Dolomites: Alta Via 1 - Trekking Highlights
Welcome to a journey where earth meets the sky, and dreams take flight amidst the rugged beauty of the Dolomites.
August 4 - August 11, 2025
Price: 3480 EUR
A 25% deposit is due to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is due 65 days before the start of the trip.
(View the cancelation policy below in the section "Price and Details")
The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a stunning backdrop for one of Europe’s most renowned trails, the Alta Via 1.
This is a journey through dramatic peaks, tranquil valleys, and centuries-old landscapes shaped by nature’s hand. Each ascent challenges your strength, while each descent carries you through quiet forests and across meadows alive with alpine charm.
This trip isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about embracing the experience. The Alta Via 1 invites you to connect with the rugged beauty of the Dolomites, where every step brings a new perspective and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
Lace up your shoes and let this iconic trail guide you on an unforgettable adventure.
Is this tour suitable for me?
If you have hiking experience, this tour is suitable for you. The itinerary is challenging but doesn't require any technical climbing skills. You should, however, be physically fit enough to cover the daily distance and elevation gain. You can expect an average of 14.6 km/9.07 mi per day, but please note that the primary challenge of this adventure lies in the elevation gain/loss, as described in the itinerary below.
The trip is planned so that when you finish your hiking day, you have time to relax, have a glass of wine, read a book and enjoy the alpine views.
Throughout the entire tour, you will be guided by a certified International Mountain Leader. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.
Please ensure that your physical condition aligns with the itinerary described below. Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions.
Bag transfer
To ensure your comfort during your trek, your primary luggage will be transported from hut to hut until day 6 of the itinerary below, allowing you to carry only a daily pack with your essentials.
*Please note: Due to accessibility limitations, bag transfer is only available up to Rifugio Passo Staulanza. For the final leg of the route (1 night and 1 day), you'll need to carry all necessary items with you.
Guiding
Throughout the entire tour, you will be guided by a certified International Mountain Leader (s). Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
Please ensure that your physical condition aligns with the itinerary below. If you have any questions, don't hesitate contact us.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Cortina d'Ampezzo – Arrival day
Welcome to the heart of the Dolomites, where your adventure begins! Arrive in the charming town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, nestled amidst towering peaks. As a designated UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Cortina is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on all mountain enthusiasts. After checking into your accommodation, prepare for an incredible journey through this stunning region. In the evening, we will gather for a group safety briefing. Please note that dinner for tonight is not included.
Day 2 | Cortina d'Ampezzo – Lago di Braies to Rifugio Pederu
Our adventure begins with a local private transfer to the iconic Lago di Braies, a picturesque gem and the official starting point of the Alta Via trail. The trail starts with a steady ascent toward Porta Sora il Forn, offering thrilling sections where you'll cross steep rock faces using cables. The reward for our ascent is an expansive vista that unveils the vast panorama of the northern Dolomites and the peaks of Marmolada and Tofane. We then descend further through enchanting meadows adorned with vibrant flowers and pastoral farm landscapes, eventually arriving at our overnight accommodation, Rifugio Pederu. Dinner tonight not included.
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The route: 8.98 mi / 14.45 km - High gain/loss +3569ft / 1088m | -3395ft/1035m approx
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Approximate time 6 - 7 hours
Day 3 | Rifugio Pederu – Rifugio Col Gallina
Today’s hike will take us deeper into the heart of the Dolomites, starting with a trek across beautiful meadows and alpine streams before reaching the rocky heights of Forcella Del Lago. After a steep descent, we’ll reach the sparkling waters of Lago di Lagazuoi, nestled beneath dramatic peaks.
As we continue, we'll pass through what once served as a front line during World War I, offering the opportunity to explore historical gun emplacements and tunnels carved into the ridgeline.
The final push to the summit of Mount Lagazuoi rewards us with one of the most incredible panoramas in the Dolomites. From there, a cable car ride will bring us down, followed by a short hike to the cozy Rifugio Col Gallina, our accommodation for the night.
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The route: 11.18 mi / 18 km - High gain/loss +5052 ft /1540 m | -1377 ft / 420 m approx
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Approximate time 7 - 8 hours
Day 4 | Rifugio Col Gallina – Rifugio Averau
Our adventure continues with a scenic hike toward the iconic Cinque Torri, a group of towering rock formations that dominate the landscape. The trail will take us through beautiful alpine meadows and past rocky outcrops, offering views of the Tofane and Falzarego peaks.
After exploring the fascinating rock towers of Cinque Torri, the route climbs to the Rifugio Averau, located high above the valley. From here, you'll enjoy unbeatable views of the Dolomites' jagged skyline, a perfect spot to relax after a rewarding day on the trail. In the evening, experience a spectacular sunset at the adjacent Rifugio Nuvolau, perched atop a spire and offering a breath-taking 360-degree view of the Dolomites. Dinner tonight not included.
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The route: 5.6 mi / 9 km - High gain/loss +1444ft / 440 m| -2395 ft /730 m approx
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Approximate time 5 hours
Day 5 | Rifugio Averau – Rifugio Passo Staulanza
Leaving Rifugio Averau, our journey takes us to a technical but fun descent using Via Ferrata routes with cables and ladders. This short but exhilarating section transitions from rugged, rocky paths to lush green meadows in a valley from where we’ll climb up to the Forcella Ambrizzola pass.
As we cross the pass, we’ll enjoy the impressive views of Monte Pelmo , an iconic symbol of the Dolomites. The trail then descends through lush forests and continues past Rifugio Città di Fume where we'll savor a well-deserved lunch. Our day ends at at Rifugio Passo Staulanza, a welcoming refuge with stunning mountain views where we’ll get to relax and rest before our next adventure.
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The route: 8.7 mi / 14.5km - High gain/loss +1348ft / 411m | -2877 ft / 877 m approx
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Approximate time 6 - 7 hours
Day 6 | Rifugio Staulanza – Rifugio Vazzoler
We start the day with a gradual ascent towards the col of Cima Coldai and then Lago Coldai. Subsequently, we embark on a descent into Val Civetta, a realm adorned with slabs, peaks, and pinnacles, where the colossal west face of Monte Civetta soars 1200 meters above us.
As we continue, we'll traverse the scenic Valle di Colbella, where the landscapes and serene atmosphere create a captivating experience. The route then climbs steadily to the high mountain pastures near Rifugio Vazzoler, nestled in the middle of stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Here, you'll enjoy a well-deserved rest and soak in the beauty of the Dolomites.
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The route: 10.25 mi / 16.5 km- High gain/loss +2920 ft / 890 m| -3087ft / 941 m approx
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Approximate time 7 - 8 hours
Day 7 | Rifugio Vazzoler – Cortina
Our last day on the Alta Via trail begins with a gentle descent through meadows, passing the Cibetta and then climbing towards the exhilarating Forcella Col dell'Orso pass.
Then we’ll descend again through rocky terrain until reaching Rifugio San Sebastiano for a well deserved lunch break. From here, a private van awaits to transport us back to Cortina d'Ampezzo, a journey of approximately 2 hours.
We will celebrate this epic journey with a final dinner together.
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The route: 8.077 mi / 13 km- High gain/loss +2123 ft / 647 m | -2136ft / 651 m approx
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Approximate time 5 - 6 hours
Day 8 | Cortina d'Ampezzo - Departure
We enjoy a last breakfast together and then time to pack all the memories back home.
A note about fitness: This adventure involves physical activity for around 6-8 hours per day. To participate comfortably in the tour, you will require a certain level of fitness. To make a self-assessment of whether or not this is for you, you should consider yourself to be in good shape, be accustomed to running/hiking, and be able to do it comfortably for at least 3 hours a day. Please consult a doctor if you feel that this might be a challenge before booking.
The entire tour is done in English.
*We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, accommodation availability, National Parks regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.
This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions
How Challenging ?
High effort. This is a challenging adventure where we can expect 5 - 8 hours of running/hiking per day, with up to 1600 meters of elevation gain. Previous multi-day hiking experience is recommended.
Price and Details
The tour includes:
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All of the scheduled activities
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Transport from Cortina to Lago di Braies
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Transport from the trailend back to Cortina d'Ampezzo
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All accommodations during the tour (7 nights)
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3* hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo (2 nights)
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Luggage transfer between accommodations (5)
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7 breakfasts and 4 dinners
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Guiding from a certified International Mountain Leader
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Amazing trails and beautiful landscapes
The tour excludes:
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Transfers to and from Cortina d'Ampezzo
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First night dinner in Cortina d'Ampezzo
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Dinner in Rifugio Pederu and Rifugio Averau
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Lunches are not included
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Insurance. All participants are required to have their own insurance appropriate for outdoor sports; such as health, accident, mountain rescue, repatriation, cancellation, personal liability, etc.
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Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
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Expenses for extra activities, such as; massages, spas, saunas, hot tub
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Any accommodations for extra days in Cortina d'Ampezzo
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Any lifts or cable cars not mentioned above
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Any private transfers not mentioned above
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Tips for the guide
Price: 3480 EUR
A 25% deposit is due to secure your spot, the remaining balance is due 65 days before the start of the trip. Once the trip is confirmed your deposit is non-refundable, however, it can be transferred to any other trip.
Participants:
min 6 - max 12
Start: Cortina d'Ampezzo
End: Cortina d'Ampezzo
The closest airports to Cortina are Venice Marco Polo and Venice Treviso, in Italy.
We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, and unforeseeable circumstances.
This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions
Cancellation policy:
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Trip pending: a 25% down payment is fully refundable
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Trip confirmed: a 25% down payment is non-refundable. You can transfer this down payment to any other of our trips within the next year
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60 days or less before the trip starts no refund available
Travel insurance is required for all of our trips. Make sure that your insurance covers trip cancellation (in case of any unforeseen circumstances)