Dolomite High Route (Alta Via 1) - 9 Days – Italy – FlashpackerConnect Adventure Travel

Experience the Best of the Italian Alps on this Iconic Hut-to-Hut Trek: Trek the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites, a 9-day adventure covering 77 kilometers (48 miles) through some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in Italy. This classic north-to-south high route offers ever-changing mountain landscapes, dramatic limestone peaks, and charming rifugios (mountain huts) where you'll enjoy warm hospitality and delicious Italian cuisine.

Trip Highlights

Hike one of the most famous High Routes in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stay in traditional mountain huts (rifugios), experiencing a new alpine setting each night.
Witness 80% of the Dolomite Mountains as you traverse from the Italian Südtirol to the Belluno region.
Explore iconic locations including Fanes, Lagazuoi, Pelmo, Civetta, Moiazza, and the Dolomiti Bellunesi.
Enjoy stunning panoramic views, diverse landscapes, and a mix of Italian and Austrian influences.

Trip Overview

The Alta Via 1 (or Dolomite Haute Route) is one of the best multi-day hiking trails in Europe, offering an unforgettable hut-to-hut trekking experience. This linear trek begins in the Italian Südtirol and winds south through rugged peaks, lush valleys, and limestone spires, providing some of the most spectacular views in the Dolomites.

This 80-kilometer (49-mile) trek reaches a high point of 2,752 meters (9,029 feet), with a perfect mix of challenging trails and rewarding scenery. From the Fanes Nature Park to the dramatic cliffs of Civetta, each day on the Alta Via 1 brings new landscapes, cultural experiences, and an unparalleled sense of adventure.

Along the way, enjoy the warm hospitality of Dolomites rifugios, where you'll savor traditional mountain cuisine, meet fellow hikers, and experience the unique blend of Italian and Austrian alpine culture.

Pricing & Trip Options

Guided Alta Via 1 Trek (On Demand, Subject to Availability)

$5,075 USD per person (2 participants)
$3,455 USD per person (4+ participants)

Self-Guided Alta Via 1 Trek (On Demand, Subject to Availability)

$2,050 USD per person (2 participants)
$1,850 USD per person (4+ participants)

Pricing is based on 3-star hotels; 4- and 5-star upgrades available upon request.
High season supplement (July 16 – Sept 10): +15% surcharge
Private room supplement in rifugios: $40 per person, per night (subject to availability)

Why Hike the Alta Via 1 with Us?

Sustainable & Authentic – We support local guides, mountain huts, and eco-conscious travel.
Expertly Curated Itinerary – Designed for maximum adventure, comfort, and breathtaking scenery.
Hassle-Free Logistics – We take care of lodging, meals, and route details, so you can focus on hiking.

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

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

info@flashpackerconnect.com

+1 206-892-8877

Italy

Dolomite High Route (Alta Via 1) - 9 Days

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the Italian Alps

Dolomite High Route (Alta Via 1) - 9 Days

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the Italian Alps

Trip Highlights

Trip Overview

Pricing & Trip Options

Guided Alta Via 1 Trek (On Demand, Subject to Availability)

Self-Guided Alta Via 1 Trek (On Demand, Subject to Availability)

Why Hike the Alta Via 1 with Us?

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Dolomites

Day 2 - From Lago di Braies to Sennes

Day 3 - Altopiano di Fanes

Day 4 - Cime di Fanis & Lagazuoi Massif

Day 5 - Cinque Torri

Day 6 - Pelmo and Civetta Massifs

Day 7 - Civetta Massif

Day 8 - Civetta & Moiazza to Passo Duran

Day 9 - Depart

Additional Trip Info

Have Questions?

Interested in building a custom trip? We want to help you travel to places you have dreamt about.

info@flashpackerconnect.com

+1 206-892-8877

Italy

Dolomite High Route (Alta Via 1) - 9 Days

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the Italian Alps

Dolomite High Route (Alta Via 1) - 9 Days

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the Italian Alps

Trip Highlights

Trip Overview

Pricing & Trip Options

Guided Alta Via 1 Trek (On Demand, Subject to Availability)

Self-Guided Alta Via 1 Trek (On Demand, Subject to Availability)

Why Hike the Alta Via 1 with Us?

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Dolomites

Day 2 - From Lago di Braies to Sennes

Day 3 - Altopiano di Fanes

Day 4 - Cime di Fanis & Lagazuoi Massif

Day 5 - Cinque Torri

Day 6 - Pelmo and Civetta Massifs

Day 7 - Civetta Massif

Day 8 - Civetta & Moiazza to Passo Duran

Day 9 - Depart

Additional Trip Info

Have Questions?

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Interested in building a custom trip? We want to help you travel to places you have dreamt about.