The Alta Via 1, also known as the Dolomite High Route 1, is one of Italy's most famous trekking trails and is the easiest and most popular of the high routes that go through the Dolomites. The Dolomites are located in north-eastern Italy and stretch throughout the provinces of Belluno, South Tyrol, and Trentino.
During this 4-day trek in the Dolomites, you'll hike through the northern part of the Alta Via 1. This means you'll walk from Lago di Braies, the trail to Cinque Torri and then back to Cortina d'Ampezzo. When trekking in the Lagazuoi area, this route also offers the option to take the famous Lagazuoi Tunnels as an alternative route, a section of great historical significance from World War I. Along the way, you'll spend the whole day exploring the breathtaking Dolomites. You spend the nights in cozy mountain huts, also called Rifugios. Here you can enjoy delicious Italian dishes and you will also meet many other hikers. Bookatrekking.com makes sure your huts are booked including dinner and breakfast — the only thing left for you to do is to enjoy the beautiful trails on the Alta Via 1.
This stage leads from Rifugio Pederü to Rifugio Scotoni, with 980 m of ascent and 540 m of descent over almost 16 km. The profile shows a steady climb from the start, followed by a long high section and a clear descent before the final uphill approach. It is a demanding mountain day, with open alpine terrain, wide Dolomite views and several changes in rhythm before you reach the hut.
From Rifugio Pederü, the trail climbs steadily through the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, gaining height towards the upper mountain basins. Along the way, you pass viewpoints towards the Fanes plateau and the Sella Group, with high peaks such as Monte Stiga (2,786 m), Col Becchei Dessora (2,794 m) and Piza de Campestrin Nord (2,834 m) and Sud (2,910 m) visible around the route. After the higher traverse, the trail descends towards the valley floor, before climbing again in the final kilometres towards Rifugio Scotoni.
You arrive at Rifugio Scotoni after a varied stage with a long climb, a high traverse, a descent and one last uphill push. The mountain hut is a welcome place to rest, eat and settle in after this broad crossing through the Dolomites.
This stage leads from Rifugio Scotoni to Rifugio Scoiattoli, with 900 m of ascent and 640 m of descent over varied Dolomite terrain. The profile starts with a steady climb towards the Lagazuoi Pass, then follows a long descent before rising again near the finish. It is a demanding mountain day, with rocky surroundings, high viewpoints and several changes in rhythm. Take your time early on, as the main ascent comes right from the start.
From Rifugio Scotoni, the trail climbs aboveLagazuoi Lake and continues towards the area around Lagazuoi Piccolo (2,835 m). The route then passes close to Lagazuoi Sud (2,835 m) and Torre Grande di Falzarego (2,482 m), with nearby highlights including the Lagazuoi Tunnels and World War I trenches. After the higher section, the trail descends around Travenanzes Pass, continuing through mountainous terrain via the Col dei Bos Pass towards the final climb near the Cinque Torri.
The last part climbs towards Rifugio Scoiattoli, close to the iconic Five Towers area. After a stage with a strong opening climb, a long descent and a final uphill push, the mountain hut is a welcome place to rest and take in the surrounding Dolomite scenery.
