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Hike the Alta Via 1

The Alta Via 1 is the most celebrated long-distance trail in the Dolomites - a roughly 75-mile high route running from Lago di Braies to Belluno. Macs Adventure, a leader in self-guided travel, has planned this route for years.

Choose the Classic hut to hut route with shared dormitories, focus on just the North or South half if you're short on time, or go for our popular Highlights In Comfort version with private rooms in select hotels located in charming Italian villages. Looking for more of the Dolomites beyond the Alta Via 1? Browse our wider Dolomites hiking tours.

20+ years planning self-guided Alpine trips, hand-picked rifugios, and luggage transfers on every stage - Macs Adventure is a leader in self-guided travel.

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Routes in Alta Via 1

  • Italy

    Highlights of the Alta Via 1 in Comfort

    • Walking
    • 9 days
    • Moderate
    from$4,070CAD pp
    View Route
  • Italy

    Alta Via 1 (Dolomites)

    • Walking
    • 7–10 days
    • Moderate - Challenging
    from$2,245CAD pp
    View Route

Here's why hikers rate the Alta Via 1 as one of Europe's great long-distance trails:

  • Roughly 75 miles running from Lago di Braies to Belluno
  • Jagged limestone peaks rosy with alpenglow in the late afternoon
  • Rifugio stays, with home-cooked mountain meals and unparalleled hiker camaraderie
  • Hike below the iconic Tre Cime, Cinque Torri and Croda da Lago peaks on the way south
  • Graded Challenging to Strenuous - a serious Alpine trek for experienced hikers

Alta Via 1 like a local

  • When to hike

    Rifugios along the Alta Via 1 are typically open mid-June through late September, with July and August the busiest and most reliable for weather. Early and late season can bring snow at higher passes. Book 9-12 months in advance!

  • What the trail is actually like

    High-altitude paths with cabled sections on some stretches, exposed ridgelines, loose scree and rocks in some sections, and daily ascents of 700-1,000m/2300-3280ft. This is Challenging to Strenuous terrain, not a beginner route.

  • Where you stay

    On our Classic, North & South variants expect isolated mountain rifugios with dormitory accommodations or (rarely) small private rooms, shared bathrooms and hearty home-cooked communal dinners. On our Highlights of the Alta Via 1 In Comfort itinerary enjoy private rooms with en-suite bath in small mountain hotels located in charming villages.

  • Fitness needed

    You should be a regular, confident hiker comfortable with 6-8 hours of ascent and descent daily at altitude and some exposure on rocky sections. You’ll be carrying your own full pack in some sections so you’ll need good stamina and balance.

  • How far in advance to book

    Rifugios sell out early for July and August - book 9 - 12 months ahead for peak summer dates.

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