Alta Via 1 Self-Guided Planning Package

Your journey starts with a bus ride from Dobbiaco to Lago di Braies, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by dramatic peaks and cliffs in the northern Dolomites. From there, you’ll hike up to the Forcella Sora Forno mountain pass. You have the option to spend the night at Rifugio Biella, depending on availability and your preference. Alternatively, you can continue on a gentle descent to Rifugio Sennes, located next to Senessee Lake.

After breakfast, the day starts with a descent towards Rifugio Pederu, site of a former WW1 military camp, crossing a lively mountain stream along the way. From here, you can either stay the night or ascend out of the valley to one of the two mountain huts. The trail gradually climbs through a valley surrounded by mountain peaks. When you reach a high plateau above 2000 meters, you’ll soon arrive at Rifugio Lavarella, located on the shores of picturesque alpine lakes, another option for spending the night.

The day’s initial climb to the scenic Lago di Limo will prepare you for the rest of the day’s hike. The trail will then even out as it crosses the rocky terrain, and eventually climb steeply towards Forcella di Lago mountain pass. Here, you’ll have to be sure-footed as you navigate the steep and slippery descent. The trail then gradually ascends across a rocky, upsloping plateau until it reaches Rifugio Lagazuoi, which is located on a ridge at 2750 meters elevation and overlooks Falzarego pass.

Today, you’ll descend from the route’s highest point through a landscape shaped by WW1 battles. The path winds past tunnels and former warehouses, below the imposing Tofana di Rozes peak, towards Falzarego Pass, which connects to Cortina d’Ampezzo to the east. From here, you’ll head south on a forest path, past the Cinque Torri’s captivating rock towers, to Rifugio Nuvolau. From its ridge, the refuge offers breathtaking views of the peaks across the Cortina valley. Depending on your preferences, you can also look into staying at Rifugiou Averau or Rifugio Scoiattoli for the night.

Depending on where you spent the night, you might find yourself retracing yesterday’s steps along the ridge to find your way below it and crossing Passo Giau’s scenic alpine meadows with grazing cattle. The path will continue with ups and downs, surrounded by green meadows and open views of the mountain peaks. Towering above all, the majestic Monte Pelmo with its twin peaks casts its shadow over Rifugio Citta di Fiume, where you can spend the night.

Today starts to get more challenging as you descend to Passo Staulanza and then climb to the Forcella Coldai mountain pass. You will then traverse below the iconic Monte Civetta, one of the symbols of the Dolomites. As you gradually descend below 1800 meters, you will reach Rifugio Vazzoler nestled amongst the pine trees, making it the perfect spot to rest and recharge.

This shorter stage starts with a 300-meter descent before climbing back up to Forcella del Camp, located on the southern side of the Civetta massif. From here, you can follow the trail to Rifugio Carestiato. Along the way, steep rockfaces will tower above as you make your way to the Passo Duran mountain pass, and tomorrow’s descent point. Rifugio Carestiato is situated above the pass, providing the perfect vantage point for the evening.

Your day starts by heading down to Passo Duran. When you are traveling south, you will begin by following the road for a short distance. As you ascend the first ridge, a new valley will come into sight, revealing the path that cuts across below the Tamer Grande mountain peak. As you progress, you will feel as if you are discovering a new world, surrounded by grassy ridges. At the end of the day, you will arrive at Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet, where you can spend the night.

The last big challenge of Alta Via 1 presents itself today. While the path isn’t technically difficult, you should still take extra care when crossing Cima de Zita. After that climb, it’s all downhill through a funnel-shaped landscape. You’ll pass Rifugio Pian de Fontana, where you can settle in for the night, or continue downwards until you reach Refuge Furio Bianchet.

The final day involves a straightforward descent to La Stanga in Val Cordevole, where a bus awaits to transport you to Belluno. This stage avoids the via ferrata section across the Schiara massif, ensuring a gentle conclusion to your mountain adventure and a smooth transition back to everyday life.