Alta Via 1 (6 days)

  • Duration
    Total 6 days
    Average 6h 7min
  • Distance
    Total 90.2 km / 56.0 mi
    Average 15.0 km / 9.3 mi
  • Ascent
    Total +5160 m / +16929 ft
    Average +860 m / +2822 ft
  • Descent
    Total -6020 m / -19750 ft
    Average -1003 m / -3292 ft

> Experience a 6-day adventure on the Alta Via 1, hiking from Lago di Braies to Agordo.
> Spend the night in cozy Italian Rifugios
> Bookatrekking.com arranges all the huts along the way


The Alta Via 1, also known as the Dolomite High Route 1, is one of Italy's most famous trekking trails and is the easiest and most popular of the high routes that go through the Dolomites. The Dolomites are located in north-eastern Italy and stretch throughout the provinces of Belluno, South Tyrol, and Trentino.

During this 6-day adventure you will hike the Alta Via 1, from Lago di Braies to Agordo. Along the way, you'll spend the entire day exploring the breathtaking Dolomites. You will spend the night in atmospheric and hospitable mountain huts, also called rifugios. Here you can enjoy delicious Italian dishes and meet many other hikers. Bookatrekking.com makes sure that your huts are booked including dinner and breakfast. The only thing left for you to do is to enjoy the beautiful trails on the Alta Via 1.

Itinerary

Day
1

Lago di Braies - Rifugio Pederü

Duration: 06:15 h
Distance: 14.4 km / 8.95 mi
Ascent: 1210 m / 3970 ft
Descent: 1160 m / 3806 ft
The first stage starts at the beautiful Alpine lake Lago di Braies, surrounded by towering mountain peaks and pine forests. It starts with a steady climb to the first pass Forcella Sora Forno. On this part of the route you encounter several steep rock faces which you cross via short but exciting zigzag routes using cables. At the pass you enter the Dolomiti National Park. The Panorama of the wide, expansive pass is vast and breathtaking, including views of the peaks of the northern Dolomites, as well as the peaks of Marmolada and Tofane. You then begin a steep descent into the rocky valley with fascinating orange rock walls, the last part of the stage consists of a final long downhill section.

Rifugio Pederü

Info
Rifugio Pederü
Rifugio Pederü
Day
2

Rifugio Pederü - Rifugio Lagazuoi

Duration: 07:45 h
Distance: 17.5 km / 10.87 mi
Ascent: 1540 m / 5052 ft
Descent: 420 m / 1378 ft
On this stage, the real highlights of the trip begin when you reach the Cortina d'Ampezzo Valley, cross one of the most exciting passes of the entire trip, and reach the pinnacle of the trip: the summit of Lagazuoi. The stage begins through idyllic meadows, streams, and rolling stone pastures and becomes rockier and more exciting. As the day progresses, the trail heads toward the Forcella Del Lago pass. From the top of the pass, you are faced with a steep descent. Eventually, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the picturesque Lago di Lagazuoi. You round off the stage with the steep climb to the top of Mount Lagazuoi. At the top, you reach the busy Rifugio Lagazuoi with one of the most beautiful panoramas of the entire Dolomites.

Rifugio Lagazuoi

Info
Rifugio Lagazuoi
Rifugio Lagazuoi
Day
3

Rifugio Lagazuoi - Rifugio Scoiattoli

Duration: 03:45 h
Distance: 8.9 km / 5.53 mi
Ascent: 370 m / 1214 ft
Descent: 780 m / 2559 ft
This stage takes you to the heart of the Cortina Valley: Cinque Torri, perhaps the most beautiful and spectacular spot of the entire trip. Please note that this is a long and strenuous stage, with considerable ascent as well as descent, so we recommend starting early in the morning to allow plenty of time. Today the Alta Via 1 briefly descends into the valley before making the climb to Nuvolau. Along the way you'll pass the fascinating and famous Cinque Torri area, the center for rock climbing, and well worth a detour to explore the “five-rock towers. You'll spend the night at Rifugio Scoiattoli but you'll want to experience sunset at the adjacent Rifugio Nuvolau, the recently renovated rifugio built on a spire and offering a 360-degree panorama.

Rifugio Scoiattoli

Info
Rifugio Scoiattoli
Rifugio Scoiattoli
Day
4

Rifugio Scoiattoli - Rifugio Passo Staulanza

Duration: 06:40 h
Distance: 16.6 km / 10.31 mi
Ascent: 580 m / 1903 ft
Descent: 1040 m / 3412 ft

The stage begins with the most technically challenging and exposed part of the entire route: a series of via ferrata paths with cables and ladders descending from Nuvolau into the valley. This section is thrilling but short. If you follow our route, you’ll pass by this via ferrata but won’t actually use it. You will, however, encounter a section with ladders and fixed cables to hold on to. These kinds of cables are common along the route; they are there for extra support and do not require any special equipment.

Then you descend the rest of the way to a mountain pass near the valley where you start climbing again, to the pass of Forcella Ambrizzola. As you cross this pass, the impressive Monte Pelmo looms in the background. Here you descend through stretches of forest until Monte Pelmo, also known as the Throne of the Gods, suddenly comes incredibly close. You continue past Rifugio Città di Fume to the Staulanza pass where you find the cozy Rifugio Passo Staulanza.

Tip: At Rifugio Passo Staulanza you can relax and recharge after a long day on the trails in their wellness center and hot tub with stunning views of Monte Pelmo (extra fee). The hut also offers a laundry and drying service for an additional charge, should you wish to use it.

Rifugio Passo Staulanza

Info
Rifugio Passo Staulanza
Rifugio Passo Staulanza
Day
5

Rifugio Passo Staulanza - Rifugio Vazzoler

Duration: 05:25 h
Distance: 16.3 km / 10.13 mi
Ascent: 900 m / 2953 ft
Descent: 970 m / 3182 ft

This stage takes you into the Monte Civetta area, one of the most impressive parts of the route. From Rifugio Passo Staulanza, you climb towards Rifugio Coldai with around 900 m of ascent over the day. The climb is steady and demanding, but the views towards Monte Pelmo and the surrounding rock walls make this a memorable mountain stage.

After Rifugio Coldai, the route continues to Lago Coldai, a good place to pause before moving on along the high route towards Rifugio Tissi. Around Monte Civetta, the terrain remains rocky and alpine, with paths that require steady footing. The views are excellent, but this is not a section to walk on autopilot.

Beyond Rifugio Tissi, the route continues south and eventually descends towards Rifugio Vazzoler. The arrival feels well earned, with the stage combining climbing, descending and rough mountain terrain in one full Dolomite day.

Rifugio Vazzoler

Info
Rifugio Vazzoler
Rifugio Vazzoler
Day
6

Rifugio Vazzoler – Rifugio Carestiato – Agordo

Duration: 06:53 h
Distance: 16.5 km / 10.25 mi
Ascent: 560 m / 1837 ft
Descent: 1650 m / 5413 ft
Waking up at Rifugio Vazzoler, you step outside to crisp mountain air and the towering presence of Torre Venezia—a fitting backdrop for the start of your final trekking day. From here, the trail leads you through alpine meadows and forests, gradually making its way to Rifugio Carestiato, beautifully positioned beneath the sheer rock faces of Moiazza. A quick coffee stop? Maybe. A last panoramic gaze at the Dolomites? Definitely. From Carestiato, the descent towards Agordo begins. The rugged mountain paths give way to gentler trails, winding through forests and rocky terrain before reaching the valley floor. By the time you step into Agordo, it’s time for one last tradition—grabbing a well-earned birra and toasting to an unforgettable trek.
Contact our Trekking Expert
Jelle Tekstra
Jelle Tekstra
Jelle Tekstra

Included

  • Accommodation

    During your Alta Via 1, you will stay overnight in comfortable accommodations. You'll sleep in private rooms, ensuring a good night's rest after each day on the trail.

  • Full travel guide

    You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Alta Via 1. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.

  • Accommodation

    During your Alta Via 1, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. We normally book dormitories, but private rooms are available upon request and cost €75 extra per room per night. If no private rooms are available, we will automatically book a bed in a dormitory.

  • Half-board in Huts

    Accommodation at the huts includes dinner and breakfast. We will arrange this for you as well. This allows you to travel lighter and have one less thing to worry about. Bear in mind that lunch is not included, but it can be purchased at the huts. Here you can also buy an array of snacks and bottled water.

  • Navigation support

    Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.

  • Transfers

    Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.

  • Lunch

    Half-board is included in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. Many huts offer packed lunches, which can usually be requested the night before. Alternatively, you can stop for lunch at mountain huts along the way.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

  • Dinner Rifugio Pederü

    Where possible we book accommodations on a half-board basis but at Rifugio Pederü only breakfast is included. In the evening you can dine at the hut without any problems and pay for it in cash on the spot. So make sure you take enough cash with you on trek.

FAQ

  • When to Go: Crowds, Best Timing, and Alta Via 1 vs Alta Via 2

  • How Difficult Is the Alta Via 1 Dolomites?

  • How to Get To the Starting Point of the Alta via 1

  • How to Get From the Endpoint Back to Cortina D’Ampezzo

  • What if the dates I want are not available?

  • If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

  • How do I know if this trek is right for me?

  • Can meals be adapted to my dietary requirements?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy