> Traverse the iconic Cinque Torri and sleep at Rifugio Croda da Lago
> Cross the Boite valley into the quiet Cadore region
> A bold 5-day route with Alta Via 1 flair, minus the crowds
Picture this: You’re sipping a cappuccino with the Cinque Torri in the morning light, then hiking through larch forests until the Dolomites open up again and again in scenes so stunning you’ll forget to breathe. This is Alta Via della Marmotta, a fresh and fierce 5-day journey that weaves through cinematic landscapes and legendary huts.
Start at Passo Falzarego, swing by the legendary Cinque Torri, and stay a night at Rifugio Croda da Lago, nestled by an alpine lake that seems straight out of a dream. Then cross the Boite valley, past San Vito di Cadore, and dive into the wilder Cadore region with its quiet trails and scenic gems like Rifugio Galassi, Chiggiato, and Baion. You’ll wrap things up in style in Auronzo di Cadore. It’s got some of the best ingredients of the Alta Via 1, plus a few that are even better.
This trek is perfect for experienced hikers who want to skip the crowds but still score the views. You’ll walk about 12–15 kilometers per day, across mixed terrain, with plenty of rifugio comfort waiting for you each evening. Let’s go. This is your Italian hiking highlight reel.
From Cortina d'Ampezzo, you have two ways to begin your adventure: take on the full challenge with a steep, rewarding hike—or make the journey more relaxed by using public transport to cover part of the distance.
If you opt for the easier start, hop on bus 052 from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Parcheggio Rio Bianco. You can plan your route here. Once you reach the stop, your trek begins with a scenic ascent leading to one of today’s highlights: Cinque Torri.
Taking the bus is a smart move—it gives you more time and energy to explore the iconic Cinque Torri, a rocky formation that’s become a symbol of the Dolomites. After soaking in the views, continue your hike for another three hours towards Croda da Lago by Lago Federa, where your accommodation awaits.
From Rifugio Croda da Lago, the trail descends gently toward Ru Federa and follows a scenic balcony path through the forest. You hike above the valley for a while before dropping down to Chiappuzza, where you briefly touch the road. Just enough to remember what cars sound like.
After crossing, it's straight back into the mountains. The climb into Val di San Vito is quiet and green, with Monte Pelmo behind you and the towering Antelao teasing you up ahead. The trail gains altitude gradually at first, then steepens as you enter alpine terrain.
The final stretch is tougher, but the views keep getting better. Rifugio Pietro Galassi waits just below the vertical wall of Monte Antelao, rugged and remote. One of those places that feels like a reward in itself.
From Rifugio Pietro Galassi, the trail descends gently through rocky paths and light woodland, passing Rifugio Capanna degli Alpini along the way. Just beyond the rifugio, you can take a short detour to visit the Cascate delle Pile, a refreshing waterfall tucked into the forest and worth the extra few minutes. The descent continues all the way to La Diassa, a quiet spot that makes for a natural break before the climb ahead.
From La Diassa, the trail turns uphill toward Rifugio Chiggiato. It is a steady and sometimes demanding ascent, with sections that will get your legs working. There is no need to rush, just take your time and enjoy the changing landscape. As you gain elevation, the views open up, with the Marmarole peaks rising across the valley. Eventually, Rifugio Chiggiato comes into view, welcoming you with a panoramic terrace, warm food, and well-earned rest.
From Chiggiato, there are two possible routes to Rifugio Baion. One is a higher-altitude trail that includes a rocky section with fixed cables along the southern wall of the Marmarole—more adventurous, but also more demanding. The other, described here, is a lower-altitude alternative that avoids the most challenging terrain. It leads towards Casera D’Aieron and continues along rugged but manageable paths. Around Casera D’Aieron, the trail is at first less trodden and not as clearly visible, but it soon becomes more defined. Although the terrain still requires surefootedness, there are no exposed sections or cables.
Note: Both options are included, so if you prefer the more challenging route, you’re free to choose that one instead.
Disclaimer: This is the standard route. Please note that maintenance works are currently taking place near Col Burgion. If the path is not accessible, please use Option 2 instead. The detour is approximately 1 km long.
This is it, your final stretch on the Alta Via della Marmotta! It’s mostly downhill today, so take it easy on your knees and enjoy the ride. Along the trail, Rifugio Ciaréido offers a good spot for a snack or water refill before continuing north toward Rifugio Monte Agudo.
After passing Pian de la Mandra, you’ll arrive at Rifugio Monte Agudo, your last hut on the route. If you want to give your legs a rest, you can take the chairlift from here down to Auronzo. You can also hop on a bit further down at Malon Basso, just below the rifugio. The chairlift operates from mid-June to mid-September, so check the schedule here if you're hiking early or late in the season.
If you choose to continue on foot, the trail winds through valleys and forests and then follows the shoreline of Santa Caterina Lake. Take a moment to enjoy the view across the water. From there, it’s a short walk into Auronzo di Cadore, where your adventure comes to an end.
