>Discover the Cinque Torri and Croda di Lago
>A great alternative to the popular Alta Via 1
>Curated by the Bookatrekking.com Team
The Alta Via di Capra is a 4-day hut-to-hut hike in the Dolomites that starts in Cortina d'Ampezzo and takes you to the famous Cinque Torri. Looking for a challenge, but don’t want it to be too technical? Then this trek is perfect for you.
Many hikers have the Alta Via 1 on their bucket list, but due to its growing popularity it often sells out quickly. With the Alta Via di Capra, we take you to two highlights of the Alta Via 1 route: Cinque Torri and Croda da Lago! This Dolomites hut to hut hike is a total of 37 kilometers and is suitable for experienced hikers, or beginners who don’t mind being seriously challenged.
Starting in the lively streets of Cortina, this route swiftly replaces shopfronts with shady forests and rocky slopes beneath the peaks of the Tofana mountain range. As you climb higher, you emerge onto a natural balcony overlooking the Ampezzo Valley, with increasingly expansive views of the lakes. By the time you reach the terrace of the Rifugio Pomedes mountain hut, the town below looks like a toy, surrounded by a complete circle of peaks.
From the centre, walk towards the Tofana cable car station and follow a forest track that climbs gently through larch and spruce woods alongside Lago Ghedina. New paths then lead to Col Druscié and Lago Po’ Druscié, where you will find an astronomical observatory — a great place to stop and admire the view of Cortina. Beyond this point, the trail continues across easier terrain before becoming steeper again towards Rifugio Duca d’Aosta, which sits on the edge of the cliffs.
Beyond Rifugio Duca d’Aosta, the landscape becomes increasingly alpine, with a stony path zigzagging beneath the pale limestone walls of the Tofana massif. As you continue climbing, the views over the Ampezzo Valley become ever more impressive. Shortly after passing the panoramic terrace of Rifugio Pomedes, the trail gently traverses the mountainside for the final kilometre to Rifugio Dibona. Perched high above Cortina d'Ampezzo, this historic mountain hut offers spectacular views across the valley and the surrounding Dolomite peaks, providing a memorable end to your first day on the trail.
Upon waking up, you already have beautiful views of Cinque Torri. These beautiful views will only get better today. In fact, after about a kilometer of walking you have a fantastic panoramic view of Tofana di Rozes and Castelletto. No matter which way you look here, it is breathtaking. A little further on you pass Forcella Nuvolau, and Rifugio Averau. Just after Nuvolau, the route includes a challenging and steep descent, one of the tougher sections of the Alta Via 1, so take your time here.
From here you have wonderful views to the Marmolada, another mountain range. A little further on you have new panoramic views, this time of Ra Gusela, Passo Giau and the surrounding mountains. You continue your way through Passo Giau, one of the highlights you must have been to when in the Dolomites. You pass Forcella Zonia and Forcella Col Piombin. Further on you have beautiful views of Lago di Baste e Monte Mondeval, Croda da Lago, and Lago Federa. At the latter you will find Rifugio Croda da Lago, where you will spend the night.
