Dolomites, Italy
By The Alpines · Updated 2025-02-15 · 12 min read
Alta Via 1 is the most famous long-distance trail in the Dolomites and one of the finest mountain treks in Europe. Running roughly north to south from Lago di Braies to La Stanga near Belluno, it threads through the heart of the Dolomites — past the Fanes plateau, beneath the towering walls of Tofana di Rozes, over the Lagazuoi, through the Cinque Torri, under the immense south face of Civetta, and into the wild Schiara group.
The route is not a technical climb, but neither is it a valley walk. You'll cross high passes at 2,500–2,750m, negotiate scree fields, and encounter the occasional short via ferrata section with fixed cables and ladders. The ascents and descents are significant — many days involve 800–1,200m of vertical — and the terrain is rough, loose, and steep in places. This is proper mountain hiking.
What makes Alta Via 1 extraordinary is the scenery. The Dolomites are unlike any other mountains — pale limestone towers, sheer orange walls, and jagged ridgelines rise from green Alpine meadows. Add the rifugio system (mountain huts serving proper Italian food), the warm South Tyrolean culture, and the late-summer afternoon light on the rock, and you have one of the great walking experiences on earth.
Begin at the turquoise Lago di Braies and climb south through forest into the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park. The trail rises steadily to the Fanes plateau — a high, austere limestone landscape of sinkholes and sparse grass, surrounded by pale peaks. Rifugio Fanes is a welcoming base in the heart of this otherworldly terrain.
Cross the Fanes plateau and descend to Passo Falzarego before climbing to the summit of Lagazuoi (or taking the cable car). The views from the top are among the finest in the Dolomites — Marmolada, Tofana, Pelmo, and Civetta spread across the horizon. Descend past the Cinque Torri rock towers to Rifugio Averau, with its sunset terrace overlooking the range.
Head south through the Alleghe valley and climb into increasingly wild terrain beneath Civetta. The south face of Civetta — a 1,000m vertical wall of orange and grey limestone — dominates the skyline for two full days. This is the most dramatic section of the route. Rifugio Vazzoler sits in a stunning position at the base of the wall.
The final section crosses into the Schiara group — wilder, quieter, and more remote than the northern Dolomites. The trail traverses exposed ridges and steep gullies before a long descent through forest to the endpoint at La Stanga near Belluno. The Schiara section rewards those who complete the full route with solitude and raw mountain scenery.
The Alta Via 1 season runs from late June to late September, with the ideal window being early July to mid-September. July and August offer the warmest weather and longest days, but also the busiest rifugios — booking ahead is strongly advised. The high passes may still hold snow in late June and early July, which can complicate route-finding on the Fanes plateau and Lagazuoi sections.
September is excellent — cooler temperatures, clearer skies, fewer crowds, and the autumn light on the limestone is extraordinary. However, some rifugios close in mid-September, so check opening dates. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August — plan to be off exposed ridges and passes by early afternoon.
Alta Via 1 is a challenging multi-day mountain trek with significant daily ascent and descent on rough, rocky terrain. You need strong legs, good balance on loose ground, and the endurance for 8–10 consecutive days of 5–7 hour walking at altitude.
8–10 consecutive days of 5–7 hour hiking with 800–1,200m daily vertical gain and loss
Loose scree, rocky paths, and steep gradients throughout — ankle-turning terrain that demands concentration
Extended time above 2,000m with passes at 2,500–2,750m — not extreme but enough to notice if unacclimatised
Short sections with fixed cables and ladders on exposed terrain — a head for heights and steady hands help
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Last updated: 2025-02-15 · 12 min read