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Alta Via 1 of the Dolomites

Highlights

  • The most famous hut-to-hut hike in the Dolomites connecting its best-known landmarks

  • Choose between the classic 11 Day Tour and its shorter 9- and 10-day route variants

  • Have your hiking itinerary planned by the local experts to avoid via-ferrata

  • Enjoy the famous panorama of the Dolomites from atop of the Lagazuoi massif

  • Walk along the impressive 5-km-long west face of Civetta

  • Feel the friendly atmosphere of the alpine huts set in scenic locations

Description

Alta Via 1 is the most famous hiking High Route not just in the Dolomites but in the Alps overall. It dates back to the 1969 when the Alta Via 1 itinerary was first published and received its actual name. The classic Alta Via 1 runs from the Braies lake in South Tyrol to a town of Belluno at the southern edge of the Dolomites. This multi-day hiking route links several well-known landmarks of the Dolomite mountains including Lake Braies, Lagazuoi massif, Cinque Torri formation, Monte Pelmo, and the Civetta-Moiazza group. These are the true calling cards of the Dolomites what makes Alta Via 1 so popular.

You can choose between three variants of the Alta Via 1 itinerary that differ in length and duration: we offer the 9, 10 and 11 Day Tours. The longest 11 Day Tour includes 9 full hiking days and 110 km of trail thus covering the classic Alta Via 1 with an exception of several via-ferrata segments. All three itineraries start at Lake Braies and follow the classic Alta Via 1 route but feature varying finishing points.

Alta Via N.1 is available as a private guided and self-guided trek with accommodation at mountain huts. Climbing skills are not required for this hike, but a good level of training is necessary. You must be comfortable walking 5 – 7 hours a day with occasional stops. Being the most popular Haute Route of the Alps, Alta Via N.1 runs along trodden trails that are well-maintained and well-marked.

We recommend an early booking for Alta Via N.1 due to a high demand of the hut accommodation on the route and its limited availability.

Flexible booking and cancellation terms apply to the 2024 trips. For details, please visit Booking Terms 2024.

Trip Overview

StyleHut to Hut Hiking

DifficultyLevel 3information

Activity7 - 9 hiking daysinformation

Tour Duration9 - 11 days / 8 - 10 nights

Start / FinishToblach, Cortina d'Ampezzo / Belluno, Zoldo, Longarone

Self Guided Hiking

9 Day Self Guided Tour
€ 1570
Jun 10 - Sep 22
10 Day Self Guided Tour
€ 1700
Jun 10 - Sep 22
11 Day Self Guided Tour
€ 1820
Jun 10 - Sep 22

Private Guided Hiking

9 Day Private Guided Tour
€ 2780
Jun 10 - Sep 22
10 Day Private Guided Tour
€ 3100
Jun 10 - Sep 22
11 Day Private Guided Tour
€ 3450
Jun 10 - Sep 22

Note

Validity of prices: Summer 2024.

Private guided and self-guided treks are private tours on the dates of your choice.

See the tab Cost for minimum and maximum group size, included services, single supplements and other details.

Primary Itinerary: 11 Day Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Cortina d'Ampezzo or Toblach

You arrive in Toblach or Cortina d'Ampezzo on your own, check in at the basecamp hotel and rest up before the hike. Of the two possible basecamp locations for this hike, Cortina is the larger and more famous resort, located closer to Venice airport. It hosts a variety of cultural and sporting events throughout the summer season. The Toblach resort is considerably smaller, situated in the German-speaking province of South Tyrol, and is located closer to the start point of the route. Tomorrow, you will need to travel for 30 minutes in total from Toblach, instead of the 1h 20m from Cortina. However, the airports are situated much further from Toblach than from Cortina.

Day 2: Lake Braies

Ascent 960 m. Descent 300 m. Distance 10 km. Walking time 5 hours.

The route commences from Lake Braies. This is a true pearl of the Dolomites and South Tyrol, and, in addition, is one of the largest and deepest lakes in the Dolomites: 1,2 km in length, 300 m wide and 36 m deep. Lake Braies was formed as a result of a landslide that blocked the flow of the mountain stream that bears its name, and owes its popularity to the exceptional beauty of its surroundings. The lake is filled with pure, clear water, which takes on a rich emerald hue in sunny weather. It is surrounded on three sides by the Dolomite massifs, and the south side of the lake looks out onto the vertical slope of the Croda del Becco peak, in the direction of which is the Alta Via 1 route.

Day 3: Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park

Ascent 550 m. Descent 650 m. Distance 11 km. Walking time 5 hours.

Today, the route passes through the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. The latter encompasses several massifs of the Dolomites, a defining feature of which is their distinctive karst topography. The karst landscapes in Fanes-Sennes-Braies were formed as carbonic acids and water dissolved the limestone deposits, which existed during the Jurassic period, over the following millennia. Many and various types of karst formations can be found in the Nature Park: shafts, grooves, limestone pavements, basins, cavities, caves, and so on. In one of these caves were discovered the remains of a cave bear that inhabited these areas 40 - 60 thousand years ago.

Day 4: Lagazuoi Massif

Ascent 1120 m. Descent 440 m. Distance 13 km. Walking time 6 hours.

From the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, the route leads to the Lagazuoi massif. This is famous for its "observation platform" with a 360-degree panorama of the Dolomites. From its peak, you can see the Nuvolau, Croda da Lago and Monte Pelmo groups and, on the distant horizon, the Marmolada, Sella, Sassolungo, and Pale di San Martino. In fair weather, it is undoubtedly worth taking some pictures here as a memento. For Italians, the Lagazuoi is of great historical significance; during the First World War, the Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies clashed here. The excavations and explosions in enemy tunnels altered the original appearance of the massif to a degree, leaving craters and deep clefts. If you wish, you can stay and inspect the system of military tunnels, which stretch for around 1,1 km, but do bear in mind that most of these tunnels are impassable, and in order to access many of them experience of via-ferratas is required.

Day 5: Cinque Torri

Ascent 790 m. Descent 1470 m (with the lift 840 m). Distance 15 km. Walking time 7 hours.

The Cinque Torri massif, from the Italian for "five towers", is one of the most famous locations on the Alta Via No. 1 itinerary, and perhaps the most unusual group in the Dolomites in general. It was formed when a single massif fragmented into five parts during the formation of the modern Alps. The towers of the Cinque Torri stand proud over the surrounding alpine meadows by more than 100 meters. Each of them has its unique shape and own name.

Day 6: Monte Pelmo

Ascent 450 m. Descent 930 m. Distance 13 km. Walking time 5 hours.

Today, the route approaches the next of the Dolomites’ landmarks: The Monte Pelmo massif. From the south-eastern side, Monte Pelmo has a uniquely trapezoidal shape. There are no trails ascending Monte Pelmo; this massif is only accessible to mountain climbers. The Alta Via 1 route passes under the vertical faces of Monte Pelmo, along trails that boast stunning views. In addition, petrified dinosaur footprints from the Triassic period can be seen here, dating from around 200 - 250 million years ago. The day comes to a close at the north end of the Civetta group in a conveniently located hut that provides a beautiful panoramic view of Monte Pelmo and other massifs at sunset.

Day 7: Civetta and Lake Coldai

Ascent 950 m. Descent 470 m. Distance 11 km. Walking time 5 hours.

The following morning, the route departs from the picturesque Lake Coldai, which is located in a shallow hollow in the north of the Civetta group. Views of the lake against a backdrop of Civetta’s steep rocks can often be seen in alpine calendars. The group is famous for its 5-kilometer west face, which reaches more than 1 km in height. Around 100-300 meters in total separates the trail from the mountain face at this point, making this section of the Alta Via 1 one of its most impressive hiking paths.

Day 8: Moiazza Group

Ascent 1020 m. Descent 1450 m. Distance 14 km. Walking time 7 hours.

Today, the path bends around the Moiazza massif, which forms one common mountain group with Civetta, and one of the largest groups in the Dolomites. At this point, the hiking route passes through a beautiful and serene landscape, slightly higher than the border of the forest belt, and gradually descending into the coniferous forest. At the beginning of the path, from the uplands that are opposite the north face of Civetta, you can take in the panoramic vista of the Dolomites to the east, encompassing the Marmolada and Sella groups. The Moiazza massif features the same sharp formations that were observed yesterday evening while passing along the north face of Civetta, but here the vertical cliffs seemingly "grow" from the level of the forest, something that creates impressive and contrasting images of classic alpine landscapes.

Day 9: San Sebastiano and Pramper Groups

Ascent 590 m. Descent 560 m. Distance 13 km. Walking time 5 hours.

The route gradually leaves this area behind for more secluded spots. On the path for today are the San Sebastiano and Pramper groups, but less than a quarter of the hikers who set off from Lake Braies reach this far. For exactly this reason, these mountains are famed for their less-frequented trails and wild, undisturbed natural environment. The slopes here are steeper than those of the mountain groups in the north of the Alta Via 1. There are, therefore, fewer hiking tracks here, and the higher altitude routes away from the main Alta Via 1 trail are via-ferratas, some of which are not even marked on maps. Here, you can see peaks that soar dramatically into the heavens, and, if you set out on the early enough, even wild animals, including chamois and roe deer.

Day 10: Schiara Group

Ascent 640 m. Descent 1740 m. Distance 11 km. Walking time 6 hours.

On the last day of your journey, you will pass through the moraines that are typical of the southern Dolomites, as well as across the lunar landscape of the Schiara group’s highlands. Due to the fact that the mountain slopes are very steep in this part of the Dolomites, the scree that is found as you approach the mountain passes is also steep. The Schiara group are the most barren mountains on the Alta Via 1 route, and practically no one ventures beyond the route itself. The path ahead is a via-ferrata, and so this is the last day of the hike. In the afternoon, you will descend to the foot of the Schiara group, from where you will reach Longarone or Belluno with a transfer.

Day 11: Departure from Longarone, Zoldo or Belluno

Your Alta Via N.1 hike is over. After a breakfast at the base camp hotel, you can start your way back to the airport.

9 Day Tour

Alta Via 1 from Lake Braies to Civetta

This route is 2 days shorter than the primary itinerary: there are 7 full hiking days. You will finish your hike at Passo Duran and reach Belluno with a transfer. If you prefer a lighter route you can step off the primary itinerary in the area of Moiazza, descend to the valley and finish in Listolade where a transfer will take you to Belluno.

10 Day Tour

Alta Via 1 from Lake Braies to Moiazza

With 8 hiking days, this itinerary covers the classic Alta Via 1 from Lake Braies to Moiazza. After a night at the foot of Moiazza, you will descend on foot to the Zoldo valley, where our base camp hotels are located. This itinerary allows you to explore the groups of Moiazza and San Sebastiano in the southern part of Alta Via 1.

Dates and Prices 2024

Self Guided

9 Day Self Guided Tour
€ 1570
Jun 10 - Sep 22
10 Day Self Guided Tour
€ 1700
Jun 10 - Sep 22
11 Day Self Guided Tour
€ 1820
Jun 10 - Sep 22

Private Guided

9 Day Private Guided Tour
€ 2780
Jun 10 - Sep 22
10 Day Private Guided Tour
€ 3100
Jun 10 - Sep 22
11 Day Private Guided Tour
€ 3450
Jun 10 - Sep 22

Note

Validity of prices: Summer 2024.

The prices are per person and include the VAT tax.

Private guided and self-guided treks are private tours on the dates of your choice.

The indicated tour duration includes the days of arrival and departure. Hotel accommodation on the day of arrival and night before departure is included in the price.

Self-guided tour. Supplement for trips for solo hikers (includes single accommodation at the base camp hotels):
   9 Day Self Guided Tour  |  Solo supplement € 160
   10 Day Self Guided Tour  |  Solo supplement € 160
   11 Day Self Guided Tour  |  Solo supplement € 160

Private guided tours are only open to your group. The price listed on the tour page is for groups of 4 members. You can set a larger or a smaller group – please contact us for a price.

What is Included: Self-Guided Tour

  • Accommodation in mountain huts: 6 - 8 nights depending on the itinerary, shared dormitory
  • Accommodation in 3-star base camp hotels: first and final nights of the trip
  • Breakfast and dinner in the mountain huts
  • Breakfast in the hotel
  • Instructions and assistance with logistics
  • 24-hour on-call support
  • Itinerary and hiking schedule developed by the MONT Trekking guides
  • Specialized 1:25000 hiking maps: 1 set of maps per booking
  • Transport of luggage between the base camp hotels
  • Transportation from the base camp hotel to the trailhead (may be shared with other Mont Trekking guests)
  • Transportation to the base camp hotel after the trek (may be shared with other Mont Trekking guests)

What is Included: Private Guided Tour

  • Accommodation in mountain huts: 6 - 8 nights depending on the itinerary, shared dormitory
  • Accommodation in 3-star base camp hotels: first and final nights of the trip
  • Breakfast and dinner in the mountain huts
  • Breakfast in the hotel
  • Instructions and assistance with logistics
  • 24-hour on-call support
  • Local English-speaking mountain guide
  • Transport of luggage between the base camp hotels
  • Private transportation from the base camp hotel to the trailhead
  • Private transportation to the base camp hotel after the trek

Complimentary Services

  • Self-guided trip: electronic maps with satellite navigation for your phone (Android or Apple phone required)

What is Not Included

  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks at dinner
  • Lunches
  • Use of hot shower in the mountain huts: € 3 - 5
  • Tourist tax in the lodging establishments where applicable

Optional Extras

  • Private 2-, 3- and 4-bedded rooms can be reserved in advance in most mountain huts if available and with a € 20 supplement per person per night
  • 4/5-star base camp hotel for the first and final nights of the trip
  • Single accommodation in the base camp hotels (guided tour)
  • Transport of luggage between the huts
  • Airport transfer is available on request

Travel to the Dolomites

The base camp locations for this trip are Cortina d'Ampezzo and Toblach. Venice is the most convenient airport in the region. There are direct busses to Cortina from the Venice Marco Polo airport, and it takes around 2h 30m to arrive in Cortina. It takes 3h 30m to arrive to Toblach, and you will change the bus once. The Treviso airport is the second convenient option: the travel time is approximately the same. Other airports are significantly less convenient than Venice and Treviso. Depending on the schedule of your flight you may need to stay overnight in Venice to catch the bus.

You will finish the hike in Belluno, Longarone or Zoldo. These locations are also best connected to Venice Marco Polo Airport.

We can help you plan the logistics and provide you with train and bus schedules: please contact us before you buy the plane tickets.

Clothing and Gear

Proper hiking boots are a must for the mountains. We recommend high boots because they support the ankle better than any low boots and provide better stability on a rocky terrain. Even in the middle of the summer in the Dolomites you must bring some warm clothes with you: waterproof and windproof jacket, fleece jacket, long trekking pants and a cap. A raincoat, poncho or other type of rainwear is necessary. Other necessary items are the toiletries, light clean footwear to use in the huts, sunglasses and at least 2 one-liter bottles for water. Your trip documents will include a detailed packing list specifically prepared for your itinerary. We kindly ask everyone to read it carefully and be properly prepared for the hiking trip.

Accommodation

The first and last nights of your trip are in one of our basecamp hotels. While hiking, you will stay overnight in the mountain huts. You can count on the following services in the mountain huts: a bed in a shared room or in a private room (must be booked in advance), shower with hot water, toilets, meals, and a possibility to buy take away water and snacks such as sandwiches and chocolate. Shared rooms are equipped with bunk beds with mattresses, pillows and blankets. Bed linen is not provided in shared bedrooms: you must have a sleeping bag liner with you. Typically, it is a light cotton bag. Warm sleeping bag is unnecessary, since there are blankets in the bedrooms. In private rooms you are often offered bed linen, thus a sleeping bag liner is not required. If you book private rooms, we inform you on whether you need to bring a sleeping bag liner. Most huts have a heating system, but it is normally not required in the summer months. You will need clean footwear for the huts: light slides are an ideal solution. For detailed information on the huts please read Mountain Huts in the Alps.

Meals

In hut-to-hut hiking tours you are served a breakfast and a dinner in the huts and mountain hotels on the route.

Normally, the breakfast is served from 7am to 9am. It usually includes an unlimited quantity of coffee and tea, bread, butter, jam, honey and chocolate spread. In addition, some huts offer ham, cheese and muesli for breakfast. After breakfast we recommend filling your thermos with hot water or tea: ask the staff, and it will be for free in most huts.

The dinner time in the mountain huts is 7pm or 7:30pm for all guests. A typical dinner in a hut is very rich and includes a starter, the first course (such as pasta, risotto, dumplings), the second course (meat with a side dish) and a dessert. Any drinks at dinner (water, wine, beer, tea, coffee) are not free and should be ordered and paid separately.

Lunch. It is possible to stop for lunch in the mountain huts on the route on most days of the hike. The lunch menu in the huts is similar to the dinner menu. Typically, there is a choice of pasta for 10 – 15 euros. Second dishes cost 15 – 20 euros.

Safety Considerations

Our guided hiking tours are led by professional guides, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience and with passion for mountains. They permanently work in the region of the exact hiking tour, have professional licenses, are experts in emergency situations, regularly upgrade their qualifications and work in accordance with national regulations.

For self-guided hiking, it is necessary to be properly dressed, follow the safety rules and make realistic time calculation for day crossings – preferably according to the hiking schedule that we provide. Our self-guided hiking trips are planned so that they do not require specific skills or gear, unless it is clearly specified in the tour description. You can expect well-maintained trails equipped with direction signs. Exposed sections of the trail are secured on the self-guided routes: it makes them safe provided that you follow the basic safety rules for hiking in the mountains.

Mountains are a natural environment with a high level of risk, so we insistently ask all participants to read the safety rules and emergency procedures: Safety Considerations. If you have questions about the safety rules, please contact us +39 0463 63 60 80.

Insurance and Visa

Insurance. It is important to have an appropriate insurance that covers the hiking activity. You don't need to include the climbing activity in your insurance, unless you are planning to climb during the hike.

Visa. We will provide you with a booking confirmation for all days of your trip. If you need the Italian visa, you can enclose this document with your visa application.

Weather in the Dolomites

The most stable weather conditions in the Dolomites are statistically from the second week of July till the middle of September. This period in the Dolomites is characterized by warm sunny weather and modest rainfall. Earlier in June, the weather is normally favorable, but it is less reliable, and the mountain passes may be blocked by snow remaining from the winter. In June we may have to change the route depending on the snow situation on the passes. The second half of September in Dolomites is a beautiful period, but the weather is again less predictable: the probability of incessant rain increases, and it may snow at the altitude above 2,000 meters.

It is never hot in the Dolomites at the elevation of 2,000 m (6,560 ft) and above where most of the hiking routes pass. In a sunny day in August the temperature at 2,000 m can reach 20° C (68° F) suring the warmest hours of the day. It is comfortable for hiking. In a cold cloudy day, the temperature can stay at around 10° C (34° F) during the entire the day. It is always chilly at night and early in the morning. Thunderstorms, often with hail, are typical for the warmest months (July and August). In the Dolomites valleys at the altitudes of 1,000 – 1,500 m (3,280 – 4,920 ft) the day temperature can reach 27° C (80° F). It is fresh in the valleys in the morning and evening, and it is not stuffy at night even in the hottest weeks of the summer.