We asked Holimites to organise our hut-to-hut hiking holiday for the second time...
The Alta Via 2 of the Dolomites, also known as the “High Route of Legends”, runs from north to south across some of the most iconic mountain groups of the Dolomites. From the Puez–Odle Nature Park to the Sella, Marmolada, and Pale di San Martino massifs, this trek offers a complete immersion in the high mountains.
An intense and adventurous experience, with carefully selected mountain huts and logistics fully managed by Holimites. In 8 days, the route covers 115 km with 6,900 meters of elevation gain, making Alta Via 2 one of the most challenging itineraries in our catalog, ideal for well-trained hikers.
Arrival in Alta Badia
Welcome to Alta Badia! After your journey, check in at the hotel and enjoy some time to relax, breathe in the fresh mountain air and start soaking up the unique atmosphere of the Dolomites.
Acclimatization day
The first day is all about taking it easy: a gentle walk to stretch your legs, get used to the altitude and enjoy the scents of the alpine forests.
In the late afternoon or evening, you will meet a Holimites expert for a detailed briefing covering the itinerary, daily stages and useful tips to make the most of your trekking experience.
1st stage: Alta Badia - Rifugio Genova area
approx. 13,5 km (8,5 miles) with +1.300 m (4270 feet) e.g.; -350 m (1150 feet) e.l.
We start from Badia and, via Passo Juvel, reach Longiarù, a picturesque and traditional mountain village. The trail then continues through the Puez–Odle Nature Park, skirting the slopes of Monte Putia, across green meadows and beautiful alpine pastures, until reaching the mountain hut.
2nd stage: Rifugio Genova area - Passo Gardena
approx. 19 km (11,8 miles) with +1.100 m (3600 feet) e.g.; -1260 m (4130 feet) e.l.
Continuing south, we cross the Puez–Odle Nature Park, an area of great geological and botanical importance. Along the way, the landscape changes several times: from flower-filled meadows to gravelly and exposed sections, across alpine pastures and rocky plateaus, until reaching Gardena Pass.
3rd stage: Passo Gardena - Sella Group
approx. 6 km (4 miles) with +1010 m (3315 feet) e.g.; -260 m (855 feet) e.l.
From Passo Gardena, we begin the ascent along the trail through the scree slopes of Val Setus. The final part of the climb is more demanding and requires technical skills, with fixed equipment along the route.
Continuing south, we soon find ourselves in the heart of the Sella Group.
(For those who prefer to avoid the most exposed and technical section, an alternative easier trail is available)
4th stage: Sella Group - Passo Fedaia/Marmolada
approx. 13 km (8 miles) with +400 m (1315 feet) e. g.; -1.225 m (4020 feet) e.l.
After leaving the hut behind, we cross the wide Sella Plateau and reach Pordoi Pass. From here begins the famous “Viel del Pan” trail, offering extraordinary views dominated by the Queen of the Dolomites, Marmolada, with Lake Fedaia at its feet. The stage ends by the lake.
5th stage: Passo Fedaia/Marmolada - Passo San Pellegrino
approx. 19,5 km (11,5 miles) with +1.250 m (4100 feet) e.g.; -1.300 m (4300 feet) e.l.
Starting from Passo Fedaia, we skirt the Marmolada massif to the west, crossing the scenic Val Contrin. Beyond the forests, flowering meadows give way to scree slopes as we approach Passo delle Girelle. Once over the pass, magnificent views open over the San Pellegrino area.
6th stage: Passo San Pellegrino - Passo Rolle
approx. 18,5 km (11,5 miles) with +900 m (3000 feet) e.g.; -800 m (2600 feet) e.l.
By walking through the grassy meadows of the ski slopes of the San Pellegrino area, we reach a high point offering spectacular views of the imposing peaks of Pelmo, Civetta, and the Tofane. The day ends at Passo Rolle, at the foot of the majestic Pale di San Martino.
7th stage: Passo Rolle - Pale di San Martino
approx. 8 km (5 miles) with +850 m (2800 feet) e.g.; -350 m (1100 feet) e.l.
We start from Passo Rolle and head toward the elegant and majestic coral mountains of the Pale di San Martino. Climbing steadily, we finally reach the mountain hut located at 2,581 meters above sea level.
8th stage: Pale di San Martino - Canale d'Agordo - Agordo
approx. 17,5 km (11 miles) with +65 meters (215 feet) e.g.; -1660 m (5450 feet) e.l.
The final stage is mostly downhill. We cross the Pale di San Martino Plateau and descend into the Garés Valley, passing through Val Bona. After a short break, we continue to Canale d’Agordo, the birthplace of Pope Luciani, where the trek comes to an end.
Departure
*PLUS OPTION:
PLUS – Day 1: ca. 6,5 km (4 miles) / +930 m (3050 feet) e.g.
Transfer from Badia to Bressanone, a town rich in art and history. A short visit to the historic center is recommended before starting the trek. From here, we hike through meadows and vineyards to Sant’Andrea, then take the cable car up to Plose, the official starting point of Alta Via 2. We continue along the trail to the first mountain hut.
PLUS - Day 2: ca. 13,5 km (8,4 miles) / +540 m (1770 feet) e.g. ; -680 m (2230 feet) e.l.
We cross the Plose ski area and climb to Forcella del Putia, entering the Puez–Odle Nature Park.
After the first two PLUS days, the tour continues according to the standard program (Stage 2: from Puez–Odle Nature Park to Passo Gardena).
Upon request, the itinerary can be fully personalized by modifying individual stages or shortening and/or extending the duration of the tour.
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
*PLUS OPTION: 2 additional escorted days with start from Bressanone: price on request
Route Characteristics
The itinerary includes medium-long to long daily stages, with often demanding ascents and descents. Some sections are more exposed and technical; alternative variants can be offered on request. Overnight stays are in traditional mountain huts, immersed in true high-mountain environments.
Who Is It Suitable For
This trekking is designed for well-trained hikers with excellent physical fitness and solid mountain trekking experience. It is ideal for travelers seeking a demanding and complete itinerary, offering a genuine high-mountain experience, and for those accustomed to long daily stages, significant elevation gain, and varied terrain.
No technical climbing or mountaineering skills are required, but good physical condition and prior hiking experience are essential due to the length of the stages and overall elevation gain.
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:
Booking train or bus tickets
Booking a private shuttle
This way, you can start your mountain holiday without worries, right from the very beginning.
Which one is the most difficult tour offerd by Holimites?
Alta Via 2 is considered to be the most difficult trekking program offered by Holimites due to the length of the stages and the difference in altitude covered. If you've never been trekking in the Dolomites, we strongly suggest you begin with our program "Best of Alta Via 1&2" or Alta Via #1.
Is some training necessary before participating 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.
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.
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.
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.
I have some Issues with elevation, is that a problem?
The runs each day are 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 2000 meters (6,600 feet) If you have trouble with high elevations,
please consult a doctor or medical professional for their expert opinion before booking this trip.
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.
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.
7 Reviews
Large family group hiking hut-to hut
On the AV1 and AV2, August-September, 2023
Trek of a lifetime thanks to Holimites!
Holimites absolutely provided us with an unforgettable and extraordinary experience!
Every interaction with their owners, staff, and participating rifugios was...
Holimites absolutely provided us with an unforgettable and extraordinary experience!
Every interaction with their owners, staff, and participating rifugios was above and beyond our highest expectations. We have been and will continue to spread the word about Holimites. We'll most certainly utilize this company again in the future.
We should note our favorite experience was Rifugio Fuciade. After a challenging day, we were rewarded there with the best food and sleep of our trek.
Holimites is providing a unique and spectacular service to their clients. So much gratitude to everyone involved!
Alta Via 2 Unguided.
Holomites organised an unguided hike along the Alta Via 2 for us in late June. The pre-trip information was very useful, the arrangement of transport...
Holomites organised an unguided hike along the Alta Via 2 for us in late June. The pre-trip information was very useful, the arrangement of transport and lodging was great.
We were met by a mountain guide and briefed about the route, provided with pre-marked maps on where to go, what alternatives were possible, where we were staying, and any potential challenging areas.
Our arranged route deviated from the AV2, but it was amazing. We arranged two rest days, one was put at Passo Gardena with great hiking and easy access to Corvara. The second was at Flora Alpina which was splendid.
We did not know much about the fighting that took place in this area during WWI, and wished we had been given a bit more information and option to see some of the areas set up as museums. As a repeat trip I would stay in Malga Ciapela for the rest day and take the cable car to the museum on Marmolada.
Also I would not stay in Agordo, but rather go back to Cortina or Corvara directly after the hike.
This was an amazing trip and I would strongly recommend Holimites to anyone looking to explore the Dolomites.
Dolomites and Holimites are a special combination
Walking the Dolomites has long been on my bucket list and my expectations have been well and truly met. Local, family company Holimites organised my 8 day guided...
Walking the Dolomites has long been on my bucket list and my expectations have been well and truly met. Local, family company Holimites organised my 8 day guided walk of the Alta Via 2, luggage trnsfers, accommodation (including an extra 2 night's stay), transport from Venice and a guided via ferrata climb. Everything from the first email contact was efficient and helpful and it was a bonus to be in the hands of these people who live in and love their mountains. We felt confident with Guide Matthais, whose ''other'' job is maintaining the tracks of the region so he knows them well. An unexpected bonus was the food, generous and very high quality both at hotel Gran Ander in Badia Pedraces village and at the huts and restaurants en route. The walking each day is steep and strenuous (and stunning) but do not expect to lose weight! Thanks to Anders (Gran Ander owner/chef), Matthias, via ferrata guide Miguel, and Sue, Astrid and Raffaella of the Holimites.
Trekking Alta Via 2
What an amazing adventure! We did Alta Via 2 at the end of July 2016. Our guide, Andreas aka "Tata", was the best! Not only is he an amazing trail runner, but he...
What an amazing adventure! We did Alta Via 2 at the end of July 2016. Our guide, Andreas aka "Tata", was the best! Not only is he an amazing trail runner, but he has great knowledge of the history and geology of the area. Every day provided something new and special on the trail. The food was amazing, the rifugios were far from rustic and Andreas' stories kept us all laughing. The trip was very well organized by the Holomites. Highly recommend a trip with them - and ask for Andreas as your guide!
Seamless Service
My husband and I were short on time for planning our trip to the Dolomites, booking reservations and doing the rest of the leg work. I found Holimites on the internet and...
My husband and I were short on time for planning our trip to the Dolomites, booking reservations and doing the rest of the leg work. I found Holimites on the internet and decided to take a chance they could help us out. This was the first time I put my travel plans in somebody else's hands, but I am sure glad I did! From the get-go they were fantastic with communication and tailoring our trip to our needs. We did the trip without a guide and they booked us in rifugios, incorporating the Alta Via 2 as requested. The accommodations were awesome, they provided the maps and a laminated daily card of the daily elevation gained, trail notes and alternative routes. Having 3 days of rain, we really appreciated the laminated trail notes! Additionally they reserved our bus tickets for us when I had difficulty trying to do so myself. The next time we head to the Dolomites we will most definitely use the Holimites.
Dates 2027
Dates
Discovering the Alta Via 1 of the Dolomites