Dolomites Alta Via 1 Classic
- Admire the ‘alpenglow’ as the mountains turn vivid pink in the late afternoon sun
- Enjoy Italian food, the company of fellow walkers and authentic mountain huts
- Follow well-waymarked paths across mountain passes, pastures and forests
- Explore the hiking capital of Cortina and charming Belluno
- Savour a cold beer on the terrace as a golden sunset bathes the landscape
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in CortinaYou’ll find pretty Cortina nestled in the heart of the Dolomites. It’s a great place to spend your first night amongst the mountains and to buy any last-minute provisions. Known as the ski and mountaineering centre of the High Dolomites, Cortina offers plenty of restaurants and shops. Reaching Cortina from Venice is easy; there is a twice-daily express bus service.
A friendly and traditional Alpine style hotel which is very popular with walkers. Enjoy the cosy and comfortable rooms, locally sourced produce from the breakfast buffet as well as wifi in the rooms. There is an on-site restaurant serving typical regional dishes, or venture into the centre of Cortina (5-10 min walk) and choose from one of the many restaurants here.
The Hotel Regina is a family-run hotel located in the heart of Cortina d'Ampezzo, serving as the perfect base for your adventures. This historic hotel has recently undergone renovations to meet modern requirements while blending a cozy mountain atmosphere with contemporary design. The spacious rooms provide a comfortable environment and come equipped with all the amenities you require.
Hotel Ciasa Lorenzi, operated by the Lorenzi family, is a unique gem in Cortina d'Ampezzo, offering unparalleled views of the Dolomites and warm Italian hospitality. Nestled in the heart of the city, it is perfectly positioned to bask in the morning sunshine and witness the breathtaking sunset. The rooms are designed for peace and comfort, and guests can indulge in a sumptuous breakfast buffet featuring a variety of sweet and savoury dishes.
After a good sleep, take a scenic bus via Dobbiaco to Lago di Braies (1494m), a spectacular lake and the official start of the Alta Via 1. Stride out from the far end of the lake with the mountains looming high on all sides, walking through patches of dwarf pines to the head of the valley. In clear weather you may catch sight of the three giant monoliths of the Tre Cime.
Your first day on the Alta Via 1 involves a good ascent to Rifugio Biella (2327m) from where you can take an optional hike up to the summit of Croda del Becco (2812m), or continue on the mountain track down to Rifugio Sennes, located at 2126m or Rifugio Fodara Vedla at 2134m, with panoramic views over Croda Rossa (3246m), Cristallo (3221m), Sorapis (3205m), and Tofana (3243m).
Walk to Rifugio Sennes: 10km/6miles, Ascent/Descent: 942m/299m
Walk to Rifugio Fodara Vedla: 12km/7.5mi, Ascent/Descent: 947m/465m
Rifugio Sennes offers accommodation for up to 60 guests in dormitories and rooms with shared facilties, as well as rooms with private facilities. Enjoy the comfort of a family-run lodge with traditional food, lovingly cooked by the owners. The rifugio enjoys panoramic views over some of the most beautiful peaks in the Dolomites: Croda Rossa (3146m), Cristallo (3221m), Sorapis (3205m), and Tofana (3243m). Managed by Erich and Cilla Palfrader, the rifugio was built by the Palfrader Family ‘Corjel’ between 1937 and 1939, and has opened year-round since the 1940s.
Experience the Dolomites, their magic and their rugged beauty during a stay at the Fodara Vedla mountain hut and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Mutschlechner family.
Today’s trek is along an old WWI mountain track, as you follow switchbacks on a 500m descent to Rifugio Pederü (1548m), which is ideally placed for a bite to eat. Admire views of the Sennes and Fanes massifs.
Continue across the Valle di Rudo as the trail then climbs up the Valun de Fanes to reach Rifugio Fanes (2060m), located above the town of San Vigilio di Marebbe, in a karstic limestone bowl in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park.
Walk starting from Rifugio Sennes: 10km/6mi, Ascent/Descent: 568m/639m
Walk starting from Rifugio Fodara Vedla: 8km/5mi, Ascent/Descent: 567m/477m
The Fanes Hut is found in Val Badia, and offers various room types, from en suite rooms through to dormitory-style accommodation with shared facilities (total of 70 beds). The rifugio was built in 1928 by brothers Fritz, Rudi and Alfred Mutschlechner, and is now run by Alfred’s son Max, who has run it since 1978. The rifugio was completely renovated in summer 1996, and so offers a great standard of accommodation with plenty of wood and charming features. The team at the rifugio pride themselves on offering typical Ladin cuisine, with a selection of wines, grappa and liquors are also available, as well as typically South Tyrolean produce.
The history of the Lavarella mountain lodge goes back to 1912, when Mariangelo Frenner of San Vigilio di Marebbe built the first mountain hut, serving as a barn. The Lavarella hut is now run by Hanspeter, his wife Michaela (the chef) and his daughter Anna and her husband Gábor. The lodge was renovated in 1980, 1986 and finally in 1997. The rooms have private washing basins since 2006 and since 2009 there is a Finnish sauna at 2.050 m above sea level with an outstanding Dolomites view for their lucky guests! The kitchen was renovated and modernised in 2013.
Continue along the AV1 passing shimmering Lago di Limo (2157m). As you climb the slopes of the Fanes group pause to admire the views to the southern mountain ranges and Marmolada. Crossing the grassy bowl of the Passo Tagéda, we suggest opting for an easier broad track past the windy slopes of Forcella del Lago (2486m), with a (manageable) steep descent on a path through scree to Lago Lagazoi (2182m).
Here in the Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d’Ampezzo you’ll see remnants of the Austrian- Italian WWI front line. Stop at the open-air ‘Museo all’aparto della Grande Guerra’ with its fascinating interpretation boards. Ascend on a zig-zag path to the Rifugio which lies at 2752m.
Walk to Rifugio Lagazuoi: 12km/7.5mi, Ascent/Descent: 1,065m/450m
Walk to Rifugio Scotoni: 10km/6mi, Ascent/Descent: 535m/609m
Rifugio Lagazuoi was built in 1965 by Ugo Pompanin and has been run by his family ever since. The rifugio offers 74 beds in total with two types of accommodation (all with shared bathroom); rooms on the first floor (some with balcony) are furnished in wood and include bed linen. There are also spacious dormitories with bunkbeds which include a mattress cover and eiderdown (bed linen is not provided – please bring your own sleeping bag liner). Dormitory accommodation is in large rooms. There is a boot drying room.
This delightful hut is a great place to stop for some fantastic food and drink, and also to rest after a day’s walking in the Dolomites. Try the apfelstrudel with cream, which is simply delicious! Rooms are as follows (each has private facilities): 1 x 6-bed dorm, 1 x 5-bed dorm, 2 x 4-bed dorm. Bedlinen and towels are provided. Half board is a set menu. Credit cards accepted. The surroundings of the Scotoni hut were the setting for much conflict between the Italian and Austrian armies in the First World War. Make time to visit the small chapel in honour of all war victims and take the opportunity to learn more about the history of the Dolomites.
Rifugio Col Gallina, set at the foot of Mount Lagazuoi at Passo Falzarego and easily reachable by car, is a wealth of nature, fun, and traditional hospitality.
Starting point of charming hikes in the summer, the Rifugio is just right on the Col Gallina ski slopes in winter.
With a bit of luck, you will experience an unforgettable sunrise in this impressive mountain setting this morning with a cup of coffee on the balcony of the mountain hut.
The day begins with a steep descent to Passo Falzarego (alternatively, you can take the cable car down), where you can discover remains from the First World War along the way. You can then relax on a short, flat section before another strenuous climb.
Walk starting from Rifugio Lagazuoi: 8km/5mi, Ascent/Descent: 503m/685m
Walk starting from Rifugio Scotoni: 10km/6mi, Ascent/Descent: 1093m/514m
Rifugio Averau offers ensuite double/twin rooms in the loft area of the building, with further dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities also available (6 or 10 beds). Downstairs, Paola and Sandrone take turns at cooking, and are well known for their delicious cuisine, which you can enjoy on the rifugio’s wide terrace with its incredible view of the Civetta and the Marmolada.
Enjoying a spectacular location perched atop a rock, this rifugio was founded in 1883, making it the oldest in the Dolomites. The Siorpaes family have been running the rifugio for over 30 years, and the special atmosphere and charm more than make up for the lack of modern facilities (remember that you are atop a cliff at 2600m!). There are outside tables where you can watch the sun set, and inside there is a cosy seating area (where dinner and breakfast is served) with an open fire, as well as a separate bar.
Start by returning to the road at Rifugio Averau, thereby avoiding the route which takes in a short section of via ferrata. Pass by the Cinque Torri, as you follow this variant of the Alta Via 1 through orchid-filled meadows and patches of shady pine trees. A series of switchbacks is rewarded by superb views over Cortina and the valley, then its a pleasant stroll to Rifugio Croda da Lago G Palmieri (2066m).
Ascent/Descent: 399m/895m
This simple Rifugio is run by mountain guide Modesto Alverà, his wife Monica and their five children. Located by the tranquil Lago del Federa, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you relax with a treat by the stove –Monica’s ricotta cake, strudel and flavoured grappas are legendary!
Keep watch for scampering salamander as you walk through patches of scree and grass to Forcella Ambrizzola (2,277m). In contrast to the high alpine slopes, the AV1 moves on across lush pastures and some scree paths to Rifugio Passo Staulanza (1,783m), at the pass of the same name. It is rumoured to serve the best hot chocolate in the Dolomites—so we suggest you indulge yourselves!
With views to Monte Pelmo (3,168m), an easier option follows a pleasant and peaceful track which then ascends to Rifugio Coldai (2,132m).
Ascent/Descent: 939m/861m
Rifugio Coldai has been run by the De Zordo family since 1968 and boasts stunning views over Civetta. Accommodation is in dormitories and there are two showers and toilets.
A lovely stroll around Lago Coldai up to a small pass sets the scene for today. Drop down into the valley with views of Lago di Alleghe, before climbing up towards the days’ first major pass, the Forcella di Col Rean.
The path to Rifugio Vazzoler (1,714m) brings forcella after forcella (mountain passes), in another rewarding stage of the AV1 as you skirt by the Civetta massif.
Ascent/Descent: 331m/750m
Photogenic Rifugio Vazzoler, with its red roof and shutters, also has an impressive alpine botanical garden. Accommodation is in dormitories. Breakfasts and dinners are simple. Showers are payable locally.
This morning you’ve a steep climb to the next pass; Forcella del Camp (1,933m). Descend into the Val di Frela, towards the town of Agordo, where you can take a bus (approx. 40 mins) to Belluno.
Belluno is the perfect town in which to end your long distance trail. With its compact size, you will enjoy a leisurely stroll around the cafés and boutiques of the old town.
Ascent/Descent: 962m/2,081m
The Cappello e Cadore Hotel is a popular 3* star hotel with 32 rooms which occupies a fantastic location in the heart of the historic centre of Belluno. You’ll find it nestled between the central Martiri and Piloni piazzas. Rooms have aircon, TV, electronic safe, minibar, hairdryer, and there is free WiFi in the lobby.
After breakfast, you can take a train from Belluno (via Conegliano) to Venice—just a 1h50mins journey, or continue your travels in Italy!
This trip has a carbon score of 8kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 8kg is equivalent to 12 pints of local beer at the bar. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?Trek the ‘classic’ section of the Alta Via 1 over 8 days, covering the majority of the trail and taking in the highlights. Finish before the path takes a wilder and more remote turn as it heads south over Passo Duran. You should be sure-footed, have a head for heights and not suffer from vertigo to fully enjoy this trip. Authentic mountain huts provide a warm welcome on the trail, with lovely 3* hotels in Cortina and Belluno.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Hut to Hut Walking | Walk from hut to hut, changing accommodation each night
Groups > 10
The minimum age for this tour is: 18 Years
This walk is graded strenuous, due to the days where you have to carry your own pack, although grading is often subjective. It includes daily walks of between 9 and 16.5km with ascents of up to 900m, and descents of up to 1300m. You’ll be following switchback footpaths, country lanes, both narrow and wide tracks and rough mountain paths. You should be prepared for rocky and loose ground and unavoidable narrow paths across scree slopes. We have deliberately avoided routes involving Via Ferrata. Some of the ascents and descents are considerably steep and some can be exposed so require a good head for heights and sure-footedness in places. It may be possible to split some of the longer days of the itinerary, please see the detailed itinerary for more info. You should have a good level of walking fitness to get the most from this trip and be an experienced mountain walker.
We specifically select your rifugi to give you a taste of warm Italian hospitality and so that you are able to join in the camaraderie with your fellow walkers. For the first and last nights of your tour, you will stay in a friendly 3* hotel on a breakfast basis. In Refugio Fanes only breakfast is included, but you can buy dinner locally at the refugio. For your remaining 6 nights you will stay on a half board basis in mountain huts - ‘rifugi’. They offer comfortable accommodation and good local food and drink. Some of the rifugi are more basic than others; they are a mixture of CAI (Italian Alpine Club) and privately-run properties.
Hut accommodation is booked in mixed-sex dormitories made up of alpine-style communal sleeping areas or in bunk beds. We can often book private rooms in the huts (some with shared and some with en suite) and where this type of room is available this is noted against each accommodation; this 'room upgrade' is at an optional supplement. Private rooms are popular and therefore always subject to availability. Please note that private rooms in the mountain huts are extremely limited. If you wish to ask for a private room you need to BOOK EARLY. While we are always happy to ask, it may not be possible to reserve private rooms in the mountain huts.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This trip is not available to solo walkers due to the remote terrain and single rooms are not available except on the first and last nights (in hotel accommodation). A supplement is payable.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning. Dinner is not included in Cortina or Belluno as there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Whilst staying in the rifugi dinner is included (excluding drinks).The only rifugio where dinner is not included is the Rifugio San Sebastiano at Passo Duran - dinner can be bought off the menu and paid for locally (you may not be overnighting here). Meals in the mountain huts are always simple, hearty fare.
As this is a self guided walk you will be responsible for navigation, decision making and safety during your trip. This walk is strenuous, crosses high mountain passes and the weather can change quickly. You should be able to navigate easily with a map and compass in poor visibility and be experienced in the mountains.We supply you with route notes for the recommended routes, as well as a comprehensive guidebook and Tabacco printed maps (1:25 000) and access to our smartphone navigation app along with GPX tracks, so you will have no problem following the route each day. You are of course free to walk wherever you choose, with the possibility of following the guidebook and/or reviewing the map to make your own route.
- Accommodation for 2 nights in comfortable 3* hotels with 7 nights in mountain huts
- 9 Breakfasts
- 7 Dinners (in the mountain huts/Rifugi)
- Route descriptions, guide book, Tabacco maps and a pre departure information pack
- Access to the Macs Smartphone App
- 24-hour assistance by phone
- Baggage Transfer from Cortina to Belluno
- Flights to / from Venice
- Travel Insurance
- Lunches, drinks & snacks
- Dinners in Cortina and Belluno
- Public transportation, including buses, trains and cable cars
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
- Day to Day Baggage Transfers
- Single room supplement; available for accommodation in Cortina and Belluno only
- Private room supplement for the rifugios (subject to availability)
- Additional nights during the trip
***July is busy on the Alta Via and you maybe not be able to book certain dates as the mountain huts are full. If you cannot find the availability for your dates, we can highly recommend one of our other Dolomites tours such as the Alta Via 1 South or one of our tours in the Tyrol.
***Should there be no availability in our first choice of rifugio we will book you into the next most suitable. Some of the walking days therefore become longer or shorter. This is all clearly described on booking and in the app.
This tour is available to start any day of the week from July to September. Upgrades to private rooms will be shown as an option during the booking process. Option & extension prices will be displayed as part of the booking process. Please note that private rooms in the mountain huts are extremely limited. If you wish to ask for a private room you need to BOOK EARLY. While we are always happy to ask, it may not be possible to reserve private rooms in the mountain huts. The best time to walk is July to mid-September, with August the most popular month (with the locals too!) and so busier in the huts. It is not unheard of for snow to fall on higher ground during the summer, and patches of snow may still be present into July. For this reason, we offer the walk starting from the beginning of July. July and August are the hottest months and carry the greatest risk of thunderstorms, which can be torrential and usually occur in the afternoon - being well-prepared and equipped for all these eventualities is essential.
By Air: Venice Marco Polo Airport is the most convenient airport, with various international airlines operating here. The smaller Venice Treviso Airport is serviced by low-cost carrier Ryanair (London Stansted, Bristol, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford).
Private Transfers: We are able to arrange taxi transfers for you in Italy (bookable in advance at a supplement) from Venice Airports. Please get in touch to enquire about how we can help with transfer arrangements in Italy.
From Venice Marco Polo airport (or Venice Mestre bus station): it is possible to take the Cortina Express to Cortina (approx. 2h20); departures are twice daily, usually in the afternoon, so please ensure you check their website for timetables. We recommend booking the bus well in advance.
From Venice Treviso Airport: From the airport take a bus (approx.12 mins) to Treviso, then from Treviso Sud there is an ATVO bus once a day to Cortina (approx. 2 hrs). Or you can take a bus from Treviso town to Venice Mestre or Marco Polo Airport for onward connections with the Cortina Express (see above). Check the timetable on the ATVO website.
From Belluno you can take a train (changing at Conegliano) to Venice Santa Lucia station (approx. 2h30); see www.trenitalia.com for timetables. From here, take a bus from Venice Mestre to Venice Marco Polo Airport (35 mins). See timetable.
To return to Cortina from Belluno: Dolomiti Bus Lines 9 and 30 run between Belluno and Cortina, if you need to return there to collect any additional luggage (we can request if luggage be left at your first hotel in Cortina—subject to prior agreement). Journey time takes just over 1 hr. For timetables, see www.dolomitibus.it/dolomitibus/jsp/orari
Bag transfer is included from Cortina to Belluno, allowing you to hike only with the equipment you require and you will be reunited with your main bag at the end of the hike.
As an optional extra, you can choose to have your bags delivered to some of the huts. However, due to some of the huts' remoteness, it is impossible to transfer bags to each overnight location. If you opt for bag transfer, bags cannot be delivered to Rifugio Fanes, Rifugio Sennes/Lavarella, Rifugio Averau/Nuvolau, Rifugio Coldai, Rifugio Vazzoler and Rifugio Fontana. On these days, simply carry a few overnight things in your day pack to see you through. If you choose not to opt for baggage transfer, you will need to carry your kit with you each day. Since you are staying in dormitory-style accommodation, you will need to bring a sleeping bag liner (or you can sometimes buy or hire one locally). Bed linen is provided when booking private rooms.
At Macs Adventure we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase.
For the optional baggage transfers on the Alta Via the handlers are very strict with weight limits. You are only allowed to take one small bag (duffel style) weighing a max of 10kg (22lbs) per person. There is no space in the rifugios for more baggage.
Regardless if you are opting for the baggage transfers within the holiday one main bag of a max of 20kg will be transferred from Cortina to Belluno. We do not have control over the limits that these providers set. Therefore, it is very important that you adhere to these limits as there is a great possibility that they will not take any additional or heavier bags. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits we must respect.
We suggest that you book as soon as your plans are finalized as its a popular trip with a short season and accommodation is limited (particularly private rooms). However, we will always try to accommodate your plans.
Baggage transfer is not included. However on a few nights you can add baggage transfers (at an additional charge) to your tour. Please contact the Macs team to ask which nights it is possible on your tour.
Due to the remoteness of the huts it is not usually possible to take any form of transport between them. The staff at the rifugi will be able to advise you of your best options.
This trip is graded moderate to strenuous and requires good physical condition.You must be used to mountain walking, crossing scree or snowy patches, and challenging ascents and descents to get the most from this trip.
The best time to walk is July to mid-September, with August the most popular month (with the locals too!) and so busier in the huts. It is not unheard-of for snow to fall on higher ground during the summer, and patches of snow may still be present into July. For this reason, we offer the walk starting from beginning of July. July and August are the hottest months and carry the greatest risk of thunderstorms, which can be torrential and usually occur in the afternoon—being well-prepared and equipped for all these eventualities is essential.
Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes standard walking gear such as waterproofs, good walking shoes/boots, sun protection, water bottle and a comfortable backpack with waist strap.
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