Trail Running
Alta Via 1

A 5-stage run or quick-pace jog for 87 kilometers with over 6,000 m of climbing on the Dolomites’ Alta Via #1.

The tour departs from the celebrated Braies Lake and ends with a run at the Duran Pass. A local tour escort will accompany the group throughout the entire tour.

Length 7 nights

Level •••• : Demanding

• Description: Challenging tour, characterized by its overall length and the succession of many days of running. It requires a good level of fitness and physical endurance.
• Features: Extended routes with significant elevation changes and uneven terrain. Some sections may be exposed, requiring experience.
• Suitable for: Fit and experienced runners, accustomed to complex terrain and interested in a long-term challenge.

Arrival in Alta Badia:

After arriving in Alta Badia and checking into the hotel, it’s time to relax after the journey and enjoy the beautiful mountain atmosphere.

Acclimatization day: 

Today is dedicated to acclimatization. Relax, take a walk to stretch your legs, and get used to the altitude and the mountains. In the late afternoon/evening, there will be a general briefing about the route with a local expert from Holimites.

1st stage: approx. 9,5 km (5,9 miles) with +980 m (3220 feet) elevation gain.; 320 m (1050 feet) elevation loss
Transfer to the idyllic Lake Braies, trailhead of the tour. We start our tour uphill to Forcella Sora Forno. Once we reach the saddle we run along the pastures of the Sennes natural park until we reach the hut.

2nd stage: approx. 22,5 km (14 miles) with +1.600 m (5250 feet) e. g.; -1.050 m (3400 feet) e.l.
We leave Sennes behind us and continue southwards along the kingdom of Fanes. We hike up to Forcella del Lago, from here we can admire the wonderful Lagazuoi Lake. From the lake we start the ascent to Lagazuoi, one of the most panoramic places, which offers a unique view of the Dolomites. 

3rd stage: approx. 11,5 km (7,2 miles) with +500 m (1600 feet) e. g.; -1.100 m (3600 feet) e.l.
The area of Lagazuoi is full of history and symbol of the First World War. We run along the tunnels and the trenches of the “Kaiserjäger” until we reach the area of 5 Torri and continue our path to Averau/Giau. 

4th stage: approx. 23 km (14,5 miles) with +1.400 m (4600 feet) e. g.; -1.400 m (4600 feet) e.l.
Running under the majestic, vertical walls of Lastoi di Formin and of Becco di Mezzodì we arrive to Passo Staulanza. Here starts the ascent to the beautiful Coldai Lake, part of the Civetta group. We continue thowards Forcella Col Rean to finally reach the hut.

5th stage: approx. 16,5 km (10,3 miles) with +1.050 m (3400 feet) e. g.; -1.700 m (5600 feet) e.l.
From the Civetta group, with a breathtaking view on the Alleghe Lake, we cross the Zoldo Dolomites until Passo Duran, where the van awaits us to bring us back to Belluno. 

Departure.

What are the advantages of an escorted tour with a local expert?

• The local expert knows the trails like the back of his hand, and is also well informed about mountains, fauna and flora, and the many traditions of the Dolomites world. Are you already fascinated by the Dolomite legends?
• The tour is enriched with so much knowledge and information.
  ales, stories, and high quantity of tips from locals - from people who grew up here and have much more to tell than the best book.
• Luggage transport from hut to hut is also a big plus.
  You can hike with a small backpack, because your luggage is already waiting for you in the next hut.
• In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner are also included. Of course, the local expert knows where you get the best dumplings, the most delicious pasta, and the most fluffy cake.
• The weather, or more specifically, bad weather, is not to be underestimated in the mountains, and our local experts have years of experience with it. In case of thunderstorms, rain or even snowfall (yes, even in August it can snow sometimes), they know exactly what to do.
• The correct estimation of the hiking pace is a skill learned over time. When hiking alone, it’s difficult to keep the same pace. This can result in a serious miscalculation of walking time. The guide know exactly when it’s time to take a break, or to push the group with a chocolate bar.
• The community: during our guided tours, people meet who already have something in common from the beginning: the love for nature and being active. The popularity of our guides with the various hut owners can also turn out to be a great benefit (we just say: Grappa!).

ESCORTED TOURS 2025

• from July 09th to July 16th - SOLD OUT

KEEP IT PRIVATE:

Do you want to reserve one of our guided tours exclusively for you and your group of friends? Choose any tour that you like, contact us and remember to tell us how many people are in your group. We will send you a personalized quote based on the number of participants.

SELF-GUIDED TOUR:

from mid June to the beginning of October

If you opt for the self-guided tour, you can choose your preferred travel time.

Send us you estimated dates of arrival/departure and we will send you a detailed offer.

ARRIVAL:

Holimites is keen to help you plan and organize your arrival and departure. Together we will find the best travel solution, and we will help you to book bus or train tickets, arrange the car rental, or book a private transfer service.

Here you will find more information about travel to the Dolomites.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Bookings of all accommodations

• Overnight stay with breakfast 
• Briefing with one of our local trail experts
• Detailed hiking map and roadbook
• Transfer to Lago di Braies
• All taxes
• Special Holimites Trail Running souvenir

*INCLUDED DURING THE ESCORTED TOUR

• All services mentioned under "included in the price"

• Full board during the stages (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Local tour escort at your disposal during the tour
• Luggage transfer form hut to hut 
• Maps and roadbooks are not included during the escorted tour
• Dinner not included during the last stage

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Beverages and anything not mentioned under the heading "price included"
• Cancellation insurance

EXTRAS

• Additional days: starting from € 130,00 per person / night
• Single room: € 160,00 (available only in hotels, not in huts)
• High season (from the end of July to mid-September):  € 150,00 € per person

What is Trail Running?
Rather than a discipline, Trail Running is equal parts a philosophy, a sport and a way of life. It dilutes the hectic thrum life to its simplest rhythm. Moving across the mountains--unencumbered and with primal athleticism--one experiences the mountains both as a visitor looking outward as well as an athlete looking inside oneself. Trail Running allows one to explore nature on their own terms, allowing the runner to use their fitness as a path to discovery, while traveling to some of the most beautiful and secluded places on the planet.

Do we have to be able to run uninterrupted to participate?
The Holomites trail running trips are on mountain trails, and most runners will hike portions of each stage, however, as a participant in a group trail run, you will be expected to maintain a certain pace in order to finish the scheduled stages. If your legs are shutting down or your fitness is interfering with the group’s ability to make cut offs, your tour escort may decide you need to alter your daily route. In this case, you will have an array of options so that you can continue your trip at a more relaxed speed:

a) to take a rest day and shuttle with the service van, to the next hut where the group is headed for that stage

b) to take a shuttle and 'bump up' to the last hotel, where you can finish your vacation going on suggested trail runs from that location.

Given our considerable years of experience with trail running groups, here are a few statistics to help you gauge how much hiking you should expect: if you run marathons under 3 hours, on average you can run 70% of each stage; if you take 3 to 3.5 hours = 50%; 3.5 to 4.5 hours = 40%.

Is training necessary?
Yes, we recommend training before participating in this event. Sore legs, blisters, or other ailments related to running after the first stage can possibly ruin the entire week for someone. For those that wish to run the stages throughout, we suggest daily training of 10 to 15 km (6 to 10 miles) on trails.

I'm in a good shape, have trained and can run the stages. Are the stages well marked?
For liability reasons, you won’t be able to leave the group and wait at the finish for each day. But you also don't need to stay with the group if you want to run faster. If you’d like to run ahead and wait for the group, or do an out-an-back, your tour escort will help you plan meeting points at key intersections each day.

The original Alta Via 1 ends up in Belluno, so why do we stop at Passo Duran?
From the portion beginning at Passo Duran to Belluno (2 running days) we cannot guarantee the baggage transfer in the huts for the overnight stay. Also, this part of the Alta Via, on the last stage requires doing the Via Ferrata (Iron Path way) in which special equipment and experience is necessary. However, upon special request, we can also organize your participation in the original course during the last two days of the trip if you’d like. Or, if you wish to walk on the whole Alta Via 1, check out our Trekking offer in which we also take care of all the logistics for you.

What specific clothing do you recommend?
For trail running, we suggest you always carry a light hydration pack with a few layers such as a light insulation jacket, gloves and a hat. Also, keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can quickly change. We suggest packing some warmer and comfortable clothing as well which can be left in your bag that we that we will transfer for you from hut to hut.
Note: In some huts, bags are transported via a cableway and thus there are some weight restrictions: 10kg --> 50x40x20cm

I have some Issues with elevation, is that a problem?
The runs vary between 1.500 and 2.300 meters altitude (between 4,900 and 7,500 feet). In addition, the huts for the overnight stays are above 2200 meters (6,900 feet). If you have a history of trouble with high elevations, please consult a doctor or medical professional for their expert opinion before booking this trip.

Overnight stay on the mountain huts...
You will be surprised of how lovely our mountain huts are. However, they have to be considered a rifugio in the mountains and not a hotel. So you won’t find all the luxury features you find in the towns.
In the huts there are blankets and pillows. We suggest to bring sleeping bags inlay with you.
All hotels and huts are well informed about dietary restrictions, like gluten or lactose intolerance. Everywhere you will find a vegetarian or vegan alternative.
Not all huts accept credit cards. So we suggest to bring some cash with you, to pay drinks, snacks or extras which are not included in the offer.

What about having lunch in the mountains?
For lunch you can stop in one of the huts to taste some traditional food or you have the possibility to buy a lunch package in the hut where you overnight.

What about dinner?

All the mountain huts where you'll be staying offer dinner service, which you can decide to join on the same day. When you'll stay in a hotel you have the option to dine at the hotel's restaurant or, if you prefer, explore the town to find a restaurant that suits your taste.

Should I expect to climb a Via Ferrata?
Our standard programs don't include a Via Ferrata. But gladly we can organize one for you with a certified IFMGA-UIAGM Alpine Guide. There is the opportunity to do the Via Ferrata during a stage or you can add an extra day at the beginning or at the end of your tour.