Dolomites Alta Via 1, Guided trek 2023
The classic Dolomites High Route, traversing the Dolomites from North to South following the famous Alta Via 1.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Meeting in Cortina
You meet with your guide at your hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo, which is the primary mountain town in the Dolomites. After introductions and a briefing on your AV1 trek, there will be plenty opportunity to ask questions and time to do any last-minute shopping. The evening is free to explore the many bars and restaurants Cortina has to offer.
Day 2 From Cortina to Dobiacco and Rifugio Biella
From Cortina we transfer to the smaller village of Dobiacco where our Alta Via trek begins in earnest. We start with a gentle walk to Lago di Braies, where we walk along the shoreline of the gorgeous mountain lake. We then start our ascent, through classic Dolomites terrain, to the Sora Forno mountain pass and Rifugio Biella where we spend our first night high up in the mountains. (B+D)
Day 3: From Rifugio Biella to Rifugio Lavarella
Today is a very enjoyable day as we enter the stunning Fanes National Park and pass a number of mountain huts where refreshments are available. It's a gentle start, courtesy of 4x4 vehicle tracks constructed during WW1, before we descend steeply to the valley floor at Pederü. We now commence our climb, which takes us to our mountain hut, located in a picturesque glacial basin by a small lake. (B+D)
Day 4: From Rifugio Lavarella to Rifugio Lagazuoi
A gentle start to the day on old WW1 tracks before we veer away from the valley and climb on increasingly steeper terrain to a tiny pass cut into the rugged ridge-line. A brief, but steep, descent takes us to a small lake and we continue our ascent through lunar-like landscape to Rifugio Lagazuoi, which is the highest point of the AV1 and, probably, the most impressive vantage point in all of the Dolomites. (B+D)
Day 5: From Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Nuvolau
An interesting day packed with WW1 history awaits. Upon leaving our hut, the Alta Via briefly takes us East, past wartime tunnels and trench lines, before a splendid traverse below the face of the majestic Tofane de Rozes. We then drop to the valley floor before an ascent takes us past the famous Cinque Torri (five towers) and more wartime history. A final climb along an airy ridge with stunning 360 views completes this day and we arrive at Rifugio Nuvolau, which is perched atop the ridge line. (B+D)
Day 6: From Rifugio Nuvolau to Rifugio Staulanza
We descend steeply on interesting terrain to reach the Passo Giau road pass and a morning coffee stop at the hut before we continue across a succession of smaller mountain passes. Although, the distance is relatively long, the terrain is now easy and mostly descending, making for a very enjoyable walk. We end the day at the very comfortable Rifugio Staulanza where we are treated to some of the best food available on the Alta Via. (B+D)
Day 7: From Rifugio Staulanza to Rifugio Vazzoler
Leaving the comfortable Staulanza hut behind us (with tummies full of delicious breakfast), we start the day with an easy stroll. Then, begins our ascent through wild and stunning Dolomites terrain, passing a small, emerald green lake. The ascent is made easier by a good track and two huts where refreshments are available. Beyond the second hut, it's all downhill to the very charming Vazzoler hut surrounded by conifer trees. (B+D)
Day 8: From Rifugio Vazzoler to Passo Duran
A most enjoyable start to the day, as we walk through conifer woods, crossing a couple of minor mountain passes along the way to the Carestiato hut, which is perfectly located for a lazy lunch stop. It is now downhill to the Passo Duran roadpass and our base for the night. (B+D)
Day 9: From Passo Duran to Rifugio Fontana
A brief downhill section on easy road, before we start ascending through conifer woods. to the Moschesin mountain pass. Here, the views open up to reveal a stunning and varied Dolomites landscape. The Alta Via now turns increasingly wild as we travel through rugged terrain surrounded by limestone walls and ridge-lines until the final mountain pass is crossed and we enjoy a gentle descent to Rifugio Fontana for a well-deserved rest. (B+D)
Day 10: From Rifugio Fontana to La Pissa and Cortina
After a night in the charming Rifugio Fontana, we awake to the final day on the Alta Via trail. A short, but intense, climb to the Forcella la Varetta pass gives access to the lush Val Vescovà, which we follow, mostly downhill, along a gushing stream to the road head at la Pissa from where we transfer back to our hotel in Cortina to celebrate our completion of the Alta Via 1! (B)
Day 11: Depart Cortina
After breakfast you check out of your hotel. This is the end of the trip. (B)
Trip details
Grade:
Suitable for walkers with good fitness and an adventurous spirit.
Duration:
11 days holiday with 9 days walking
Accommodation:
Hotels and mountain huts
Group size and guides:
From 4 to 8 clients with 1 certified English-speaking guide (UIMLA).
Dates & prices
Dates 2024:
08 - 18 July 2024
08 - 18 September 2024
Additional dates possible on request.
Price: £ 2295 p.p.
Standard inclusions & exclusions:
Inclusions:
- Expert tour planning and organisation by Alpine Treks
- 9 days guiding by English-speaking guide (UIMLA)
- 10 nights accommodation (2x hotel, 1x auberge, 7x mountain hut)
- Meals (10x breakfast and 8x dinners)
- Planned road transportation during the trek
- Luggage transfers along the route
Exclusions:
- Travel to and from Cortina
- Lunches, snacks, drinks and meals not mentioned above
Options and Extras
Private Avlta Via 1 trip:
The AV1 is also available as a private trip with dates to suit you. On private trips, it is also possible to tailor the length of the hike by including rest days or skipping sections.
Contact us for further details.
Self-guided Alta Via 1 Classic trip:
The AV1 is also available as a self-guided trip.
Click here for further details.
Via Ferrata Extensions
The Dolomites are famous for it's Via Ferrata and Cortina is a great starting point.
Contact us for information.
Good reasons to chose Alpine Treks for your Alta Via 1 walking holiday
Experience! Alpine Treks has run hiking trips in the Dolomites since 2007. Our itineraries are well-proven and our logistics are top-class, whether you choose one of our guided or self-guided itineraries.
Our Alta Via 1 trek start and finish in Cortina! Known as the "The Pearl of the Dolomites", Cortina is a chic, historic mountain town with a plethora of cafe’s, restaurants and shops and is worth a visit in it’s own right. It would be a shame not to spend time in this wonderful place and soak up the atmosphere before and after your trek.
Bag transfers are included! We have included bag transfers to our overnight destinations wherever possible on our guided trips, which means that you can hike with a light pack and focus on enjoying the trip.
Our Guides are second to none! It’s a big claim, but one that our many happy customers are happy to confirm. Our guides are certified, full-time professionals with extensive experience on the Alta Via in the Dolomites. They happen to be extremely friendly, patient and helpful too!
Small, personal groups! We never have more than 8 people in our groups. This makes it a more personal experience where we can look after individual’s needs.
Great value! We’re a small company with minimal overheads, so the money you spend on a trip goes towards providing an excellent service.
No hidden cost! We are completely open about what is included in your trip. No surprises with us!
Chose your preferred dates! In addition to our scheduled trips, we can arrange a private departure for you at any time that suits you.
What our customers say:
"Dolomites paradise! This is a fantastic and fun company that I would definitely use again in the future! "
Phillip Wetter
Frequently asked questions about our trekking and walking holidays
