Best of Alta Via 1: Lagazuoi

From the car park, take the unsurfaced road leading away on the right side of the cable car. Shortly after, the path (called Sentiero del Fronte) veers off the track but runs parallel to it. The path climbs steeply and crosses the track after roughly 1.5 km. Continue for 200 meters to Forcella Travenazes, a junction of walking trails. Turn left towards Forcella Lagazuoi, just 500 meters away. At the junction, turn left again and climb the last stretch, zigzagging up to Rifugio Lagazuoi at 2,750 m. You can stay here or end your hike for now (and leave some of your gear). If you plan to continue, you will have the option to take the cable car back up again later.

From the hut, the path follows the ridge westward for about 500 meters before making a sharp left and beginning a steep descent. This section includes the Sentiero Kaiserjäger Steig, a technical stretch with steep rocky terrain and via ferrata sections. For your safety, via ferrata equipment is highly recommended. The terrain here is exposed, so you should be sure-footed and comfortable with heights.

After this, the route becomes less technical, and you’ll quickly reach the road. From there, you can take the cable car back up for a well-deserved cold drink.

Note: The second half of this route includes sections with via ferrata where equipment is required. If you don’t have a head for heights or would prefer to skip the via ferrata altogether, simply end your trek at the Lagazuoi Hut.

The trail climbs in southeasterly direction in open terrain towards the rocky ridge of the Croda Negra (2518 m). Stay on the trail that passes the ridge closely on the lookers left hand side. Keep going up until you reach the top of the ridge at the trail junction called Forcella Averau with the peak of Averau (2648 m) in front of you. Pass the peak on the right side and walk to Rifugio Averau. Here you could opt for a side hike to Rifugio Nuvolau, perched on the top of Nuvolau mountain (2574 m) with stunning views while you sip your cappuccino. It's a 2km return. Go down and head to the spectacular Cinque Torri, the iconic rock spires popping out of the green meadows. There's a number of trails in that direction, it doesn't matter which one you take. Just aim for the right side of the Torre Grande and hike around it anti-clockwise. Head for Rifugio Scoiatolli and pass underneath the Averau cable car. You're staying on the Alta Via 1 main route, keeping right at the junction straight after passing the cable. Stay on the AV1 until you reach the road again. You can avoid walking on the road by turning left before you actually reach it, in the direction of Rifugio Col Gallina. Keep going and you'll be back at the parking spot on the Passo Falzarego.