Alta Via 1 Guided Hike

After a brief bus transfer from Dobbiaco, your adventure begins at the stunning Lago di Braies, where a leisurely path around the lake will provide photo opportunities of the clear waters and surrounding peaks. As the trail ascends, your guide will lead you through a peaceful forest before a steeper climb toward the Forcella Sora Forno pass at 2,388 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Dolomites. After crossing the pass, you descend slightly to end the day at Rifugio Biella, where you’ll spend your first night on a high-mountain plateau.

From Rifugio Biella, your guide will lead you along a scenic route through the high alpine meadows, pointing out possible marmot sightings along the way. The landscape shifts as the trail gently descends toward Rifugio Sennes, offering breathtaking views of dramatic rock formations and expansive valleys. Continuing your descent, you’ll follow the soothing sounds of a mountain stream until you reach Berggasthaus Pederü, a historic spot from WWI, where you’ll spend the night in a picturesque valley.

Today’s hike is long and challenging, so your guide will ensure an early start and set a manageable pace. As you ascend through the steep valley framed by the towering Dolomites, you’ll have the option to take a short detour to a nearby lake. After reaching the high plateau near Lago Limo, your guide will help you navigate the trickier sections of the trail as you approach the Forcella del Lago Lagazuoi pass. After a careful descent, you’ll reach Rifugio Scotoni, where your guide will go over tomorrow’s route.

Starting from Rifugio Scotoni, your guide will take you through former WWI battle zones as you head towards the Falzarego Pass. Along the way, you’ll take in views of the imposing Tofana di Rozes mountain before turning to a shaded forest path. After a short ascent, you’ll reach the famous Cinque Torri rock towers, perfect for a photo stop. The day ends at Rifugio Nuvolau, perched on a ridge with some of the best sunset views over the Dolomites.

Retracing your steps along the ridge, you’ll descend to the expansive Passo Giau, where grazing cattle roam. Your guide will take you through undulating meadows, offering sweeping views of the rugged Dolomite peaks. As you continue past Forcella Col Piombin and Forcella Giau, you’ll encounter Monte Pelmo’s towering presence. After passing several more mountain cols, you’ll end the day with a gentle descent to Rifugio Passo Staulanza.

Your guide will lead the way as you climb towards Forcella Coldai, offering tips to navigate the steep ascent. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Monte Civetta and Lago Coldai. Traversing the slopes beneath Monte Civetta, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Dolomites’ rugged beauty.  The descent into a cooler, forested area brings a change in scenery, and your guide will ensure a smooth arrival at Rifugio Vazzoler, tucked among the pine trees.

Your day starts with a steady descent from Rifugio Vazzoler, as your guide leads you past the impressive Torre Trieste, a favorite among climbers. The trail then begins to climb towards Forcella del Camp. This steady ascent offers dramatic views of steep rock faces. After cresting the pass, the trail becomes gentler as you approach Rifugio Carestiato, located above Passo Duran, where you’ll enjoy a cozy evening surrounded by stunning mountain views.

Leaving Rifugio Carestiato, your guide will lead you down to Passo Duran before taking a remote trail into more rugged terrain. As you ascend over a ridge, a new valley unfolds, revealing rugged landscapes beneath the Tamer Grande peak. After passing WWI landmarks like Forte di Forcella Moschesin, you’ll reach Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet for a well-earned night of rest in this remote mountain refuge.

Today presents one last major challenge — crossing the Cima de Zita. Your guide will ensure careful navigation through this section, with rewarding views at the summit. After snapping some pictures, you’ll descend through the funnel-shaped valley towards Rifugio Pian de Fontana, and then continue down to Rifugio Furio Bianchet, where you’ll enjoy your final night in the mountains.

On your final day, you’ll descend along Trail 503 towards Val Cordevole. The path winds through serene woods and crosses a small bridge before a gentle descent through Val Vescovà. As you near the end, the rugged Dolomites give way to the gentler landscapes of the valley. Your hike concludes at La Stanga, where you can catch a bus to Belluno, marking the end of your Alta Via 1 adventure.