eight years old to ensure their safety and enjoyment of the experience.

Can I shorten some of the stages?

None of the stages offer any shortcuts if you want to get to the end of your hike. If you get too tired , you can conclude your hike sooner at one of the road-equipped mountain passes or head for the nearest town.

How to get to the Dolomites?

There are several ways to get to the Dolomites. If you are flying to Europe, you can then combine your flight with a bus, train, or car ride. You can read more about it on our subpage .

Alta Via 1 Self-Guided Hike

10 days / 9 nights

1/10

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Explore the breathtaking Dolomites, Italy’s most captivating mountain range, on a self-guided hut-to-hut hike along the iconic Alta Via 1 alpine trail.

Starting point

Lago di Braies

Finish point

La Stanga

Season

July - September

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Explore the breathtaking Dolomites, Italy’s most captivating mountain range, on a self-guided hut-to-hut hike along the iconic Alta Via 1 alpine trail.

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Self-guided from 1.790 €/person

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Explore the breathtaking Dolomites, Italy’s most captivating mountain range, on a self-guided hut-to-hut hike along the iconic Alta Via 1 alpine trail.

Starting point

Lago di Braies

Finish point

La Stanga

Season

July - September

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Complete the famous Alta Via 1 hut-to-hut hiking trail in its entirety across nine days
Hike through the most picturesque places in the Dolomites
Visit two iconic mountain passes above Cortina d’Ampezzo – Passo Giau and Falzarego Pass
Sleep in authentic ‘rifugios’ and enjoy the traditional local cuisine
Discover World War I remnants

Itinerary of the trip

After a brief bus transfer from Dobbiaco, your adventure begins at Lago di Braies – a stunning alpine lake tucked between steep rock faces and towering peaks in the northern part of the Dolomites. You can admire the surroundings while ascending toward the Forcella Sora Forno mountain pass. Depending on availability and preference, you can stay the night at Rifugio Biella or continue until you reach Rifugio Sennes beside the Senessee Lake upon a gently downwards-sloping path.

Hiking

6.4 km and 930 m of elevation gain / 100 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Biella

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

The day begins with a descent towards Rifugio Pederu, where a military camp used to stand during WW1. On your way, you will cross a lively mountain stream. You’ll either spend your night here or climb out of the valley to one of the two rifugios up there. The path gradually ascends through a valley enclosed by the surrounding mountain peaks. Upon reaching an elevated plateau above 2000 meters of elevation, you will soon be at your destination for the night, Rifugio Lavarella. It lies on the shores of picturesque alpine lakes.

Hiking

7.6 km and 60 m of elevation gain / 840 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Lavarella

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

The first ascent of the day to the striking Lago di Limo will be enough to warm you up for the remainder of today’s journey. Following a relatively flat path across rocky terrain, you will eventually climb more steeply toward the Forcella di Lago mountain pass. A treacherous descent follows, meaning you have to be sure-footed. After that, you will gradually ascend across an upsloping rocky plateau and reach Rifugio Lagazuoi, perched on top of a ridge at 2750 meters of elevation overlooking the Falzarego pass.

Hiking

17.8 km and 1700 m of elevation gain / 530 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Lagazuoi

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Leaving the route's highest point, you will descend across a landscape marked by WW1 combats. Passing tunnels and former warehouses, the path takes you below the commanding Tofana di Rozes mountain peak toward the Falzarego pass. The pass connects to Cortina d’Ampezzo to the east. You will strike straight towards the south, though, and follow a forest path past the fascinating rock towers of Cinque Torri until you reach Rifugio Nuvolau. Boasting a spectacular view from its ridge, it allows you to see the peaks across the valley of Cortina.

Hiking

9.3 km and 625 m of elevation gain / 780 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Averau

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Retracing yesterday’s steps along the ridge, you will find your way below it, crossing the scenic Passo Giau and its alpine meadows where cattle are grazing. You will continue upon an up-and-down path, surrounded by green meadows and an open view of the mountain tops. High above them all, the grandiose Monte Pelmo looms with its two peaks, and you will spend the night in its shadow at Rifugio Citta di Fiume.

Hiking

15 km and 570 m of elevation gain / 1200 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Citta di Fiume

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Beginning with a descent to Passo Staulanza, the day gets more demanding with a climb to the Forcella Coldai mountain pass. After that, you will traverse beneath the mighty Monte Civetta, one of the Dolomites’ symbols. Slowly descending beneath the mark of 1800 meters of elevation, you will reach Rifugio Vazzoler among the pine trees.

Hiking

18 km and 940 m of elevation gain and 1130 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Vazzoler

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Today’s stage is slightly shorter than some of the last ones, and it begins with a 300-meter descent before climbing to the Forcella del Camp mountain pass on the southern side of the Civetta massif. Steep rockfaces will keep you company from above as you follow the trail to Rifugio Carestiato, lying above Passo Duran, where you’ll descend tomorrow.

Hiking

9 km and 620 m of elevation gain / 530 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Carestiato

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

The day begins with a descent to Passo Duran. Southbound, you will initially follow the road, but not for long. As you climb over the first ridge, a new valley will open up before you and uncover the traversing path beneath the Tamer Grande mountain peak. As kilometers pass, you will feel like you are entering a new world with grassy ridges all around you. You’ll end your day at Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet.

Hiking

12.8 km and 700 m of elevation gain / 650 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

Today presents one of the last real challenges of Alta Via 1. Although the path is not technically demanding, crossing Cima de Zita still calls for some added caution, but following that climb, you only have to descend through a funnel-shaped landscape, past Rifugio Pian de Fontana, and continue downwards until you reach Refuge Furio Bianchet, your hut for the last night on Alta Via 1.

Hiking

11 km and 800 m of elevation gain / 1400 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Furio Bianchet

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

On your last day, you only need to descend to La Stanga in Val Cordevole, where you can catch a bus to Belluno. The path is not demanding as you will avoid the via ferrata section across the Schiara massif, making this stage a suitable last day to ease you back into life outside the mountains.

Hiking

6.8 km and 45 m elevation gain / 850 m elevation loss

Gallery

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

9 nights in (mountain) huts with half-board

Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Additional transfers

Airport transfer

Airport transfer from Venice Airport to Cortina d'Ampezzo (1-3 pax)

Airport transfer from Venice Airport to Cortina d'Ampezzo (4-8 pax)

Extra nights

Private rooms

Transfer from Cortina d'Ampezzo to the starting point (1-3 pax)

Transfer from Cortina d'Ampezzo to the starting point (4-8 pax)

What to bring to the tour

Hiking shoes/boots
25 to 45-liter backpack
Base layer
Sports T-shirts
Hiking shorts
Hiking water-repellent pants
Waterproof jacket
Midlayer
Sports socks and underwear
Leisurewear for evenings
Down jacket
Gloves
Shade hat/cap

Warm headwear
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Headlamp
Hiking poles
ID card or passport
Snacks
Cash
Water bottles or hydration pack
Sleeping liner
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Small first aid kit

The Alta Via 1 trail that passes through the Dolomites showcases Italy's most beautiful mountain scenery. The landscape is known for its abnormal natural beauty and somewhat dark history. Many scenic places, such as the Falzarego mountain pass, bear the scars of World War I battles.

Unlike its sister, Alta Via 2, it is appropriate for every regular hiker, overcoming 120 kilometers and 6700 meters of elevation across nine stages. From its beginning at Lago di Braies to its conclusion in La Stanga, Alta Via 1 feels like an experience that transcends everything you thought was possible.

From the scenic alpine meadows at Passo Giau to the redoubtable face of Monte Civetta and rock-formed towers of Cinque Torri, a hiker can be afraid to blink lest they miss something.

On Alta Via 1, hikers often walk well away from civilization, meaning your only chance of experiencing the trail as you should, is by sleeping in the mountain huts along the way. Or, as Italians call them, 'rifugios'.

An authentic mountain lodge high up in the Alps with homemade Italian dishes and enough comfort for a good night’s sleep – what more could a tired trekker seek? Our Alta Via 1 hut-to-hut tour includes all rifugio bookings, and we equip you with a precise GPS track of the planned route.

You will not miss any landmarks either, as our digital guidebook with the itinerary includes a highlights section for every day. If you feel like you would still prefer a guide by your side, you can check out out Alta Via 1 - Guided Hike.

Reinhold Messner once said that every mountain in the Dolomites is like a piece of art. And to say he saw many is an understatement. Is that really something you can afford to miss during your lifetime?

For those who find themselves a bit short on time, we've also created an Alta Via 1 Highlights tour to ensure you can walk the best of this iconic trail in only 4 days!

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Hiking in the Alps is typically possible from mid-June to late September, depending on the snow conditions at high elevations. Many hiking routes cross mountain passes that are located above 2000 meters, so it is important to check the current conditions if you plan to visit in early summer.

Keep in mind that the huts along these routes close for the season outside of this time frame, so it is not possible to plan multi-day tours outside of these months.

Read more about the hiking season on the Alta Via 1.

We have rated our tours on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being the easiest and 5 being the most challenging. The difficulty level of a tour indicates how fit you need to be and how much hiking is required. All of our Alta Via 1 tours are suitable for people who are regularly active and can hike for about six to eight hours per day.

In addition to the physical demands of the hike, there is also a technical difficulty level to consider. This refers to the skill level required to navigate the path. A level 1 trail is smooth and wide, like a gravel road, while a level 5 trail is uneven and exposed, requiring the use of your hands for balance. Essentially, the higher the technical difficulty level, the more surefooted and skilled in scrambling you need to be.

We recommend booking your tour as soon as possible to secure a spot, as accommodations along the trail tend to fill up quickly. This will help you ensure that you have a place to stay during your trip.

In the event of an injury, it is best to call local emergency services. While you may be in a remote area and unable to continue without further exacerbating your injury, it is important to remember that you will be hiking along popular trails and will not be completely stranded.

However, if you are feeling too tired to continue hiking, you can choose to reroute towards the nearest town along the trail and find public transportation there. Although Alta Via 1 does not pass directly through any large towns, it does pass close to some of them.

Most of the huts along our hut-to-hut hikes are equipped with showers, but their availability may depend on recent rainfall. Keep in mind that mountain huts are not luxurious hotels, so don't expect the same level of amenities. However, they do offer a comfortable and convenient place to rest after a day of hiking.

Read more about the mountain huts in the Dolomites.

No. The huts provide blankets and pillows for comfort, but it is a good idea to bring your own sleeping liner to reduce the need for the huts to wash their bed linens every day. If you don’t, you might need to buy one on the spot.

Cell phone reception in the mountains can be unreliable. You may be able to get a signal if you can see a town or if you are near a mountain hut. Even if you cannot get a signal inside the hut, you may be able to get one by stepping outside. Wi-fi is not widely available in the mountains, and is only offered at select lodges.

If you dress appropriately, you can typically complete most stages of the hike even in light rain. However, if a storm is forecasted, it is important to not hike and to wait until the storm passes, even if that means spending an additional day at the hut. This is for your own safety.