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Short Alta Via 1

  • Duration
    Total 4 days
    Average 6 h 9m
  • Distance
    Total 60.7 km / 37.7 mi
    Average 15.2 km / 9.4 mi
  • Ascent
    Total +3680 m / +12074 ft
    Average +920 m / +3019 ft
  • Descent
    Total -3945 m / -12943 ft
    Average -986 m / -3236 ft

> Walk the Northern section of the Alta Via 1
> Explore the Lagazuoi Tunnels as an optional route
> Spend the night in cozy Italian Rifugios and start and end the adventure in Cortina d'Ampezzo

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.

Itinerary

Day
1

Lago di Braies - Rifugio Pederü

Duration: 06:15 h
Distance: 14.4 km / 8.95 mi
Ascent: 1210 m / 3970 ft
Descent: 1160 m / 3806 ft
The first stage starts at the beautiful Alpine lake Lago di Braies, surrounded by towering mountain peaks and pine forests. It starts with a steady climb to the first pass Forcella Sora Forno. On this part of the route you encounter several steep rock faces which you cross via short but exciting zigzag routes using cables. At the pass you enter the Dolomiti National Park. The Panorama of the wide, expansive pass is vast and breathtaking, including views of the peaks of the northern Dolomites, as well as the peaks of Marmolada and Tofane. You then begin a steep descent into the rocky valley with fascinating orange rock walls, the last part of the stage consists of a final long downhill section.

Rifugio Pederü

Info
Rifugio Pederü
Rifugio Pederü
Day
2

Rifugio Pederü - Rifugio Scotoni

Duration: 06:15 h
Distance: 15.8 km / 9.82 mi
Ascent: 980 m / 3215 ft
Descent: 535 m / 1755 ft

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.

Rifugio Scotoni

Info
Rifugio Scotoni
Rifugio Scotoni
Day
3

Rifugio Scotoni - Rifugio Scoiatolli

Duration: 05:35 h
Distance: 12.2 km / 7.58 mi
Ascent: 900 m / 2953 ft
Descent: 640 m / 2100 ft

This stage leads from Rifugio Scotoni to Rifugio Scoiattoli, following a varied route through classic Dolomite terrain. The profile is mostly descent-focused, with a final climb towards the finish. The route is not especially long, but it still feels like a proper mountain stage, with rocky surroundings, open high terrain and steady changes in altitude. Take your time on the descents and keep some energy for the last uphill section.

From Rifugio Scotoni, the route heads towards Lagazuoi Pass before continuing through open mountain terrain. Along the way, the map highlights an idyllic valley with a stream, Travenanzes Pass, Forcella Col dei Bos and a World War I ruin. The trail also connects with the route from Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Averau, passing through rocky surroundings with the main altitude change coming on the descent after the higher section.

The final stretch climbs towards the Five Towers area and Rifugio Scoiattoli. After the longer descent and the last uphill section, the mountain hut is a practical and scenic place to end the stage.

Rifugio Scoiattoli

Info
Rifugio Scoiattoli
Rifugio Scoiattoli
Day
4

Rifugio Scoiattoli - Cortina d'Ampezzo

Duration: 06:30 h
Distance: 18.3 km / 11.37 mi
Ascent: 590 m / 1936 ft
Descent: 1610 m / 5282 ft

Today you will wake up to beautiful views of Cinque Torri, and enjoy your breakfast. You will notice how the difference in time of day can give this particular mountain formation a different glow. From here the route drops into the valley before climbing again towards the Tofane, so this is a longer day than the descent to Cortina suggests.

After losing around 700 m to the valley floor, the trail climbs steadily for about 550 m to Rifugio Duca d'Aosta, beneath the towering walls of the Tofane. This is a good place to stop for lunch and take in the views before the final stretch. From the hut, it is downhill all the way to Cortina d'Ampezzo, and before you know it your multi-day hike will be over.

If your legs have had enough by Duca d'Aosta, you can take the chairlift down to Piè Tofana instead.

Note: These chairlifts only run in summer, roughly from late June to mid-September, and the dates change each year. Check before you set off.
> Summer lift opening dates and tickets (ISTA Cortina)

Contact our Trekking Expert
Jelle Tekstra
Jelle Tekstra
Jelle Tekstra

Included

  • Booking the huts

    We will take care of arranging accommodation on the Alta Via 1 for you. We will also provide you with a detailed itinerary for every stage and instructions on how to get to the trailhead.

  • Full travel guide

    You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Alta Via 1. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.

  • Accommodation

    During your Alta Via 1, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. We normally book dormitories, but private rooms are available upon request and cost €75 extra per room per night. If no private rooms are available, we will automatically book a bed in a dormitory.

  • Half board in huts (where possible)

    Accommodation in the huts includes dinner and breakfast, unless otherwise indicated in the exclusive list. This allows you to travel lighter and not have to worry about an extra meal. Please note, however, that lunch is not included, but can be purchased at the huts. Beverages may also be charged separately at some huts.

  • Navigation support

    Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.

  • Transfers

    Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.

  • Lunch

    Half-board is included in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. Many huts offer packed lunches, which can usually be requested the night before. Alternatively, you can stop for lunch at mountain huts along the way.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

  • Dinner Rifugio Pederü

    Where possible we book accommodations on a half-board basis but at Rifugio Pederü only breakfast is included. In the evening you can dine at the hut without any problems and pay for it in cash on the spot. So make sure you take enough cash with you on trek.

FAQ

  • When to Go: Crowds, Best Timing, and Alta Via 1 vs Alta Via 2

  • How Difficult Is the Alta Via 1 Dolomites?

  • How to Get To the Starting Point of the Alta via 1

  • Endpoint in Cortina D’Ampezzo

  • What if the dates I want are not available?

  • If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

  • How do I know if this trek is right for me?

  • Can meals be adapted to my dietary requirements?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy