Dolomites Alta Via 1 South
- Hike among the classic peaks of the Civetta, Monte Pelmo & Cinque Torri
- Enjoy a warm Italian welcome and delicious food at the mountain huts
- Stay in the chic ski resort of Cortina and historic rifugios
- Discover quiet paths through the wild Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi
- Admire the sunset from the lofty terrace of ridge-top Rifugio Nuvolau
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.
This friendly and traditional Alpine-style hotel, a favourite among walkers, is situated in a serene and picturesque location. Indulge in the comfort of the cosy rooms, relish the locally sourced produce from the breakfast buffet, and stay connected with Wi-Fi in the rooms. The on-site restaurant offers a taste of the region with its typical dishes, or you can explore the lively centre of Cortina (a 5-10 min walk) and dine at one of the many restaurants.
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.
From Cortina you can escape directly into the impressive mountain scenery. The path ascends through rhododendron forests as the peaks of the Cinque Torri come into view. You reach Rifugio Averau (7916ft/2,413m), then it’s a 20-minute climb to the oldest Rifugio in the Dolomites— Nuvolau (8448ft/2,575m), you may be staying in either Rifugio, depending on availability.Â
You can hike from Cortina, or to shorten the hike you can take a bus/taxi to Passo Falzarego. From Passo Falzarego you can take the cable car upto Lagazoui and then hike back down to Falzarego or go directly upto Nuvolau from Falzarego. The choice is yours today.Â
Walk starting from Cortina: 13km/8mi, Ascent: 4393ft/1339m Descent: 52ft/16m
Walk starting from Rifugio Lagazuoi (top of the cable-car): 8km/5mi,  Ascent: 1659ft/503m Descent: 2247ft/685m
Walk starting from Passo Falzarego: 4.5km/3mi,  Ascent: 1850ft/567m Descent: 344ft/105m
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.
Two toilets (both ‘squat’ toilets) are located outside of the main building (one has cold running water). A third flushable toilet with cold running water is located inside the building (for use during the night only). No washing of clothes in the sinks is permitted. There is a phone charging point in the hall.
24 beds are in rooms of 3-8 (dormitories). Please make sure you bring your own sleeping bag liner. You will be asked to place your order for your evening meal on arrival (dinner is served at 19:00). Please note that there is no fixed half board menu at Rifugio Nuvolau you have a EUR20 per person credit towards dinner – you can choose from the a la carte menu – any extra charges above EUR20 per person are to be paid locally, direct to the rifugi. Please also order any packed lunch for the next day at that time (payable locally). No credit card payments possible.
Paul Grohmann sings its praises in his work “Wanderungen in den Dolomiten” (Hiking in the Dolomites), written in 1877: “… a sea of mountains lies before us, and it would be useless to try and list them or describe them. Only the camera can fix our impressions…”.
Behind the Nuvolau hut, pass the impressive rock formation Cinque Torri and the Passo Giau (7332ft/2236m). Hike across colorful flower meadows, and lush green alpine meadows await you. It is not uncommon to see eagles soaring high above. The trail continues over stone paths and lush meadows to your accommodation, Passo Staulanza (5849ft/1783m), where you can find the best hot chocolate in the Dolomites.
Hike to Rifugio Passo Staulanza: 19km/12mi, Ascent: 2214ft/675m Descent: 4727ft/1441m
Hike to Rifugio Citta Di Fiume: 15km/9mi, Ascent: 1837ft/560m Descent: 3864ft/1178m
This traditional Rifugio is run and cared for by the Sala family. Offering private rooms and dorms, there is also a Sauna available for use upon request and payable locally.
Founded in 1964, the rifugio’s “Malga” is the typical housing of the valley; the basement is constructed of local stone while the upper part (roof included) is made of wood. The ground floor, with its three arched spaces (rooms), is well-preserved example of a traditional cowshed. A dwelling is thought to have been built here as early as 1600 and appears on maps dating from 1833. The present building dates back to 1924; with further modifications made in 1964 when the building changed from cowshed to Rifugio! Accommodation is in mixed-sex dormitories only.
A rewarding day awaits as you cross lush pastures with views to Monte Pelmo (10,393ft/3168m), a more accessible option follows a pleasant and peaceful track which then ascends to Rifugio Coldai (6994ft/2,132m).
Hike around Lago Coldai and up to a small pass before you drop down into the valley with views of Lago di Alleghe. Ahead you’ll reach the mountain pass, Forcella di Col Rean. The path to Rifugio Vazzoler (1714m) brings you over several passes as you skirt by the Civetta massif.
Hike starting from Rifugio Passo Staulanza to Vazzoler: 15km/9mi, Ascent: 2824ft/861m Descent: 2998ft/914m
Hike starting from Rifugio Citta di Fiume to Vazzoler: 18km/11mi, Ascent: 3133ft/955m Descent: 3772ft/1150m
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.
Die Hütte befindet sich auf dem Gipfel des Col Reàn, auf 2250 m Höhe, an der Nordwestwand der Civetta und bietet somit atemberaubende Aussichten auf die umliegende Bergwelt.
Today you’ll hike an undulating path as you first climb steeply to the next pass; Forcella del Camp (6341ft/1933m), followed by some straightforward trekking high in the Dolomites. Finally, a mountain road takes you down to Passo Duran. Both the Rifugio Passo Duna C Tome and Rifugio San Sebastiano are located here (5265ft/1605m).
Ascent: 3126ft/953m Descent: 3549ft/1082m
Rifugio Passo Duran ‘C Tome’ offers a warm welcome, with rooms in dormitories as well as double/twin rooms. Please note that there are two rifugios at Passo Duran; C Tome is the first one that you will come to.
Rifugio San Sebastiano has been recently constructed in a traditional chalet-style, offering double/twin rooms (some with bunk beds) with shower and WC. It is nestled between two beautiful valleys, and along the Zoldana Agordina on road SS347. There is a small shop and a lovely café bar, as well as a wonderful fireplace where you can relax at the end of the day’s walking. Please note that there are two rifugios at Passo Duran; San Sebastiano is the more ‘traditional looking property’ and you will walk pass Passo Duran ‘C Tome’ to get to San Sebastiano.
After breakfast, set out on trails that feel more remote than before, with ever-impressive alpine vistas. Today you’ll be hiking via the Forcella del Moschesin (6397ft/1950m) and up the rocky western slopes of the Cima de Zita.
You are now entering the Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi, the wildest of the national parks on the trail and with a good chance of spotting deer and marmots. A vibrant orange lily flowers amongst the grass, rocks and shrubs.
In one or two places you’ll find the gradient particularly steep, and the ridge path to the day’s highest pass at 8041ft/2451m feels somewhat exposed. Enjoy glimpses of the Venetian plain. Descend sharply to Rifugio Pian de Fontana (5354ft/1632m).
This is a lengthy stage with a steep descent at the end of the walk. It is possible to split today’s hike in two by staying at Rifugio Pramperet (6092ft/1857m) if you prefer—please talk to our team prior to booking.
Ascent: 3605ft/1099m Descent: 3382ft/1031m
This is a simple but homely rifugio, with 32 beds in dormitory-style accommodation. There’s often a roaring fire which goes well with a tipple of grappa!
As you descend the twisting mountain track back into civilization, find time to reflect on the incredible vistas, wonderful food and wine, and unique characters you’ll have met along the Alta Via 1. The final stage of your hike is via Rifugio Bianchet (4084ft/1245m), through woodland dotted with boulders and tiny cyclamen, to meet the road at La Pissa, from where you can take a bus (30 minutes) 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:  1574ft/480m Descent: 5485ft/1672m
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 6kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 6kg is equivalent to 4.5 ham and cheese sandwiches from the store. 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 about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?The southern half of the Alta Via 1 has a wilder and more remote feel compared to the busier northern section. With slightly longer days, hiking around 8 - 12 miles / 14-18km daily, this the ideal choice for fit and experienced hikers looking for a rewarding week’s walking on varied trails high in the Italian Alps. You should be sure-footed and have a head for heights to really get the most from this trip. It is not suitable for people suffering from vertigo.
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 in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle 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 hike is graded moderate to strenuous and includes daily hikes between 8 and 12 miles / 9 and 16.5km with ascents of up to 2788ft/850m, descents of up to 4101ft/1250m. 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. You should have a good level of hiking fitness to get the most from this trip, and be an experienced mountain hiker. On Day 6 it is possible to split up the walk by staying at Rifugio Pramperet in between Rifugio Passo Duran and Rifugio Fontana, please inquire with your Sales Specialist at the time of booking. Although other daily distances on your itinerary are as lengthy as this one, this hike has a particularly steep descent at the end of it, so you may prefer to do 2 days of shorter hiking.Â
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 San Sebastiano only breakfast is included, but you can buy dinner locally at the refugio. For your remaining hut 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 sometimes book private rooms in the huts on a double occpancy basis only (some with shared facilities 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. However, please note that private rooms in the mountain huts are in demand and extremely limited. If you wish to ask for a private room you need to BOOK EARLY. While we are always happy to request, it may not be possible to reserve private rooms in the mountain huts, and their lack of availability at the time of confirmation is not an accepted reason for cancellation. You must be comfortable with dormitory accommodation before booking your Alta Via 1.
Single Rooms & Solo Hikers
This trip is not available to solo hikers due to the remote terrain. For singles traveling in a larger private group, single rooms are not available in the huts and are only possible on the first and last nights (in hotel accommodation). A supplement for a single room in the hotels is required.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning. Dinner is not included in Cortina or Belluno as there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. While 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 hike you will be responsible for navigation, decision making and safety during your trip. This hike 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 hike 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 a comfortable 3* hotel (en suite room), and for 5 nights in mountain huts (mixed-sex dormitory accommodation)
- 7 Breakfasts
- 4 or 5 Dinners (in the mountain huts/Rifugi). Dinner is payable locally if you overnight at rifugio San Sebastiano.
- Route descriptions, guide book, Tabacco maps and a pre departure information pack
- 24-hour assistance by phone
- Luggage Storage in Cortina from Day 2 - 6 with transfer to Belluno hotel on Day 7
- Day by Day Baggage transfers (can be included as an optional extra. See the Luggage Transfer paragraph in the Travel & Transfers section below for more details)
- Getting to Cortina and from Belluno
- Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)
- Lunches, dinners in Cortina and Belluno, drinks & snacks
- Public transportation, including buses, trains and cable cars
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc
- Any items not specifically mentioned in the program
- Additional nights during the trip
- Private room supplement for the rifugios (subject to availability, rooms with either shared or en suite facilities).
- Baggage transfers
This tour is available to start any day of the week from July to September. 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.
This tour starts in Cortina (aka Cortina d’Ampezzo) in the province of Belluno.
By Air: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the most convenient airport, with various interational airlines operating here. The smaller Venice Treviso Airport (TSF) 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 this 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.
This tour ends in Belluno. 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 more information, please go to: Linee Extraurbane 2024-2025 | Dolomiti Bus
Bag storage from Days 2 - 6 and transfer from Cortina to Belluno on Day 7 is included, 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 22lbs/10kg per person. There is no space in the rifugios for more baggage.
Regardless if you are opting for the baggage transfers within the tour one main bag of a max of 44lbs/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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