Alta Via delle Dolomiti Nr 1

The concept of the Alta Via delle Dolomiti was created as early as 1966 and 1969 respectively, showing that long-distance hiking from hut to hut is not a new invention, but is currently being rediscovered and appreciated. There are a total of 9 of these long-distance hiking trails in the Dolomites.

The Alta Via 1 crosses the heart of the Dolomites from north to south. It is known as the classic and consists of a total of 12 daily stages with a total of approx. 125 km. The stages described here are based on the original route, but are designed in such a way that they are feasible for experienced and sure-footed mountain hikers.

Specifications

The Alta Via 1 requires mountain experience, surefootedness and a certain mental stamina. Here are the summary details so you know what you're getting into:

Starting point: Hotel Trenker at Lake Braies
Destination: Belluno
Hiking days: 11
Distance: approx. 120 km
Longest stage: Stage 7: Palafavera - Rifugio Vazzoler | Walking time: approx. 6 hours 15 minutes | Length: approx. 14.5 km
Shortest stage: Stage 11: Rifugio Bianchet – Strada Agordina | Walking time: approx. 3 hours and 15 minutes | Length: approx. 8.1 km
Total walking time: approx. 63 hours
Severity: medium and high
Total elevation gain uphill: approx. 7,000 m
Total difference in altitude downhill: approx. 7,500 m
Total elevation gain uphill: 1,040 m | Stage 1: Hotel Trenker – Rifugio Biella
Total difference in altitude downhill: 1,340 m | Stage 10: Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperèt – Rifugio Bianchet
Maximum height: Lagazuoi Hut, 2,752 m
Minimal Höhe: Belluno, 389 m (locality of La Muda, 480 m)
Participating Dolomite groups: 11
Open huts: from June to September
Signs: Good everywhere

Attention

The accommodations must be booked at least 6 months to 1 year in advance. Before you start the hike, always check the weather forecast and ask if the hiking trails suggested here are accessible. The tour may not be undertaken in snow and in winter, as it leads to a large extent through areas with a high risk of avalanches.

Recommended hiking maps

Carte Tabacco 1:25.000

n. 031 "Dolomiti di Braies", for the section from Lake Braies to the Fanes Hut;
n. 03 "Cortina d'Ampezzo e Dolomiti Ampezzane", for the section from the Rifugio Biella to the Sella Ambrizzola
n. 015 "Marmolada-Pelmo-Civetta-Moiazza", for the section from the Falzarego Pass to the Rifugio Carestiato
n. 025 "Dolomiti di Zoldo Cadorine e Agordine", for the section from the Sella Ambrizzola to the Rifugio Pian de Fontana
n. 024 "Prealpi e Dolomiti Bellunesi", for the section from the Rifugio Pian de Fontana to Belluno

Definition

Rifugio = mountain hut – mostly offering beverage, food and bed 
Malga = pasture or pasture hut – gives home to the herdsman – often offering beverage and food, sometimes reduced option – usually no bed 
Strada = street 
Croda / Cima / Punta / Monte = mountain or peak 
Lago = sea 
Forcella / Sella = mountain saddle / mountain crossing

Close-up of Lake Braies with boats in the foreground.

Stage 1

Hotel Trenker - Lake Braies – Rifugio Biella/Seekofelhütte

Altitude difference: 1040 m uphill, 90 m downhill | Length: approx. 8.6 km | Walking time: approx. 4 hours and 15 minutes | Path: no. 1 | Difficulty: Hiking trails – surefootedness required

Main route:
From the Hotel Trenker, cross the road and the river and then take hiking trail no. 1 to Lake Braies. Continue along the western shore to the south side of the lake, follow the signpost Seekofelhütte/Rifugio Biella over the large stone and gravel field, then through the forest and along the rock to the Nabigen Loch, where you continue to ascend on the opposite side. Partly secured over smooth rocks with rope, up to a flat area. Continue between the rock faces through the so-called Ofenscharte/Porta sora 'l Forn (2388 m). There is a small devotional chapel there. From here it is only a short descent to the Seekofelhütte/Rifugio Biella (2327 m).

Tip for hiking experts and summiteers:
Challenging - from the Ofenscharte/Porta sora l’Forn you can reach the summit of the Seekofel/Croda del Becco (2810 m) over partly smooth, but rope-secured rocks.

Stage 2

Rifugio Biella/Seekofelhütte – Rifugio Fanes

Altitude difference: 610 m uphill, 860 m downhill | Length: approx. 13.1 km | Walking time: approx. 5 hours | Path: no. 6 and 7 | Difficulty: Trails

Main route:
First along the forest road, across the plain, follow the sign Rifugio Sennes/Ücia de Sènes (2126 m) along trail no. 6, then downhill on the forest path that leads to the hut. This is followed by the descent along forest road no. 7 to Pederü (1548 m).
Once in Pederü, the ascent via hiking trail no. 7 is first through wooded area, later through mountain pine fields and then rocky landscape to the Rifugio Fanes/Ücia de Fànes (2060 m).

Tips for hiking experts and summiteers:
Easy - from the Fanes Hut along the forest path southwards uphill to the Forcella Limo and then around the beautiful Lè de Limo.
Challenging – from the Limo Lake further to the summit of the Col Becchei Dessora/Cima Parei (2794 m).

Stage 3

Fanes Hütte – Lagazuoi Hut

Altitude difference: 1,010 m uphill, 430 m downhill | Length: approx. 12.5 km | Walking time: approx. 5 hours and 30 minutes | Path: no. 10-11, 20b, 20 | Difficulty: Hiking trail – surefootedness required

Main route:
From the Fanes Hut along the road no. 10 to the Forcella Limo and past the Limo Lake, you then cross the plateau of the Malga Gran Fanes/Fanes Grande pasture, following trail 11. Path 20b leads steadily uphill between the peaks of Cima Scotoni and Torre del Lago to the Forcella del Lago (2486 m). From here, the descent begins over a gravel slope and between boulders to the Lagazuoi Alpe and the Lech de Lagació/Lagazuoi Lake (2182 m). Passing the eastern shore of the lake, the trail first climbs leisurely and then, from the Forcella del Lagazuoi (2573 m), follows hiking trail 20/Sentiero del fronte steeper uphill to the Rifugio Lagazuoi (2752 m).

Tip for hiking experts and summiteers:
Easy: from the Rifugio Lagazuoi along the old military road about 15 minutes walk to the summit of the Lagazuoi Piccolo (2778 m). It is also recommended to see the war positions from the First World War in the surroundings of the Rifugio Lagazuoi.

Stage 4

Lagazuoi Refuge – Nuvolau Refuge

Altitude difference: 530 m uphill, 700 m downhill | Length: approx. 9 km | Walking time: 5 hours and 30 minutes | Path: No. 20, 401, 402, 403, 404, 412, 440 | Difficulty: Hiking trail – surefootedness required

Main route:
First, the hike leads back, downhill via path 20 to the Forcella del Lagazuoi (2573 m). Continue quite flat along path 401 to Forcella Travenanzes (2507 m). This Sentiero del fronte will take you to one of the front lines of the First World War (1915 – 1918). Here, the Austro-Hungarian army fought on one side against the Italian army on the other. On your hike, consider how arduous and dangerous the life of the soldiers must have been under such precarious conditions, especially in winter and with very cold night temperatures.
From the Forcella Travenanzes follow path 404 eastwards under the rock walls of the Tofana di Rozes to the Forcella di Bos (2331 m), descend to a rest area (1985 m) on the state road 48. Follow the road southwards for 300 m and continue then the trail 440. At first gentle, later steep and then more leisurely uphill to the Rifugio Averau (2413 m). There is only one last climb to a plateau where the Rifugio Nuvolau (2575 m) is located.

Tips for hiking experts and summiteers:
Medium: To the Rifugio Dibona – From the Forcella di Bos, continue along the trail to the Valon de Tofana (2375 m). Now follow path 403 to the forest road and continue to the Rifugio Dibona (2083 m). Follow the forest path downhill for a short time, then branch off onto hiking trail 412 in a southwesterly direction under the rock bank to trail 404 and further southwest to forest road 402.

For experts with equipment: Through the Galleria del Castelletto/Tunnel of the Castellet – accessible from the Forcella di Bos. Via ferrata equipment and flashlight are required

Stage 5:
Nuvolau Refuge – Croda da Lago Refuge

Altitude difference: 390 m uphill, 830 m downhill | Length: approx. 9.2 km | Walking time: approx. 4 hours | Path: No. 438, 443, 436, 458, 467 | Difficulty: Hiking trail – surefootedness required

Main route:
A part of the previous path back to the Rifugio Averau (2413 m), continue along path 439 to the Rifugio Cinque Torri (2137 m), downhill along trail 437 to the Ponte de Rucurto and the road. Cross here and continue along hiking trail 437. First in the woods, then follow path 434, ascending to Val Negra, where there is Lake Federa and next to it the Rifugio Croda da Lago (2046 m).

Tip for hiking experts and summiteers:
Medium: Passo Giau and Casera Mondeval di Sora to Rifugio Città di Fiume – from Rifugio Averau follow forest road 464, then turn off and take path 452 which runs along the foot of Nuvolau and later descends to Passo Giau (2236 m). Follow the road briefly to the east and then cross it. Now follow trail 436 to Forcella Giau (2373 m), continue below the rock walls of the Lastoni and above Lago delle Baste (2281 m). Then we recommend a detour to Casera Mondeval di Sora (2158 m), where an archaeological site from the Mesolithic period is located nearby. Continue first to the southeast and later to the north, following path 466 to the Rifugio Croda da Lago.

For experts with equipment: Via Ferrata Ra Gusella – the steep descent begins directly from the Rifugio Nuvolau along path 438/Via Ferrata Ra Gusella. Via ferrata equipment is mandatory. The path joins trail 443 and shortly afterwards path 452, which leads to Passo Giau. From here on continue as in the previous tip.

Stage 6:
Croda da Lago Refuge – Palafavera

Altitude difference: 410 m uphill, 930 m downhill | Length: approx. 14.3 km | Walking time: approx. 5 hours and 30 minutes | Path: No. 480, 472, 474 | Difficulty: Hiking trail – surefootedness required

Main route:
From the Rifugio Croda da Lago, take path 468 via the Forcella Ambrizzola to the Rifugio Città di Fiume (1918 m). Then follow the circular route Zoldano/Annello Zoldano no. 472. Above the Passo Staulanza (1773 m), always stay on path 472. If desired, make a detour to the dinosaur tracks/Orme dinosauro. Then descend along path 474 to the village of Palafavera.

Tip for hiking experts, summiteers and experts with equipment:
Via Ferrata Gino Flaibani – from the Rifugio Croda da Lago, take the 466 to Forcella Ambrizzola (2277 m) and descend to the Rifugio Città di Fiume via path 468. Now it's time to go around Monte Pelmo. First along path 480 in the ascent to Forcella Val d'Arcia, then downhill on the Via Ferrata Gino Flaibani to the Rifugio Venezia (1946 m). Only manageable with via ferrata equipment. From here, follow trail 472 and then descend to Palafavera via trail 474.

Stage 7:
Palafavera – Coldai Refuge – Tissi Refuge – Vazzoler Refuge

Altitude difference: 1000 m uphill, 810 m downhill | Length: approx. 14.5 km | Walking time: approx. 6 hours and 15 minutes | Path: No. 564, 556, 560 (563) | Difficulty: Hiking trail – surefootedness required

Main route:
After Camping Palafavera, take the forest road 564 next to the lifts along path 556 to the Rifugio Coldai (2132 m). First a short ascent to Forcella Coldai (2191 m) followed by a descent to Lago Coldai (2143 m). Continue along path 560, below the walls of the Civetta, almost to the top of the Col de Rean, to the Rifugio Tissi (2250 m). Continue along path 560 slightly downhill to Rifugio Vazzoler (1714 m).

Stage 8

Vazzoler Refuge – Carestiato Refuge

Altitude difference: 550 m uphill, 460 m downhill | Length: approx. 9.2 km | Walking time: approx. 4 hours | Path: No. 555, 554 | Difficulty: Hiking trail – surefootedness required

Main route:
From the Rifugio Vazzolo, first follow trail 558 and soon trail 555 for 3 hairpin bends into the valley and then branch off east into trail 554. The path leads below the scree, partly in mountain pine fields, to the Forcella Col de l'Orso (1700 m). Uphill to the Forcella del Camp (1933 m), then downhill and further in constant ups and downs to the Rifugio Carestiato (1792 m).

Stage 9

Carestiato Refuge – Sommariva al Pramperét Refuge

Altitude difference: 540 m uphill, 490 m downhill | Length: approx. 13.3 km | Walking time: approx. 5 hours | Path: No. 549, (SS 347), 543 | Difficulty: Hiking trail – surefootedness required

Main route:
Now follow trail 549 slightly up and down to Passo Duran (1600 m) with Rifugio Duran and Rifugio San Sebastiano. About 20 minutes along the road south to Malga Caleda Vecchia, from where the path 543 leads to the Forcella Dagarei (1620 m). With constant ups and downs, stay on trail 543 to the Moschesin Alm (1800 m). Then climb up to the Forcella Moschesin (1940 m), where there is a small pre-war barracks, and continue along the Sentiero de le Balanòle path in a steady up and down until you reach the Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperét (1857 m).

Stage 10

Sommariva al Pramperèt Refuge – Bianchet Refuge

Altitude difference: 740 m uphill, 1340 m downhill | Length: approx. 11.3 km | Walking time: approx. 6 hours | Path: No. 514 | Difficulty: Hiking trail – surefootedness required

Main route:
From the Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet, follow the path that climbs steeply through the mountain pines to the Forcella De Zita Sud. There you would like to make the short detour to Cima De Zita Sud (2451 m), it's worth it. The very scenic descent leads to the Pian de Fontana Hut (1620 m). Cross the pasture, zigzag uphill in the forest, then follow a relatively flat section to reach the Rifugio Furio Bianchet (1245 m) again in the ascent.

Stage 11

Bianchet Refuge – Agordina Road

Altitude difference: 70 m uphill, 840 m downhill | Length: approx. 8.1 km | Walking time: approx. 3 hours and 15 minutes | Path: No. 503 | Difficulty: Hiking trail – surefootedness required

Main route:
From the Rifugio Bianchet it goes along the forest road, through deciduous forest, steadily downhill to the road/Strada Agordina (460 m).

There is a bus stop here – the bus runs to Belluno several times a day, except on Sundays.

Tip for hiking experts and summiteers:
For those who still haven't had enough: another 3 hours of hiking – follow road/Strada Agordina for about 1.5 km to the northwest to La Muda and cross the road, then cross the bridge to the other side of the stream and follow the theme trail "La via degli ospizi" in southern direction to San Gottardo. Here you can cross the stream over the Passarella Peron and in Peron take the bus to Belluno.

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