Full Alta Via 1

The stage begins with the most technically challenging and exposed part of the entire route, a series of Via Ferrata or routes with cables and ladders stretches to descend from Nuvolau into the valley. This part of the trek is exciting, but short. However, you can also choose to follow the route as described further down, walking around the Via Ferrata, and therefore not needing the 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.

Today you will make a long steep ascent past Rifugio Coldai where you will enter the surroundings of Monte Civetta. Along the way you will enjoy some of the best views of the magnificent massive Pelmo that towers high above the valley from Rifugio Coldai. Continue on to the beautiful Lago Coldai. You can take a break at Rifugio Tissi, a popular rifugio on the Alta Via 1, but the goal for today is Rifugio Vazzoler, on the south side of Punta de Gasperi.

From Rifugio Vazzoler you will descend gently through meadows across from the phenomenal Monte Civetta as you round the southernmost corner of the Civetta. From here you will begin a steady climb approaching the thrilling pass of Col de l'Ors. After this follows a brief short climb to Forcella del Camp. You descend and traverse through large hoods and scree before reaching Rifugio Carestiato.

Your day begins by descending to a road pass from where you enter the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park. The Alta Via 1 continues and after a short climb reaches a spectacular lookout just before the Forcella del Moschesin where you take in the Cime di Zita formation before you. From here you begin the ascent to one of the most difficult passes on the whole trip the Forcella di Zita Sud. This is one of the best sections on the whole Alta Via 1. After a final steep ascent, you reach a narrow exposed Rocky Ridge. Here you have several steep exposed sections, which are short but not for the faint-hearted. The pass is the gateway to one of the most beautiful valleys on the Alta Via 1. The descent is gentle at first but it then steepens down a grassy hillside before reaching the Rifugio Pian di Fontana.

From Rifugio Pian di Fontana, you quickly descend before a short but steady wooded ascent to a grassy balcony path, with plunging views down before you. After passing Rifugio Bianchet you enter a dramatic and beautiful ravine as you make the final descent to the La Pissa bus stop, where the Alta Via 1 ends.