Europe
Italy
Dolomites
Dolomite High Route (Alta Via 1) - 9 Days

Italy

Dolomite High Route (Alta Via 1) - 9 Days

Experience the most breathtaking scenery in the incredible Italian Alps

Dolomite High Route (Alta Via 1) - 9 Days

Experience the most breathtaking scenery in the incredible Italian Alps

Trek the Alta Via N.1 in the Dolomites – 9 days, almost 77 kilometers (48 miles), and some of the most breathtaking scenery in these incredible Italian Alps. Hike north to south on this classic high route, watching the spectacular angles of these wondrous mountains change right before your eyes!

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hike one of the famous High Routes of the Dolomites!
  • Hike hut-to-hut and enjoy the atmosphere of a different mountain refugio each night
  • Traveling from north to south, see vistas of more than 80% of the Dolomite Mountains – a recently added UNESCO World Heritage Site

OVERVIEW

Alta Via 1 or Haute Route –

Truly a hiker's paradise, thousands of trails wind their way between the fantastic pinnacles of the jagged Dolomite Mountains, and the Alta Via represent the “best of the best.” These routes are multi-day, hut-to-hut alpine tours, and offer some the most breathtaking,challenging, multi-day trails available in this mountainous wonderland.

The Alta Via N.1 is a fantastic trek, highlighted by breathtaking views, rustic and lively mountain refuges, a sense of excitement of what lies around the next bend or the next pass,and the satisfaction of traveling by foot through this beautiful and remote area. This linear trip, traveling north to south through the Italian Alps, begins in the Italian Südtirol, and heads south through different mountain groups. This astoundingly rewarding trek visits the Fanesarea, Lagazuoi and many other Cortina mountains, Pelmo, Civetta, Moiazza and the Dolomiti Bellunesi.

Spread across 80 kilometers (49 miles), the entire Alta Via 1 reaches a high point of 2,752meters (9,029'). The impressiveness of the scenery and the variety of terrain on this route is matched only by the warmth and hospitality offered by the mountain huts. The unusual contrasts in landscapes, changing colors and textures of the mountains and curious mix ofItalian and Austrian influences means fantastic hiking, stunning scenery, and plenty of pasta!

PRICING

Group Departure:

  • Please inquire

Guided Trip: (Booked on demand, Subject to availability)

$5,075usd per person (2 participants)

$3,455usd per person (4+ participants)

Self Guided Trip: (Booked on demand, Subject to availability)

$1,999usd per person (2 participants)

$1,825usd per person (4+ participants)

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The cost is based on 3-star hotels, it can be upgraded to 4/5-star, please contact us for a quotation.

High season supplement from July 16th to September 10th: 15% surcharge

Private room supplement in refugios ($40 per person, per night based on availability)

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Dolomites

Arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo (1,224m / 4,016') on your own and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request). Cortina d’Ampezzo is a charming alpine resort town surrounded by stunning peaks. Host to the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina enjoys a reputation for great skiing in winter, and in the summer attracts hikers and climbers who challenge the rocky faces of the nearby mountains. This chic Venetian town also caters to the high society crowd, offering many year-round social activities, shopping, and fine dining.

In the afternoon, you will meet with a FlashpackerConnect representative who will provide a trip briefing and orientation, as well as maps, and everything necessary for your self-guided adventure. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for a hike or to explore Cortina d’Ampezzo’s pedestrian walkway, the CorsoItalia, lined with restaurants and cafes, antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques. Most of your luggage will stay in Cortina until the last day of your trip; you will receive a duffle bag for a set of clothes and belongings which will be brought to you at your refugio on Day 4 of your hike

Accommodation: Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Day 2 - From Lago di Braies to Sennes

Hiking Time: 5 Hours
Distance: 8.3 miles / 13.3km

Starting at a beautiful alpine lake set amidst forest and soaring Dolomite peaks, this is a thrilling opening toAlta Via N.1. It entails a straightforward steady climb to a high altitude plateau with wide reaching vistas. Take a 50 minute transfer to Lago di Braies (1,494m / 4,901') and start a 800m / 2,625' climb on a well trodden path following a scree river colonized by dwarf mountain pines. Marvelous views open over Val Foresta and its peaks. Enter the Natural Park of Dolomiti d’Ampezzo: the panorama is vast and breathtaking. Reach your home for tonight. There is an optional additional hike to the top of the Col di Lasta (2,997m / 7,536').

(~5 hours hiking,13.3km / 8.3 miles, 1,179m / 3,871' ascent, 718m / 2,358' descent.

Additional hike option 2km / 1.2 miles, 210m / 689' ascent, 33m / 108' descent one way.)

B, D Refugio

Day 3 - Altopiano di Fanes

Hiking Time: 4 Hours
Distance: 4.6 Miles / 7.4km

Departing your refugio this morning, you’ll hike downhill towards Rifugio Pederù (1,548m / 5,079'). The trail travels on a steep dirt road for 40 minutes (the last part of the road approaching the refugio is a 20% slope). From Refugio Pederù, hike uphill in the direction of Lago di Limo. When you reach Lake Lé Piciodel you’ll hike through a charming landscape studded with little lakes and rounded mountain-tops along the Ru d’AlPlan River. At the fork, continue toward your refugio for tonight. Located just beneath the Limo Pass, you’ll have a splendid view of the Tofane Mountains.

(~4 hours hiking 7.4km / 4.6 miles, 700m / 2,298' ascent,599m / 1,966' descent.)

B,D Refugio

Day 4 - Cime di Fanis & Lagazuoi Massif

Hiking Time: 6 Hours
Distance: 7.2 miles / 11.5km

Today is a lovely hike through the Altopiano di Fanes to the Lagazuoi Massif. You'll enjoy beautiful panoramas of the Western Dolomites and the Marmolada Massif, the "Queen of the Dolomites. ”From your rifugio, Alta Via N.1 continues through the beautiful high meadow and karst formations, climbing to the Forcella del Lago, a narrow and dramatic gap in the mountain with a trail descent through steep talus on the south side. At the base of the slope is the lake called Lago di Lagazuoi whose green waters are framed by pines with a backdrop of the sheer walls of the Cima del Lago and the Cima Scotoni. From the lake, the path begins the long, steady climb to your refugio. Entering open, rocky terrain, you'll come across ruins from the First World War, en route to your refugio, one of the highest in all the Dolomites (2,752m /9,029'), with incredible 360-degree vistas. Your main luggage will stay in Cortina; your duffel bag with your clothes and belongings will be taken to tonight’s refugio.

(~6 hours hiking 11.5km / 7.2 miles, 1,121m / 3,679'ascent, 515m / 1,690' descent.)

B,D Refugio

Day 5 - Cinque Torri

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 10.9 miles / 17.7km

This stage is of great interest for both the spectacular mountains around and the abundance of reminders of the terrible years of WWI, due to the vicinity of the former border between the long-dismantled Hapsburg Empire and Italy.Hike a memorable traverse below the awesome Tofana di Rozes, ascending Forcella Lagazuoi (2,573m / 8,442'),Forcella Travenanzes (2,507m / 8,225') and Forcella Col dei Bos (2,331m / 7,648') and gradually descend along the line of trenches. Reach the main road that goes from Cortina to Passo Falzarego, cross it and climb through forests to the fascinating, renowned Cinque Torri area and its refugios. From here the incredible vistas around, including the Paledi San Martino, Civetta, Monti del Sole and the Marmolada with its shrinking glacier. Take some time to relax, and in the afternoon descend to the south to Passo Giau and reach your refugio for the night (2,236m / 7,336').

(~6-7 hours hiking 17.7km / 10.9 miles, 1,103m / 3,621' ascent, 1,541m / 5,058' descent, option for a shorter hike, using the Lagazuoi cable car, not included.)

B,D Refugio

Day 6 - Pelmo and Civetta Massifs

Hiking Time: 5 Hours
Distance: 7.8 miles / 12.5km

After breakfast, from your rifugio, pass a chapel, and begin to hike uphill to the rear of grassy Col Piombin, that takes its name from a past mining activity. The trail leads over the Forcella Giau (2,360m / 7,742’) with plenty of ups and downs; here the views of the Tofana and Monte Cavallo are inspiring, not to mention the mountains on display to the south: Monte Fromin, Cernera, Pelmo and the upswept flank of Monte Mondeval. Along the hike you’ll have great views of the majestic Sorapiss, the unmistakable pyramid of Antelao and far off the Cadore Dolomites. All of a suddenthe Pelmo (3,168m / 10,394') will be incredibly close, and at this range it’s easy to understand why it was dubbed ‘Throne of the Gods’. The last part of the day leads below Pelmo’s north face, (which is 1,006m / 3,300' straight up to the top) to your comfortable mountain Refugio at Passo Staulanza (1,783m / 5,850'), your home for tonight.

(~ 5 hours hiking 12,5km / 7,8 miles, 487m / 1,597' ascent, 946m / 3,105' descent.)

B,D Refugio

Day 7 - Civetta Massif

Hiking Time: 5.5 hours
Distance: 6.7 miles / 10.8km

Departing Passo Staulanza, you’ll hike by several farms and join a popular trail that climbs to the shoulder of Monte Coldai, anchoring one end of the famous Monte Civetta. After stopping for lunch at Lago Coldai, continue to the ColNegro di Coldai that looks over at the towering west face of Monte Civetta. This “wall of walls” extends for over 4 miles(6km)! About midway past this wall you climb to your refugio, perched on mountaintop with views to the Val Civetta,down the Alleghe Valley and west to the Marmolada Glacier. This overnight stop is unforgettable.

(~5,5 hours hiking 10.8km / 6.7 miles, 1,130m / 3,707’ ascent, 644m /2,113’ descent.)

B,D Refugio

Day 8 - Civetta & Moiazza to Passo Duran

Hiking Time: 7 Hours
Distance: 8.4 miles / 15.6km

From the refugio, descend to the Val Civetta over the Col Rean, through beautiful, open, green meadows to the narrow valley of Val Corpassa. The route takes you right below the sheer rock faces of the Torre Venezia (2,337m / 7,667') and the Torre Trieste (2,458m / 8,064'), both rising some 600 meters (2,000') vertically from the valley floor. You may even get to see some climbers ascending these impressive towers! Pass by the Refugio Vazzoler and ascend steeply through a dense forest to Forcella de l’Orso. Reach Forcella del Camp (1,933m / 6,341’) and you’ll get the breathtaking spectacle of the Moiazza Sud. Continue hiking to the near Refugio Bruto Carestiato (1,839m / 6,033’). Continue to Refugio San Sebastiano, following a clear white gravel lane across pasture clearings and light wood (~40 minute hike). From Refugio San Sebastiano you’ll have your transfer back to Cortina.

(~7 hours hiking 15.6km / 8.4 miles, 983m /3,225’ ascent, 1,649m / 5,410‘ descent.)

B - Hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Day 9 - Depart

Breakfast and departure on your own (private transfer on request).

Still want more adventure? We can add several days of via ferrata to your trek. Please inquire.

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*Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of your guide

Additional Trip Info

Included
Not Included
Items to Bring
Trip FAQ
  • Trip briefing
  • Logistics and map of the area
  • 2 nights accommodation in 3-star B&B in Cortina d'Ampezzo
  • 6 nights accommodation in charming rifugios (shared dormitories)
  • Meals as noted in itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
  • Local English speaking hiking guide (guided trips)
  • Transfers in the area on days 2 and 8 (these services may be shared with other guests)
  • Luggage transfer on day 4
  • Local tourist tax
  • Italian VAT tax

Airport transfers available on request

Luggage transfers available on request

  • Gratuities
  • Airport transfers (Available on request)
  • Luggage transfers (Available on request)
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance - We recommend  InsureMyTrip or Global Rescue

Have Questions?

Email Us
info@flashpackerconnect.com
Call Us
+1 206-892-8877

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