An authentic trail running experience along the legendary Alta Via #1, one of the most iconic routes in the Dolomites.
Five stages through breathtaking landscapes, historic mountain huts, and UNESCO alpine scenery, from Lago di Braies to Passo Duran.
An itinerary of approximately 87 km and over 6,000 meters of elevation gain, designed for experienced trail runners who want to experience the mountains in trail running style, accompanied throughout the journey by a local Holimites guide.
Arrival in Alta Badia
Welcome to Alta Badia! After your journey, check in at the hotel and take time to relax, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and start enjoying the unique atmosphere of the Dolomites.
Acclimatization day
The first day is dedicated to a gentle pace: an easy walk to loosen the legs, get used to the altitude, and enjoy the scents of the alpine forests.
In the late afternoon/evening, a briefing with an experienced Holimites guide will take place, presenting the route, stages, and useful tips to get the most out of your trail running experience.
1st stage: Lake Braies - Sennes Nature Park
approx. 9,5 km (5,9 miles) with +980 m (3220 feet) e.g.; 320 m (1050 feet) e.l.
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: Sennes Nature Park - Lagazuoi/Valparola area
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: Lagazuoi/Valparola area - Passo Giau
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: Passo Giau - Col Rean
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: Col Rean - Agordo
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. Transfer to Agordo.
Departure
Upon request, Holimites can fully customise the itinerary: modify individual stages, shorten or extend the tour, add extra nights, or choose easier or more scenic variations.
Each participant is responsible for carefully evaluating the chosen package and ensuring that it matches their own physical fitness, technical ability, experience, and level of endurance.
By booking, participants confirm that they are in suitable physical and mental condition to safely undertake the activity and that they have understood the characteristics, duration, and difficulty level described in the programme.
Participants are also required to follow all instructions provided by Holimites staff at all times. For safety reasons, Holimites experts may modify, suspend, or interrupt activities.
Holimites cannot be held responsible for accidents, injuries, or damages resulting from failure to follow instructions, inaccurate personal declarations, or participation in activities beyond one’s own capabilities.
Price includes
Price does not include
*Included during the escorted tour
Note:
Supplements
Route characteristics
The stages follow technical and varied alpine trails, with demanding distances and significant elevation gain. The route alternates between single tracks, rocky sections, and more runnable terrain, offering a complete trail running experience in the Dolomites.
Overnight stays are in authentic mountain huts and selected hotels, ensuring the right balance between comfort and relaxation after each day of activity.
Who is it suitable for
This tour is designed for trail runners with good experience and excellent physical fitness, already accustomed to running on mountain trails.
It requires solid endurance over long distances and significant elevation gain, confidence on technical terrain, and the ability to complete several consecutive days of intense activity.
Arrival
Holimites supports you in planning your arrival and departure, helping you choose the simplest and most convenient travel solution to reach the Dolomites.
We can assist you with:
This way you can start your mountain holiday without worries, right from the very beginning.
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.
Dates
