Southern Alta Via 1

The Dolomites are calling. From Cortina d'Ampezzo, you have two options. Either cover half the distance by cable cars or public transportation, or take the steep but rewarding hike to Passo Falzarego, below Lagazuoi. Along the way you'll pass a number of rifugios such as Duco D'Aosta, Pomedes and Dibona, giving you some opportunities to take a cable car. Your destination is Cinque Torri, the center for climbing, and worth a detour to explore the “five towers.” You'll stay overnight at Rifugio Scoiattoli, but you'll want to catch the sunset at the adjacent Rifugio Nuvolau, the recently renovated rifugio built on a spire and offering a 360-degree panorama.

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.