Trekking Dolomites
Alta Via 1

Trekking Alta Via #1 on the Dolomites begins at the idyllic Braies Lake and, after 9 days of hiking, ends in the city of Belluno in the Veneto region. It covers 120 km of terrain and 7,500 m of elevation gain.
 

Length 11 nights

Level °°°°

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

Our journey begins with a transfer to the enchanting Braies Lake, the starting point of our tour. From there, we commence our hike, ascending to Forcella Sora Forno. After reaching the saddle, we make our way across the pastures of the Sennes Natural Park until we reach the mountain hut.

2nd stage: approx. 10,2 km (6,4 miles) with +560 m (1800 feet) e. g.; -650 m (2100 feet) e. l.

We leave behind the Sennes Alp and begin our descent towards the picturesque Rifugio Pederü. After a brief revitalizing break, we continue our journey, ascending towards the Fanes Plateau, renowned as the kingdom of marmots, where these captivating animals populate the landscape.

3rd stage: approx. 15 km (9,5 miles) with +1.250 m (4100 feet) e. g.;

-570 m (1900 feet) e. l.

We begin our journey from Fanes, located in the heart of the Natural Park, and ascend towards the Forcella del Lago. Among the rocks, we catch a glimpse of the stunning Lagazuoi Lake, towards which we descend. From there, we commence the ascent towards the Lagazuoi area, one of the most scenic spots that offers a unique terrace overlooking the Dolomites.

4th stage: approx. 11,5 km (7,2 miles) with +550 m (1800 feet) e. g.; -1.100 m (3600 feet) e. l.

The Lagazuoi area played a significant role in World War I. As we pass at the base of the Tofane mountains, we traverse what was once the front lines in the Dolomites, where even today, you can see remnants of the conflict, including caves, trenches, outposts, and fortifications. Our route will lead us to the Cinque Torri area, where a portion of the wartime landscape has been accurately reconstructed and restored.

5th stage: approx. 13 km (8 miles) with +450 m (1500 feet) e. g.; -1.000 m (3300 feet) e. l.

As we hike along the trails at the foot of the towering vertical walls of Lastoi di Formin and Becco di Mezzodì, we arrive at Passo Staulanza. This pass is characterized by the imposing presence of Monte Pelmo on one side, with its majestic bulk, and Monte Civetta on the other, both casting an enchanting spell on the landscape.

6th stage: approx. 11 km (7 miles) with +950 m (3100 feet) e. g.; -500 m (1600 feet) e. l.

Starting from Passo Staulanza, we make our way up to the picturesque Lago Coldai in the Civetta group. Continuing our journey, we can admire the towering walls of Civetta to the left, which rise for over 1000 meters, while on the other side, 1000 meters lower, we can spot Lake Alleghe and the Agordina Valley.

7th stage: approx. 16,5 km (10,3 miles) with +1.050 m (3400 feet) e. g.; -1.700 m (5600 feet) e. l.

The rugged Dolomite peaks of Civetta and Moiazza, cherished by both climbers and fossil enthusiasts, accompany us closely on our journey through the Zoldo Dolomites. Passing through forests and rocky paths, the stage ultimately leads us to Passo Duran.

8th stage: approx. 16 km (10 miles) with +1.200 m (3900 feet) e. g.; -1.100 m (3600 feet) e. l.

We start from Passo Duran and venture into the Belluno Dolomites National Park. The ascent to Cime de Zita rewards us with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. Along the descent towards the refuge, it's common to encounter wildlife such as marmots, chamois, or ibex.

9th stage: approx. 12 km (7,5 miles) with +550 m (1800 feet) e. g.; -1.700 m (5600 feet) e. l.

After leaving the refuge, we traverse ancient paths used by shepherds and descend through the picturesque Val Vescovà until we reach La Pissa, the end of our tour. Our adventure in the Dolomites concludes here.

Departure

The program can be personalized! We can modify the single stages or shorten and/or extend the duration of the tour.

You have the possibility to do this tour with one of our local tour experts, or, if you prefer, a self-guided tour.

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, dinner and lunch 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 June 20th to July 01st
• from September 10th to September 21st

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 and breakfast
• Transfer to Lago di Braies

• Detailed hiking map and roadbook

• Briefing with one of our local trail experts
• All taxes
• Holimites 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 
• Transfer from the end of the trekking back to Belluno
• Maps and roadbooks are not included during the escorted tour
• Dinner not included during the last stage

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Beverages and anything not mentioned under “Included in the price”

• Cancellation insurance

EXTRAS

• Additional days: starting from 130.00 € per person/night
• High season (from the end of June to mid-September): an additional 150.00 € per person
• Single room: 160.00 € (available only in hotels, not in huts)

I have some Issues with elevation, is that a problem?
The runs each day are between 1.500 and 2.300 meters altitude (between 4900 and 7500 feet). In addition, the huts for the overnight stays are above 2.100 meters (6900 feet). If you have trouble with high elevations, please consult a doctor or medical professional for their expert opinion before booking this trip.

Are there minimum skills requested?
It is absolutely necessary to have some trekking experience on mountain trails and exposed sections. A good ability to read maps and use a compass is a must. If you don’t feel confident with this minimum skills you can learn this on the guided trekking during the special week.
 
Is some training necessary before partecipating in this trekking tour?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Sore legs, blisters, or other ailments related to walking after the first stage can possibly ruin the entire week for someone. The Alta Via is suited for people that are already strong walkers that can manage treks with fully packed backpacks. Participating in a trekking group requires having to keep up a certain pace in order to finish the scheduled stages. If your legs are shutting down or your physical preparedness is constraining the rest of the group to slow down and making group compatibility problematic, your tour escort may decide you need to tone down, leaving the pack. Your alternatives in this case are:
a) to shuttle throughout the day on the service van, each day, to the next hut or
b) to take a shuttle 'bump up' to the last hotel, where you can finish your vacation doing some great day hikes.

What happens in the case of bad weather?
Sir Alan Flemming once stated: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”. But, it’s surely possible that bad weather conditions may prohibit our planned tour in some cases. If this happens to be the case, a phone call to our office from the hut you are staying at is all that’s needed. We will gladly reorganize all of the upcoming stages of your trekking tour so that you can arrive as planned at the end of the Alta Via; even if you have to take a 1 day break to allow weather conditions to clear up.

What specific clothing do you recommend?
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. If your offer includes baggage transfer, we suggest you to pack some warmer and comfortable clothing, which can be left in your bag that we will transfer for you from hut to hut.

Is the Alta Via #1 easier as the program of "The Best of AV #1 & #2"?
Do not be fooled from the total of km (miles) of each stage. The AV #1 is quite more challenging because of the difference in altitude and the number of trekking days. If you have never been into the Dolomites, we recommend to start with our "The Best of AV #1 & #2" trekking program. This program combines the most beautiful spots of the two Alta Via.
 
I want do to a self-guided trekking. Are the trails well marked?
Yes, the trails are well marked, but it‘s important to pay attention and be sure to stay on the correct path. During the briefing a local trail expert will explain you every stage exactly.

The programs on the catalog don‘t match my expectations. Are there alternative offers?
On request, Holimites can customize a program for you. Is the tour too long or the stages to challenging? Do you prefer a different itinerary? Would you like to book some extra days to relax in the hotel or on a mountain hut? Just send us a request and we will do our best to meet your needs.

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.
 
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.

Where can we have lunch during the trekking?
For lunch, you can stop at one of the mountain huts and try some local specialities. Alternatively, you can request a packed lunch from the hut where you stayed the previous night.

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.