You want to tackle the Alta Via 2 in the Dolomites? Of the 6 Alta Via's that you can find in the Dolomites, the Alta Via's 1 and 2 are by far the most popular and, moreover, the most favored hut-to-hut walking tours in Italy. On Bookatrekking.com you'll find both and our trekking specialists agree on one thing unnanimously: the Alta Via 2 is the most strenuous. Are hut-to-hut treks new to you? If so, do the Alta Via 1 instead. The Alta Via 2 is not a walk in the park, in contrary. The full 13-day route includes sharp ridges, Via Ferratas and steep slopes. Are you brave enough to tackle the Alta Via 2? Here's everything you need to know about the route, maps, Via Ferrata, stages and more!
Last updated in October 2021
The Dolomites are a dramatic mountain range located in north-eastern Italy and offer its visitors serrated limestone peaks, sheer cliffs, shimmering alpine lakes, and deep, narrow valleys. These breathtaking mountains offer trekkers one of the most exciting and unique trekking adventures you can experience in Europe. If you want to conquer the famous and challenging Alta Via 2, we are here to help you! With the right preparation, every trek is possible!
Are you looking for an offer for the Alta Via 2? Then check out our options here!
Video: TravelingMel booked her Alta Via 2 trek through Bookatrekking.com
Where Is the Alta Via 2?
The Alta Via 2 is a 160 km hiking trail in the Dolomites in northeastern Italy. The Dolomites span the provinces of Belluno, South Tyrol, and Trentino. The name of this group of mountains comes from the French geologist who discovered the Dolomite mineral, Deodat de Dolomieu, in 1791. Most of the peaks of this mountain range go above 3,000 meters, and the highest peak at 3343 meters is Marmolada Peak.The route begins in Bressanone, also known as Brixen, and ends in Croce d'Aune. This popular hiking trail is part of a larger system of trails. In total, there are 6 Alta Vias in the Dolomites, all with different lengths and levels of difficulty.
What Is the Best Season for the Alta Via N. 2 Delle Dolomiti?
The season of the Alta Via 2 begins June 15 and ends in late September. At Bookatrekking.com we regularly receive requests to start earlier. Is this possible? Early in the season at higher altitudes, you can still find a lot of residual and compacted snow. It is wise to wait until the last week of June before you start. This way you can be almost sure that the snow is cleared from the trails and the paths are more passable and above all safer. For the same reason, it is advisable to go no later than mid-September. Most huts close already in the third week of September and also fickle weather in the mountains can cause dangerous situations.
Regardless of the season, the weather in the mountains can be difficult to predict. It is always advisable to have an extra day in case of bad weather and to bring the proper gear.
Not quite sure about your case yet? Contact our Trekking Experts and get advice!
How Do I Get To the Trailhead of the Alta via 2 in the Dolomites?
The Alta Via 2 can be hiked in both directions, although most trekkers choose to start from the north and make their way southwards. From the north, the trail starts in Bressanone, also known as Brixen, and ends in Croce d’Aune.
Brixen / Bressanone
If you are taking a plane to get to your Alta Via 2 adventure, the closest International Airports to Brixen (in Italian Bressanone) are Venice and Innsbruck (Austria). If you live close by, Brixen is on the A22, the main corridor across the Alps in this region, which makes it easily accessible by car. Also,Bressanone can be easily reached by train or bus all year round.
Croce d’Aune
During the summer months, Croce d’Aune can be reached with regular Dolomiti buses to and from Feltre. After mid-September, however, busses are less frequent. The drive from Feltre to Croce d’Aune is quite short. If there are no busses at the time of your visit, you could take a taxi for about EUR 20,-.
If you want to start or end the Alta Via 2 somewhere other than Brixen or Croce d'Aune, that is also possible. There are several points where you can get on and off the trail. It is still advisable to get to Bolzano, Brixen, Feltre or Croce d'Aune first and then taking a bus from there to the starting point that you want. Possible starting or ending points on the Alta Via 2 are most passes and towns along the way, like Passo Gardena, Passo Pordoi, Passo Cereda, or Passo San Pellegrino.
Sometimes it is easier to arrange a taxi for your transportation around your Alta Via 2. If you book a package through Bookatrekking.com we are happy to help you with this. Find all our options for the Alta Via 2 here!
What Is the Difference Between the Alta Via 1 and the Alta Via 2?
The Alta Via 1 and the Alta Via 2 are quite different trails. Despite being on the same mountain range and not that far away from each other, the difficulty of these trails is quite different. The Alta Via 1 can be completed by any trekker, novel or experienced, without much difficulty. The most important thing to take into account is the significant number of days that you will spend trekking. The Alta Via 2, however, is only advisable for experienced trekkers with surefootedness, experience in the mountains, and a head for heights. The Alta Via 2 includes sharp ridges, Via Ferratas, and steep slopes, which require some previous experience in the mountains.
Curious about the different options? Here you can find both our packages for the Alta Via 1 and the Alta Via 2.
What Is a Via Ferrata?
A via ferrata, in English iron path, or in German Klettersteig, is a protected climbing path with cables, ladders and iron supports attached to rock walls. There are several famous Via Ferratas in the world, the highest of which, on Kota Kinabalu, is one of them! The purpose of the Via Ferrata is to help trekkers on their way up. However, the Via Ferratas on the Alta Via 2 had a different purpose when they were built. During World War I, the Dolomites were the scene of battles between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces. The Via Ferratas were installed during those years to allow troops faster access to the front lines.
Most trekkers on the Alta Via 2 carry along a harness and a helmet as a security measure. These items are not required, but if it helps you to feel more comfortable on the route, they are always welcome. Safety first!
You'd really like to, but still have some questions about Via Ferrata's or don't know exactly what you need? Our trekking experts are happy to help you!
The Marmolada on the Alta Via 2, the Highest Peak in the Dolomites
At 3,343 meters, the Marmolada is the highest peak in the Dolomites. Its most prominent feature is the ridge, which runs from west to east. To the south it breaks suddenly into steep cliffs and to the north is a relatively flat glacier, the only major glacier in the Dolomites. The Marmolada is affectionately called the Queen of the Dolomites in the region. On the Alta Via 2 you do not climb the Marmolada, but the trail does loop past the starting point for climbs.
Can I Camp on the Alta Via 2 in the Dolomiti?
We'll get right to the point: wild camping is not allowed on the Alta Via 2. Hikers are required to spend the night in mountain huts, rifugios in Italian. The good thing about spending the night in the huts is that you don't have to bring a tent, cooking kit, and the food for the 13 days. The rifugios vary in size and accommodation options, but they all offer a shower, a good night's sleep including half board with tasty local cuisine.
We at Bookatrekking.com maintain warm contacts with rifugios and are happy to take the burden of booking off your shoulders. Find all of our deals for the Alta Via 2 here.
Alta Via 2 From Day to Day (13 Days)
The Alta Via 2 can be completed in 11-14 days depending on your experience and physical condition. Below we have prepared a 13-day itinerary with stages ranging from 4 to 7 hours on foot per day:
Stage 1:Bressanone - Rifugio Plose
The starting point of the Alta Via 2 is at the station of the cable car in S. Andrea. It goes up to Valcroce and from here, path n° 7 starts towards the Rifugio Plose. A variant for the more trained hikers is to walk up to the Rifugio Plose, starting directly from S. Andrea instead of taking the cable car. The path is quite steep but well maintained and while walking you can enjoy the Dolomites and the flora and fauna of the Puez-Odle nature park. The Plose hut is the first stop on the Alta Via 2 and it is located 2447 m above the city of Bressanone.
Walking time: 1.5 hours from the Cable Cars / 4 hours from S. Andrea
Ascent: 380m / 1500 m
Stage 2: Rifugio Plose - Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte)
From Rifugio Plose, following path n° 4 and the signs of the Alta Via 2, you walk downhill for about 2 hours to the Rodella pass. From here, after about 30 minutes, you will find yourself in front of the fork of Sass Putia - the most challenging part of this stage of Alta Via 2. The Forcella della Pùtia appears in the background as an immense gateway to the enchanted kingdom of the Dolomites. To reach it you have to overcome an uphill difference in altitude of 500 meters. At first, the path is gentle, but it then follows some steep switchbacks (often with snow, even at the beginning of July) that climb up to the Forcella della Pùtia (Peitlerscharte), at 2357 meters. From the fork, follow path no. 4 southwest, flat and panoramic, to the Poma Pass (Kreuzkofeljoch, 2340 m), from which you can already see the Rifugio Genova, at 2297 m, to the southwest (30 minutes from Sass de Putia).
Walking time: 5 hours
Ascent: 540 m
Descent: 660 m
Stage 3:Rifugio Genova - Rifugio Puez
From the Rifugio Genova-Schlüterhütte, at 2297 m, take path n. 3 which, after a stretch to the east, turns to the south along the eastern side of the Bronsoi with a splendid panorama of Odle and Puez. This is an area of great geological and floristic interest.At the altitude of 2421 m, the path turns to the southwest, passes above Munt de Medalges in the Natural Park Pùez-Odle, and reaches the Fùrcia de Medalges (Kreuzjoch), at 2293 meters. Path no. 3 then runs east of the Campillerturm and Sass da l'Ega (Sasso dell'Acqua-Wasserkofele) and then crosses the long Longiarù ridge. Go over the ridge, cross it up to a junction at an altitude of 2389 meters. Then climb up to reach the Fùrcia dla Róa (Forcella della Rova-Roascharte), at 2617 meters. This saddle divides the Odle Group in the west from the Pùez Group in the east. Attention: at the beginning of the season it is possible to find hard snow in the gully and an ice axe or at least half crampons would be useful.
Continuing along the route you descend southwards to a junction at an altitude of about 2500 m in a large debris basin. Here you leave path n. 3, which descends to the right (south-west) and join path n. 2. Path n. 2 will take you east to Fórces de Siëles, at 2505 meters. After crossing the fork, you will find yourself in front of thin pastures. The Sassonghér appears in the distance, to the east. Now, path no. 2 turns to the north-east and becomes a thin path carved into the rock. The trail is not difficult and there are some metal ropes to help you. Then, after a flat stretch, the path descends eastwards through the wide grassy plain of Munt de Pùez, makes a wide Z, and heads eastwards once more up to the nearby Pùez Hut, at 2475 meters.
Walking time: 5.5 hours
Ascent: 800 m
Descent: 640 m
Stage 4:Rifugio Puez - Rifugio Franco Cavazza al Pisciadù
From Rifugio Pùez (Puezhütte, 2475 m), follow path n° 2 southeast and cross the vast plateau of the Pùez where, in case of fog, you must look out for the signs. After the crossroads at an altitude of 2104 m, continue southwards to reach the Forcella de Ciampëi (or Somafùrcia, 2366 m). From here to Passo Gardena, path no. 2 will always go in a southwest direction. From the fork, you go up a little bit, until you reach Lech de Crespëina (Lake Crespèina-Crespeina See). From the small lake, with a steep ascent, you reach the Forcella de Crespëina, at 2528 meters. You then descend steeply and finally make a final climb through loose rock to the Forcella Cir (or Dantes les Pizes-Cirjoch, 2469 m).
From here on it's all a succession of gentle ups and downs, forks, boulders, small towers, and pastures until you reach the wide Dolomite saddle of Passo Gardena (Grödner Joch, 2121 m). It is best to leave the traffic and noise at Passo Gardena and trek on to the peaceful Rifugio Pisciadù. From the pass, follow path no. 666. After a while, path n. 666 climbs a narrow and rocky valley until it widens. Here you take the left and climb up through debris and loose rock. There may be some snow in this section of the trail (section equipped with fixed ropes). The trail then turns to the south-east and after a short descent, you reach the "Franco Cavazza" Rifugio at Pisciadù, 2585 meters.
Walking time: 5 hours
Ascent: 660 m
Descent: 560m
Stage 5:Rifugio Pisciadù -Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada
From Pisciadù Hut take path n. 666 southwards, along the eastern shore of the lake. Above the Val de Tita, there are two possibilities: an easier path, or a section equipped with fixed ropes. The path then continues on gravel and sometimes on patches of snow up to a saddle. The trail then goes up to Dante's Altipiano del Sella where, in case of fog, you must follow the signs very carefully. You then turn southwards, cross the plateau, and descend to Forcella d'Antersass, at 2861 m, where path n. 666 ends. You now start walking on path no. 647.
Continue south to the top of the Antersass (Zwischenkofel, 2907 m). You can circumvent the summit through the path on the right, but if the weather is nice it is worth taking a look from the top. You will then descend to Boè Hut (Bambergerhütte, 2871 m). From Boè Rifugio take path n. 627 up to Forcella Pordòi Rifugio (2829 m) from where you can enjoy a splendid panorama.
At the rifugio, a wide and steep scree slope begins; you can follow the numerous switchbacks, or let yourself "slide" on the soft gravel. Finally, the path leads down to Passo Pordòi, at 2239 meters. From Passo Pordòi, take path 601 southwards, towards a chapel. Following the eastern slope of Sass Beccè, the trail leads to Rifugio Baita Fredarola, 2370 m.
From Fredarola Rifugio, the path bends eastwards to enter the Vièl dal Pan (Path of Bread), an ancient path between the Val di Fassa and the Agordino. The path is wide and panoramic, especially on the Marmolada that stands out gigantic in front of it. At about halfway along the path there is the Rifugio Vièl dal Pan, 2432 m. From Rifugio Viel Dal Pan follow the path up to the junction with path n. 698. Follow path n. 601 to the south, then turn west along the steep meadows, until you reach the nearby Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada (2044 m).
Walking time: 7 hours
Ascent: 710 m
Descent: 1230 m
Stage 6: Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada - Rifugio Contrin
From Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada descend to Pian Trevisan (1681m) along the "Via Neva" (path 605), an old mule track used in the past by tourists and porters to reach the top of the Marmolada. Continue through the forest to the village of Penia (1554m) and immediately after the village, ascend on the left to Val Contrin (path 602) via "Locia de Contrin" (1736m) to the mountain hut of the same name (2016m).
Walking time: 4 hours
Ascent: 490 m
Descent: 540 m
Stage 7:Rifugio Contrin - Rifugio Cappanna Passo Valles
Behind the Rifugio Contrin, at 2.016 m, take path n. 607 on the right. After passing a stream, cross the Lasté de Contrin until you reach a plateau. Here you go left, going up to a back of mountain rocks that divides two small valleys. Follow the trail until you reach a large sign that marks the fork with path n. 612. Continue along the steps that take you to the Cime Ciadine. Finally, you reach the saddle of the Cirelle Pass at 2,682 m. Descend the opposite slope towards Val da la Tas-cia. On the military road, cross the plateau of the Busc da la Tas-cia and then descend through switchbacks towards the valley where you will find Rifugio Fuciade, at 1,972 m.
From Rifugio Fuciade, a dirt road leads along the Fuciade valley. After 20 minutes you will reach the main road, which will lead you to Passo San Pellegrino. From San Pellegrino Pass, take path n. 658 in front of the ski lifts of Cima Uomo. Continuing the climb southeast through grassy ground, you will reach a ski slope and then you will see, at about 2300 m, the thin pastures of the High Gypsies (locally Zìnghen). Be careful not to lose track in case of fog!
From the saddle at an altitude of about 2300 m, you descend to the south with a fantastic view of the Civetta, the Pelmo, the Tofàne, and the Pale di San Martino. Follow the path up to Forcella Pradazzo, at 2220 meters. Still on path no. 658, you will reach Pradazzo Hut and then the nearby Vallès Pass, at 2031 meters. Here you will find RIfugio Cappanna Passo Valles.
Walking time: 7.5 hours
Ascent: 1010 m
Descent: 980 m
Stage 8: Rifugio Cappanna Passo Valles - Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz
From Valles Pass (2.032m.), the path 751 climbs on a narrow but well-marked track up to the Veneggia pass (2.217m). From Forcella Veneggia, continue left on a ridge and then on grassy slopes until you reach a small lake. Then follow the path to Veneggiotta Pass (2303 m) and continue until you arrive at the Fochet del Focobon pass (2,291m). When the path splits up, follow the one on the right. The path now becomes very steep, with several passages equipped with fixed ropes to facilitate the ascent of the rock blocks. Follow the trail up to Passo Arduni, at 2582m, and after a plain, you will reach the Rifugio G. Volpi al Mulaz (2571m.).
Walking time: 3.5 hours
Ascent: 690 m
Descent: 170 m
Stage 9: Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz - Rifugio Pedrotti alla Rosetta
From Rifugio Mulàz, go briefly up to the west along the steep scree slope that descends from the Mulàz Pass and, at the junction, take path n. 703 that leads to Forcella Margherita, at 2655 m. Follow the trek southwards to Passo delle Faràngole, 2932 m, the highest point of this route. After climbing over the fork you descend steeply towards Col de la Burèla. Continue southwards on the western side of Val delle Comelle. From Val delle Galline the path descends through very steep meadows with the help of some steel cables and leads to Pian dei Cantoni where, near a boulder, the beautiful Sentiero delle Comelle coming from Garès converges from the left. Follow the path until you reach the Rifugio "Giovanni Pedrotti" at Rosetta, 2581 meters.
Walking time: 4 hours
Ascent: 640 m
Descent: 640 m
Stage 10: Rifugio Rosetta - Rifugio Treviso
From Rifugio Rosetta, follow path no. 702 which descends into the wide Val di Roda surrounded on the left by the Cime di Roda, Pala di San Martino, and Immink, and on the right by the Cima Val di Roda with its numerous pinnacles. The path the descend to Col delle Fede. From here you reach the junction with path no. 715, which you will follow with the help of ladders and ropes up to the base of the saddle of Passo di Ball. Once you reach the saddle, the path descends towards Val Pradidali and the homonymous rifugio.
From Rifugio Pradidali, take path num. 709 to the north-east up to the fork with path num. 711, which you will follow on the right. Shortly after the fork, the ascent with fixed ropes requires the use of via Ferrata equipment. The path then continues on some rocky slopes to Passo delle Lede. From the pass, a steep descent takes you to Valon delle Lede. From the bivouac, continue the descent towards the bottom of Canali valley (at the crossroads it is better to take the left branch), and then follow a series of switchbacks on path 707 until Rifugio Canali-Treviso.
Walking time: 7 hours
Ascent: 770 m
Descent: 1700 m
Stage 11: Rifugio Treviso - Passo Cereda
From Rifugio Treviso (1631 m), follow path 718 to a grassy clearing called Campigol del Oltro. From here the path bends to the left (South-East) and begins to climb up the valley up to Forcella d'Oltro, at 2094 meters. From Forcella d'Oltro you descend through slopes and valleys to Rifugio Cereda (m.1361).
Walking time: 4 hours
Ascent: 590 m
Descent: 880 m
Stage 12: Passo Cereda - Rifugio Bruno Boz
From the Ceréda Pass, 1361 m, go east along the state road 347 for about one kilometer to the village of Padreterno, 1302 m, where a small road branches off to the south and then turns east to the small village of Matiùz, at 1201 meters. A sign in Matiùz indicates to the south the continuation of the Alta Via delle Dolomiti n. 2. Once you reach the camping area, go uphill towards the southeast following the signs on the huts. After crossing the little white road, continue towards the south and enter a gorge. At the end of the climb, you will reach the Comedón Pass, 2067 m. After the pass, you enter the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park.
Now you descend to the west, past a saddle, until you reach Piano della Regina. After crossing the green oasis, you trek uphill and reach the Feltre Bivouac "Walter Bodo", at 1930 m. From the bivouac you continue south on path 801, soon meeting the junction with path n° 806. Remain on path no. 801. Follow the path to Col dei Béchi, at 1960 meters.
Here begins the Trói dei Caserìn (trói = narrow path) that goes west under the walls of Sass de Mura. At an altitude of about 1830 m, the path takes to the south-west, passes through the pastures of Casèrin, and reaches the Pass de Mura, 1867 m. Following the signs to the southwest, you soon reach the Rifugio "Bruno Boz", at 1718 meters.
Walking time: 6.5 hours
Ascent: 1060 m
Descent: 720 m
Stage 13: Rifugio Boz - Rifugio Dal Piaz - Croce d’Aune
From the rifugio continue along path n.801 until Passo Finestra, which will lead to Croce D'Aune. Continue to the left where you will meet the most exposed stretch of the entire route up to Sasso di Scarnia. Cross the Piazza del Diavolo (Devil's Square) until you reach Pass Busa di Pietena. Follow the path and cross Busa delle Meraveie above the malga delle Vette Grandi, then cross the pass to reach the Rif. G. Dal Piaz.
Rifugio Dal Piaz is the last rifugio of the Alta Via 2. It is located at 1993 m of altitude and is located in the National Park of the Belluno Dolomites. The last stage of the AV2 starts from the Rifugio Dal Piaz with the path number 801 that goes down to Passo Croce D'Aune. It's a tough last day, but enjoy your final steps on the Alta Via 2.
Walking time: 7 hours
Ascent: 1710 m
Descent: 2420 m
Want to book this route yourself? You can! Find all the information here and book directly.
Short Alta Via 2 (4 and 7 days)
Are your vacation days almost exhausted or don't feel like hiking for almost two weeks? At certain points, the Alta Via 2 intersects with civilization, and that allows you to hike shorter versions of the Alta Via 2 as well. A 4-day version of the Alta Via 2 starts just in Bressanone and ends at Passo Gardena. This includes the first four stages of the Alta Via 2. This route is less technical than the stages further down the route. From Passo Gardena, you can easily take a bus back to Bressanone. However, you can also continue hiking and make it a 7-day program. The 7-day program starts like the other Alta Via 2 options in Bressanone and continues up to and including another mountain pass, namely Passo San Pellegrino. This is also technically less demanding than the second part of the full Alta Via 2. Of course, good physical condition and experience with hiking is always a plus! Here you can find the itinerary for a 4-day Alta Via 2 and for the 7-day Alta Via 2 here.
Rifugios on the Alta Via 2: What Is the Accommodation Like?
As mentioned above, on the Alta Via 2 it is standard to spend the night in rifugios. In Brixen / Bressanone you will also find hotels of course, but on the route itself, apart from some passes, you will really only find these mountain huts. Overnight stays are always in rooms for 4 to 12 people. Most huts also have half board (breakfast & dinner) included in their price. The huts on the Alta Via 2 are very well equipped and comfortable. Despite the differences in size and accommodation options, all huts offer a good night's sleep and tasty regional cuisine.
Availability in the Rifugios is limited in season and securing your huts is not easy on the Alta Via 2. We at Bookatrekking.com maintain warm contacts with rifugios and are happy to take this burden off your shoulders. Find all packages for the Alta Via 2 here.
Is the Alta Via 2 Safe?
Yes, the Alta Via 2 and all other Alta Via trails in the Dolomites are safe, provided you are properly prepared. With bad weather or fog, it can be difficult to navigate and the trails can become slippery. So check the weather forecast and be sure to be well informed along the way by the owners of the mountain huts where you will be a guest.They are your main source of information. If you have no experience in the mountains or are out of shape, then the Alta Via 2 may not be for you. The Alta Via 2 is considered one of the toughest hut-to-hut tours in Europe. In addition, think about your equipment. As explained above, the Alta Via 2 has a number of Via Ferrata along its route. While there are no special equipment requirements, we recommend bringing a helmet, harness and carabiners (or a full via ferrata kit) on the Alta Via 2. Having these items, despite not being required, will help you feel more comfortable on the route and avoid silly accidents that may force you to end your adventure before you reach the finish line. Safety first!
The Alta Via 2 route itself is generally clearly marked and signposted. The route is marked with red and white stripes of paint, pebbles, and the occasional triangular symbol with a "2" in it, the logo of the Alta Via 2. Still, you can't do without navigational tools such as a GPX map on your phone or GPS device, a compass, and a paper map should your electronic tools fail.
Should you be considering the Alta Via 2, we would be happy to help you to prepare. Contact us via this link and before you know it you'll be on your way in the Dolomites!
Alta Via 2 Map
The Alta Via 2 starts in Brixen (Bressanone)and ends in Croce d'Aune, next to Feltre. Below you will find a map detailing the Alta Via 2 from start to end:
Having a map is key during self-guided treks. An itinerary description is not enough. A compass is also a good idea. Most trekkers buy the Tabacco maps for the Alta Via 2, which have a clear and detailed description of the trail. You can buy the Tabacco maps online and even download them to your phone. You can also use Komoot, an app that allows you to create your own map. You can download our Komoot map for the Alta Via 2 on GPX format here.
When you book an Alta Via 2 package with Bookatrekking.com, not only is your accommodation and half board booked, but you will also be sent the Cicerone Alta Via 2 hiking guide. Practical! Check out our packages here!
Alta Via 2, Packing list
Packing is key, always. For the Alta Via 1 and 2, you will need pretty much the same equipment, except for the Via Ferrata sections on the Alta Via 2 where you might want to add some extra safety items to your bag. Here are our suggestions:
Clothing
- Convertible lightweight, quick-drying trousers.
- Lightweight, quick-drying t-shirts
- Good walking socks
- Lightweight fleece layer
- Waterproof jacket
- Thermal jacket
- Cotton leggings and t-shirt to wear in the huts in the evenings.
- Gloves
- Sun hat
- Good quality walking boots
- Flip flops for the huts
Equipment
- Walking poles
- Sleeping bag and liner
- Travel towel
- Water bottle
- Dry bag
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries
- Phone charger
- Guide book and maps
Via Ferrata (optional)
- Helmet
- Harness
- Carabiner
Alta Via 2, Guided or Self-guided?
Actually, both options are possible. If you don't feel sure about doing the trek on your own, you can hire a guide or join a group. If you have done this type of trekking route before and you are confident about your trekking experience, then you can go on your own, it is up to you. As explained above, the trail is well signposted and hundreds of trekkers complete the route every year without any assistance, so a self-guided trek is definitely possible.
On Bookatrekking.com you can find self-guided packages for the Alta Via 2. Here you can find all the options.
Where Can I Book My Alta Via 2 Trek?
At Bookatrekking.com you can book the self-guided Alta Via 2. We arrange the mountain huts for you and make sure you receive all relevant information well in advance. If you have any questions about the Alta Via 2, please contact our trekking experts. They will be happy to help you!
Here you can find all our packages for the Alta Via 2.
Are you looking for an alternative hut-to-hut tour in Europe? Then check out one of our blog posts below:
- The GR20 in Corsica (France)
- Tour Du Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland)
- Adlerweg (Austria)
- Peter Habeler Runde (Austria)
-Kesch Trek (Switzerland)
- Walker's Haute Route (France, Switzerland)
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Alta Via del Granito: From Hut to Hut in the Lagorai
03-10-2022The Alta Via del Granito, just not any Alta Via. It's the Italian name for High Trail and in Northern Italy and the Dolomites you can find a lot of them. You may have heard or you even may have hiked Bookatrekking.com bestsellers Alta Via 1...
Hut-to-Hut Hiking With Kids? Yes! Check Our Tips, Routes and Packing List
26-09-2022Hiking from hut to hut is not the most obvious option for a holiday with the kids. Up and down mountains, say 2,000 metres of elevation gain, a dormitory full of roaring mountain enthusiasts and the inevitable "Are we almost there yet?". -...
