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 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.