Medium Southern Alta Via 1 (Last spots!)

From Cortina d'Ampezzo, you start with a proper mountain climb into the Cinque Torri area. This is a strong opening stage rather than a gentle warm-up, with a long ascent that gains around 1600 m if you hike the full route. The terrain changes from town paths and paved sections to mountain hiking paths and more alpine ground higher up. It is a rewarding start, but best suited to hikers who are already comfortable with long climbs in the mountains.

The route climbs towards the slopes below Lagazuoi and the Passo Falzarego area, passing rifugios such as Pomedes and A. Dibona along the way. There are options to shorten the day by cable car or public transport, which can make sense if you want to avoid the full climb from Cortina. If you continue on foot, the landscape becomes rockier and more dramatic as you approach Cinque Torri.

You arrive at Rifugio Scoiattoli, close to Cinque Torri. After the long climb, this is a great place to settle in, eat well and enjoy the surrounding Dolomite views.

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.