Day 1 - Arrive in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Your guided Dolomites trek begins in the evening, when your guide joins you at the hotel. The location? Cortina d’Ampezzo, a lovely mountain town in the heart of the Italian Dolomites.

 

Accommodation: Comfortable 3*** hotel, dinner included

Luggage access

 

Day 2 – Trek from Lago di Braies to Rifugio Pederu

Today starts with a short taxi ride to the beauty spot of Lago di Braies to begin our adventure. A turquoise gem of a lake set against impressive, towering cliffs, it's one of the largest and deepest natural lakes in the region. We’ll contour the lake then ascend through pine trees until we arrive beneath the striated (meaning striped or streaked) cliffs of Monte Muro, to impressive views at the Porta Sora il Forn at 2,388 m (7,832 ft). It’s then a quick downhill into Rifugio Biella for a welcome local lunch, perhaps some minestrone soup. A flower-filled afternoon follows lunch, past meadows and farms. Save a burst for the end of the day, as a steep ascent beneath striking cliffs will bring us to today’s overnight stop at Rifugio Pederu.

 

Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

Luggage access

Walking: approx. 7-8 hrs

Distance: 17 km / 10.6 miles

Altitude gain / loss: +1045 m / -984 m (+3427 ft / -3227 ft)

 

Day 3 - Trek from Rifugio Pederu to Rifugio Lagazuoi

There’s more uphill than down today, so your knees will that you for that! You’ll earn your excellent Italian coffee at Rifugio Fanes, after a steady ascent through the rocky and wild Vallone di Rudo to Lago Piciodil. The trail continues to Passo di Limo at 2172 m (7124 ft), and its namesake lake, a popular spot for picnickers. The lake’s framed by high peaks and unusual limestone slabs which are pocked with scented pine trees. A challenging traverse then takes us to the Forcetta del Lago at 2486 m (8154 ft), followed by a memorable descent to the reflective green waters of Lago di Lagazuoi. Tonight’s Rifugio is the reward of a 200 m (656 ft) climb. Our route is now aligned with World War One’s front line, evidenced by tunnels carved out of the ridgeline and gun emplacements. Serving as a well-preserved reminder of darker times, Rifugio Lagazuoi’s phenomenal cliff edge location will snap you back to the present, its wood-fired sauna ready to ease your muscles as you soak up the unforgettable mountain view. 

 

Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

No luggage access

Walking: approx. 9 hrs

Distance: 18 km / 11.3 miles

Altitude gain / loss: +1685 m / -450 m (+5526 ft / -1476 ft)

 

Day 4 - Trek from Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Averau

From the military history and artefacts of the Lagazuoi and Casteletto mountains, today sees us push on to enjoy close-ups of the wonderful summit of Le Tofane. The route kicks off by heading over the Forcella Travenanzes at 2507 m (8222 ft) then descends past a sobering WWI memorial that commemorates the bitter fighting that took place here. Incredible views of the Cinque Torri (the Five Towers) await once we’ve conquered the rocky and wild Forcella Col dei Bos. With luck we’ll savour a late-morning cake and coffee stop at the Rifugio Dibona. To reach the Cinque Torri themselves, we’ll tackle a steep descent through larch forest, then heading back up to reach the Cinque Torri themselves, where rock climbers are often pitted against the towers’ sheer faces. Beneath the towers is a good lunch option today, at the Rifugio under the towers. You’ll notice how we’re trying hard to balance the sport with the supping and snacking! It’s then a relatively easy climb to the lovely refuge at Averau whose delights include cheeses, game meats and ice cream with hot raspberries. 

Un-guided add-on: If you’ve energy to spare for another 120 m (393 ft) ascent, take the opportunity head off along the rocky skyline to Rifugio Nuvolau. Boasting a dramatic cliff-top setting, it’s one of the Dolomites’ oldest refuges with authentic features to match. Your guide can give details on the day, or simply relax on Averau’s high-altitude terrace to savour views of Le Tofane, Lagazuoi and Cinque Torri.

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Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

No luggage access

Walking: Approx 7 hours

Distance: 16km / 10 miles

Altitude gain / loss: +855 m / -1150 m (+2804 ft / -3772 ft)

 

Day 5 - Trek from Rifugio Averau to Rifugio Staulanza

Today, descend from Averau’s lofty heights down through rocky, flower-filled meadows to reach our next pass at the Forcella Giau at 2350 m (7708 ft). From here, enjoy views over to Monte Pelmo as you enjoy a coffee and contemplate this punishing road bike climb in the Giro d’Italia, Italy’s answer to the Tour de France. An almost 10km (6 mile) climb with gradients between 9.4% and 14%, it’s something to aspire to... Next we trek across the mountainside following Monte Formin’s impressive south cliffs before climbing up to the Forcella Ambrizzola at 2277m (7468ft). Views of the glorious Civetta accompany our route to the next pass, after which a gentle descent through cow-dotted pastoral lands awaits. Today’s efforts are completed with a traverse beneath the impressive spires and epic peaks of Monte Pelmo, one of the Dolomites’ signature mountains. Tonight’s Rifugio Staulanza is run by renowned mountaineer Marco Sala, and comes after a descent through larch forests.

 

Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

Luggage access

Walking: approx. 8 hrs

Distance: 19 km / 11.8 miles

Altitude gain / loss: +644m / -1150 m (+2112 ft / -3772 ft)

 

Day 6 - Trek from Rifugio Staulanza to Rifugio Vazzoler

This morning, we’ll get away from the crowds to find a trail less travelled. We’ll climb to a ridge that gives the impression few walkers go there. All the better for us after a steady, post-breakfast ascent. Peace and tranquillity prevail and we’ll soon reach the Casera di Pioda dairy farm, whose local cheeses are a hit in the summer months. Leaving the rural idyll behind, we’ll attain a well-graded mule track to take us to the shoulder of Cima Coldai, an outlier of the Civetta (another true symbol of the Dolomites). We’ll visit the Rifugio Sonino Al Coldai – another great refuge in another stunning location – before continuing down to the stony beaches and enticing, turquoise waters of Lago Coldai. We truly are being spoiled today. Next we’ll cross the Forcella Col Negro at 2203 m (7225 ft) before losing height to drop into Val Civetta. With its iconic slabs, peaks and pinnacles, Monte Civetta’s west face towers 1200 m (3936 ft) overhead, and it’s an impressive 7 km (4.4 miles) long, with a hanging icefield – the Cristallo – clinging to the cliffs of its highest point. Known as the ‘wall of walls’, this face is unique in the Alps. Dragging ourselves away, we’ll then head over the Forcella di Col Rean to reach our overnight stop at the remote Rifugio Vazzoler.

 

Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

No luggage access

Walking: approx. 7 hrs

Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles

Altitude gain / loss: +952 m / -800 m (+3122 ft / -2624 ft)

 

Day 7 - Trek from Rifugio Vazzoler to Rifugio Sebastiano

Unique views leave their indelible mark today. Panoramas of Torre Trieste’s towering rock face and Cima della Busazza at 2894 m (9492 ft) can be seen directly from our Rifugio as we set off to cross a stony slope below the cliffs. We’ll soon reach the steep little pass of Forcella Col Dell’Orso at 1823 m (5979 ft). Next comes a short section along a flowered rock face (which has chains provided as a hand rail), before the trail rises across boulders and pastures. Our route then drops before the jutting beauty of Moiazza’s south face. Following the Val Framont, we can then take a relaxing lunch detour to the commanding outcrop that’s home to Rifugio Carestiato. What a stunning location. Our day’s trek draws to a close with an easy walk through pine forests and pastures to reach the Passo Duran and Rifugio Sebastiano by early afternoon. Our luggage awaits at the Rifugio, in readiness to prepare for the final stages of our epic Dolomite traverse.

 

Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

Luggage access

Walking: approx. 6 hrs

Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles

Altitude gain / loss: +740 m / -800 m (+2427 ft / -2624 ft)

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Day 8 – Trek from Rifugio Sebastiano to Rifugio Pian de Fontana

Nearing the end of our adventure, we enter the Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi. This is the wildest of the national parks included on the Alta Via 1 trail, and comes with a good chance of spotting wildlife from marmots to deer. After an early start we’ll head round the southern slopes of Tamer Grande at 2547 m (8356 ft), passing the remains of Moschesin garrison to reach the Forcella del Moschesin at 1940 m (6364 ft). We’ll wind on to our coffee stop for the morning at Rifugio Pramparet, for snacks in this wonderfully remote setting with its views along the Costa dei Nass valley. We’ll ascend gradually to the more open Portela dei Pezedei, whose terrain is rockier under foot. Upon reaching the western slopes of the Cima de Zita, the trail narrows to a ridgeline path; this can feel exposed for a short section. Just look forward to the day’s next milestone and highest pass at 2451 m (8041 ft). Enjoy glimpses across the Venetian plain as we drop down to Rifugio Pian de Fontana. Perched on a shelf at 1632 m (5354 ft), it’s our high-altitude home for the night.

 

Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

No luggage access

Walking: approx. 6-7 hrs

Distance: 16 km / 10 miles

Altitude gain / loss: +1100 m / -1030 m (+3608 ft / -3380 ft)

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Day 9 – Trek from Rifugio Pian de Fontana to La Stanga (taxi to Cortina)

Today’s the day we complete our Alta Via 1 adventure. An easy trail back to civilisation allows time for contemplation and to reflect on the highlights of this fabulous mountain journey. Leaving Rifugio Pian Fontana’s tranquil location behind, we’ll first descend through pine forests to pick up the Alta Via Bellunesi trail. A short ascent takes us up to Forcella la Vareta at 1704 m (5590 ft) then passes north of La Schiara 2565 m (8415 ft) in the Veneto Dolomites, our final major summit on this route. We’ll savour a final mountain coffee at Rifugio Furio Bianchet before the twisting descent along a farm track to reach the trail head at La Stanga, from whence a private taxi will return us to our hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Schedule some afternoon shopping or lazy aperos before our final, celebratory group meal.

 

Accommodation: 3*** Hotel

Luggage access

Walking: approx. 4 hrs

Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles

Altitude gain / loss: +250 m / - 1600 m (+820 ft / -5249 ft)

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Day 10 Departure day from Cortina d'Ampezzo

​It’s departure day from our hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo where your Via Alta 1 trekking adventure officially finishes after breakfast.

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