Full Alta Via 1 (Last spots!)

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.

Your hike today begins at the foot of the Moiazza Mountains. From Rifugio Carestiato walk down in a southeast direction until you reach the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park. After about 2.5 kilometers you will arrive at Passo Duran. Here you will find, among other things, Rifugio San Sebastiano, a small church and have a beautiful view of the Moiazza and San Sebastiano mountains.Continue walking south and after about 3 kilometers you will pass Forcella Dagarei (1642m).

From Forcella Dagarei the path slowly starts to climb again and after about 4.5 kilometers and 260 altimeters you will arrive at Malga Moschesin. From here the trail continues in an easterly direction. After Malga Moschesin you still have to walk uphill for a short distance, but after this last stretch the climbing is over for today. During the last kilometers of the day you walk mainly downhill and before you know it you have arrived at Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet.

The final leg of your hike is about to begin. According to many, this is the most beautiful part of the complete Alta Via 1! From the Rifugio you will walk westward where you will have a view of the Cime di Zita formation. From here begins the climb to one of the most difficult passes of the entire trek, the Forcella di Zita Sud. This is one of the most beautiful passages of the entire Alta Via 1. After a final steep ascent, you reach the narrow, exposed Rocky Ridge. Here you have several steep sections, which are short, but certainly not easy. The pass is the gateway to one of the most beautiful descents of the Alta Via 1. The descent is gradual at first, but then goes down steeply along a grassy ridge before you reach Rifugio Pian di Fontana.

From Rifugio Pian di Fontana, you descend quickly for a short but steady wooded climb to a grassy path and dizzying views downward. After passing Rifugio Bianchet, you enter a beautiful ravine as you make the final descent to the La Pissa bus stop, where the Alta Via 1 ends.