Alta Via 1 Southern Highlights

Explore the best of the southern Alta Via 1 with this five-day hut-to-hut adventure, passing iconic peaks like Monte Civetta and Monte Pelmo.

Starting point

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Finish point

Agordo

Duration

5 days / 4 nights

Technical level

Fitness level

Price

From: 1,095€/person

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Alta Via 1 Southern Highlights

Hike the quieter southern Dolomites and escape the crowds

Marvel at Monte Civetta, one of the Dolomites’ most iconic peaks

Traverse the scenic Passo Giau, surrounded by endless alpine meadows

Stay at charming mountain rifugios and savor authentic local cuisine

Pass below the legendary Monte Pelmo, “the Throne of the Gods”

Conclude your adventure in the peaceful Agordo Valley

Take in the views of Passo Giau

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy - Sesto Dolomites mountain range, Alps in South Tyrol

Explore Cortina's blend of nature and culture

Admire the mesmerizing Tofana di Rozes

Visit several authentic mountain rifugios

PAss beneath the towering Monte Pelmo

Ascend from Passo Falzarego

Stand in awe of Monte Civetta's commanding rock face

Grab a break on the shores of Lago di Coldai

Day 1: Cortina d’Ampezzo – Rifugio Averau

Starting in Cortina d’Ampezzo, you can take a local bus up the Falzarego mountain pass and start hiking there. You will 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 from Cortina adds 10 kilometers and 1000 meters of elevation to your day.

Hiking

5.5 km and 610 m of elevation gain / 190 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rifugio Averau

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

Day 2: Rifugio Averau – Rifugio Citta di Fiume

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.

Day 3: Rifugio Citta di Fiume – Rifugio Vazzoler

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.

Grab a break on the shores of Lago di Coldai

Day 4: Rifugio Vazzoler – Rifugio Carestiato

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.

Day 5: Rifugio Carestiato – Agordo

Leaving Rifugio Carestiato, the trail gently winds through alpine meadows, offering spectacular views of the Moiazza massif. The towering peaks gradually give way to dense woodlands, where switchbacks take you through groves of larch and fir. After navigating the forest’s rocky sections, you reach the hamlet of Don. Here, you’ll encounter traditional mountain homes and pastures where cows graze peacefully. The final stretch leads past rustic barns and cultivated fields, eventually joining a paved road and guiding you into Agordo.

Hiking

8 km and 60 m of elevation gain / 1300 m of elevation loss

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Self guided

Included in price

4x accommodations with breakfast

Tour design and organization

Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions

Service and support during your hike

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tourist tax

Optional Extras

Extra nights in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Private rooms in huts (if available)

Airport Transfer from Venice to Cortina d'Ampezzo

Comfortable sports clothes

Insulation jacket

Spare socks, underwear and shirt

Gloves

Toilet paper

Snacks

Headlamp

ID card

Trekking poles if you are used to them

Extra layer

Rain jacket

Headwear

Sports shoes with good grip

Water bottle

Sunscreen

Toothbrush

Sleeping liner

Backpack 25-30 l

Some cash for food and accommodation

Hut to Hut Hiking Dolomites Alta Via 1 Handbook

A Thorough Dive Into Everything About Alta Via 1

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If you’re after the breathtaking alpine scenery of the Dolomites without committing to a full week in the mountains, our Alta Via 1 Southern Highlights is the perfect solution.

This carefully crafted route distills the very essence of the southern Dolomites into a five-day journey, combining the most iconic landscapes with an immersive yet manageable adventure.

You’ll traverse a selection of the most memorable stretches of Alta Via 1 in its less-known southern section. Picture yourself hiking beneath the towering Monte Civetta, winding through the lush meadows of Passo Giau, and soaking in uninterrupted views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

This tour has two slightly longer hiking days, allowing well-prepared hikers to spend less time on the trail overall.

What sets this tour apart is its exclusivity. The southern sections beyond Passo Giau are far less crowded, allowing you to experience the Dolomites in their raw, tranquil beauty.

You’ll enjoy the same iconic views with more peace and solitude — no crowds, no distractions, just pure alpine magic.

With accommodations booked at welcoming mountain huts and a detailed itinerary and GPS tracks provided in advance, you can focus entirely on the experience.

So, if you’re ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Dolomites — without the time commitment of an entire trek — the Alta Via 1 Southern Highlights awaits!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 in order to ensure their safety and enjoyment of the experience.

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.