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Alta Via 1 Trail Running Adventure in the Dolomites

Itinerary
Alta Via 1 Trail Running Adventure in the Dolomites
Date and group size

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Single supplement

If you’d like to have a room to yourself on this adventure, please reach out to us prior to booking. Keep in mind that while this can be arranged for an additional fee, single rooms in this area can be in short supply and require early booking.

We’ll stay in twin bedrooms or small dormitory-style rooms of 2-4 people. Single rooms in Cortina may be available upon request for an additional fee, but these options are limited in number and require early booking. At Passo Duran, accommodation is in a shared dormitory, with an option for a hotel stay available upon request. Please note that this option requires an off-trail transfer at an extra cost.

All breakfasts and dinners are included in the price of this trip. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated, please let us know down below if you have any. Since your meals will be pre-ordered to fit your dietary needs, please do not change your dietary requirements during the trip.

Select a cancellation policy

Things come up, and sometimes plans need to be changed. Check out our flexible cancellation options.
57hours flexibility options
Deposits

When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

After 48 hours, booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. You can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period.
Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Super Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Alta Via 1 Trail Running Adventure in the Dolomites
Itinerary
Alta Via 1 Trail Running Adventure in the Dolomites
People
1 Person
Date(s)
--
Duration
8 day
Guide(s)
Julia Tregaskis-Allen, Tracks and Trails
Reserve deposit (30%) $0
Second Payment Amount: $0

  • Run through the stunning Dolomites on this 8-day Alta Via 1 trail running adventure through 110 kilometers (68 miles) of jagged ridgelines, alpine meadows, and stunning views. We’ll kick off the adventure with a night in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo before heading into the mountains. After each long day on the trail, we’ll stay in charming mountain rifugios, where the views are as breathtaking as the runs themselves. We’ll begin and end each day with a hearty breakfast and dinner, let our expert guide lead the way, and circle back to legendary Cortina to wrap it all up. With luggage transfers and transport to and from the trailhead taken care of, taking the high road has never been more epic!

    • Today, we arrive in the charming town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as the jewel of the Dolomites. This picturesque town is surrounded by majestic peaks and holds a rich history spanning over 1,000 years. As a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, its beauty is undeniable. The town’s bustling pedestrian center is within easy walking distance from our hotel, offering access to museums, galleries, and local attractions.

      For those interested in history and culture, the Ethnographic Museum provides insight into local traditions, while the “Rinaldo Zardini” Palaeontological Museum houses an impressive collection of fossils. Our running guide will meet us at the hotel before dinner at approximately 6pm to answer any questions and discuss the days ahead.

      Meals: Dinner
      Accommodation: Hotel Pontechiesa

      Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites

    • We start with a short taxi ride to the stunning Lago di Braies, the official starting point of the Alta Via trail. The lake’s turquoise waters, set against towering cliffs, create a breathtaking backdrop. Our trail begins along the lake’s edge before climbing steadily beneath the dramatic cliffs of Monte Muro. Reaching Porta Sora il Forn at 2,388 m (7,832 ft), we are rewarded with sweeping views, including the Marmolada glacier—the only major ice field in the Dolomites.

      A short descent brings us to Rifugio Biella, where we pause for coffee. We then enjoy a scenic descent through flower-filled meadows before a steep jeep road leads us down to Rifugio Pederu for lunch. In the afternoon, a steady climb through the rugged Vallone di Rudo takes us to Lago Piciodil. We end our day at Rifugio Fanes, a cozy mountain hut nestled in the heart of the Fanes Nature Park.

      Meals: Breakfast and dinner
      Running: 19.7 km (12.3 miles), 4.5-5 hours
      Elevation: +1,620 m (+5,314 ft), -1,030 m (-3,379 ft)
      Accommodation: Rifugio Fanes

      Trail runners at Lago di Braies in the Dolomites

    • Leaving Rifugio Fanes, we quickly reach the scenic Passo di Limo at 2,172 m (7,124 ft), where a serene alpine lake reflects the surrounding peaks. We traverse a rugged mountainside before a final climb to Forcetta del Lago at 2,486 m (8,154 ft), an impressive notch in the skyline. The descent offers spectacular views down to Lago di Lagazuoi at 2,182 m (7,156 ft), a perfect spot for photos and a break.

      We then ascend 200 m (656 ft) to Rifugio Lagazuoi, a historically significant location from WWI. Here, we can explore gun emplacements and tunnels before descending past a WWI memorial. Our final stretch takes us through Forcella Travenanzes at 2,507 m (8,222 ft) before reaching Falzarego Pass and our accommodation at Rifugio Col Gallina. There is an option to take a cable car from Rifugio Lagazuoi for those wanting to save their legs.

      Meals: Breakfast and dinner
      Running: 22 km (13.7 miles), 5-6 hours
      Elevation: +1,685 m (+5,526 ft), -450 m (-1,476 ft)
      Accommodation: Rifugio Col Gallina

      Wooden alpine hut in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park with mountains in the background

    • We start with a short climb to a beautiful traversing trail leading to Rifugio Dibona, where we can enjoy a cappuccino on the terrace. A steep descent through larch forests follows before we climb again. On the way, we explore the ‘Sentiero dei Trinceramenti,’ an open-air WWI trench museum.

      We continue to the Averau pass, where a well-placed rifugio offers another refreshment stop. If weather allows, we extend the day with a climb to Rifugio Nuvolau and its summit for panoramic views. Our route then traverses beneath impressive cliffs before arriving at Passo Giau and our accommodation at the Berg Hotel. The sunset here offers stunning views north to Cortina and south into Veneto.

      Meals: Breakfast and dinner
      Running: 14.7 km (9.3 miles), 5-6 hours
      Elevation: +1,139 m (+3,736 ft), -962 m (-3,156 ft)
      Accommodation: Berg Hotel Passo Giau

      The iconic Cinque Torri can be seen from Passo Giau

    • Today, we cross three mountain passes, moving from rocky trails to lush green meadows. Our route takes us through flower-filled pastures, past grazing horses, donkeys, and cattle. We descend into a valley before climbing again, following Monte Formin’s south cliffs to Forcella Ambrizzola at 2,277 m (7,468 ft). From here, we have views of the mighty Civetta mountain range and a neolithic site.

      A gentle descent through dairy pastures leads to Rifugio Città di Fiume, where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we traverse beneath the rugged Monte Pelmo before descending through larch forests. If time allows, we detour to see dinosaur footprints in the foothills of Pelmo. Finally, we reach Rifugio Staulanza, our accommodation for the night.

      Meals: Breakfast and dinner
      Running: 15 km (9.5 miles), 5-6 hours
      Elevation: +550 m (+1,804 ft), -800 m (-2,624 ft)
      Accommodation: Rifugio Staulanza

      Monte Pelmo in the Dolomites from a viewpoint below

    • Today starts early as we begin a steady climb through larch forests to reach Rifugio Sonino Al Coldai for a coffee break. We continue to the turquoise waters of Lago Coldai before crossing Forcella Col Negro at 2,203 m (7,225 ft). A descent brings us into Val Civetta, where we are surrounded by towering rock faces.

      We pass the famous ‘Wall of Walls’ before reaching Rifugio Vazzoler for lunch. In the afternoon, we traverse forested slopes and climb Forcella Col Dell’Orso at 1,823 m (5,979 ft), a short section with chains for support. A final descent brings us to Passo Duran, where we stay in a shared dormitory at Rifugio Passo Duran (a hotel option is available upon request with an additional transfer cost).

      Meals: Breakfast and dinner
      Running: 28 km (17.5 miles), 7.5-8.5 hours
      Elevation: +1,550 m (+5,085 ft), -1,600 m (-5,249 ft)
      Accommodation: Rifugio Tome, Passo Duran (shared dormitory)

      Lake Coldai in the Dolomites from above

    • Our final day on the Alta Via trail takes us into the Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi, home to chamois and marmots. We climb through wild landscapes to reach the Forcella del Moschesin at 1,940 m (6,364 ft), then descend slightly before another ascent to the Portela dei Pezedei.

      The trail narrows along a short, exposed ridge to our highest pass at 2,451 m (8,041 ft), offering views of the Venetian plain. A steep descent brings us to Rifugio Pian de Fontana, where we stop for lunch. We then descend through pine forests to the road, where a private taxi takes us back to Cortina (2-hour drive). The afternoon includes time for a spa visit before our final celebratory meal.

      Meals: Breakfast and dinner
      Running: 28 km (17 miles), 8-9 hours
      Elevation: +1,500 m (+4,921 ft), -1,580 m (-5,183 ft)
      Accommodation: Hotel Pontechiesa

      Cattle seen on the Alta Via 1 trail run in the Dolomites

    • Today, we depart from Cortina d’Ampezzo after breakfast, marking the end of our journey.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Dolomites above the clouds at sunrise on the Alta Via 1 trail run

    • Included:

        • An experienced International Mountain Leader and Trail Running guide with extensive knowledge of the area
        • 8-day Alta Via 1 trail run
        • Accommodation for 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Cortina
        • Accommodation for 4 nights in comfortable mountain rifugios with showers (some with en suite facilities)
        • Accommodation for 1 night in a mountain refuge in shared dormitory-style accommodation
        • All breakfasts and dinners
        • Showers and bedding in the rifugios
        • Transport to the start of the route at Lago di Braies on Day 2
        • Taxi transfer to Cortina from the trail end on Day 7
        • Luggage transfers between accommodations

      Add-ons

        • Single supplement — limited availability, let us know prior to booking if interested
        • Hotel accommodation on Day 6 — let us know prior to booking if interested (additional off-trail transfer cost applies)

      Not included:

        • Flights
        • Lunches
        • Drinks
        • Extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary
        • Transfers to and from Cortina at the beginning and end of the trip
        • Travel and medical insurance
        • Guide gratuities — optional
        • Mountain rescue insurance — mandatory

    • This Alta Via 1 trail run requires high fitness levels and trail running experience. You’ll spend 5-9 hours on the trail for six consecutive days, covering an average of 25 km (15.6 mi) per day with up to 1,685 m (5,526 ft) elevation gain. The distance covered on longer days may reach up to 30 km (18.7 mi). The maximum altitude reached on this adventure is 2,700 m (8,860 ft).

      Expect to run on varied terrain, mainly on good trails, with large sections of ascent and descent. The routes will have some technical, narrow and rocky sections which might cross steeper slopes, loose stones and scree. It’s not unusual to find snow in certain locations such as high passes at any time in the summer season.

      Looking to explore the Dolomites at a slower pace? Check out these hiking adventures!

    • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      Essential equipment

        • Trail running shoes suitable for a variety of trails
        • Running poles — highly recommended for long climbing and mixed terrain
        • Backpack with chest and waist straps (max 20L capacity) — test load before trip
        • Backpack liner/cover to keep contents dry
        • Water bottle (1-1.5L container or two soft flasks)
        • Survival blanket (1.40 m x 2 m minimum)

      Clothing

        • Waterproof and breathable jacket with hood 
        • Waterproof rain pants 
        • Mid-length tights and long socks or long running tights
        • Thermal top (long-sleeved)
        • Thin fleece/lightweight down jacket
        • Running shorts/skort
        • Breathable T-shirt/vest
        • Warm hat
        • Earband or headband
        • Baseball cap or sun hat
        • Gloves — one thick pair, one thin pair
        • Running socks
        • Recovery/compression socks — optional
        • Scarf/buff for neck
        • Fleece/wind stopper waistcoat — optional

      You must be able to cover yourself with 3 full layers on your upper body and 2 full layers on your legs.

      Comfort & extras

        • Sunscreen
        • Lip balm
        • Sunglasses — eye protection is essential
        • Tissues
        • Biodegradable bags to dispose of waste
        • Snacks — running food such as bars, gels, energy drinks, trail mix, recovery drinks, etc.

      Documentation

        • Passport — bring a paper copy
        • Mountain rescue insurance — mandatory
        • Credit card
        • Cash — Euros
        • Waterproof bag for documents
        • GHIC (if traveling from the UK)

      Personal First Aid

        • Personal medication if required
        • Antiseptic cream/spray
        • Anti-chafing cream or Vaseline
        • Painkillers/anti-inflammatories
        • Glucose tablets
        • Rehydration sachets — 2 packs, e.g., Dioralyte
        • Throat lozenges
        • Blister plasters
        • Blister tape — e.g., Strappal
        • Band-aids/plasters
        • Bandage/knee support — recommended

      Additional items

        • Camera
        • Phone that will function in Italy
        • Clothing for accommodation
        • Slippers for accommodation
        • Clothing for any classes, e.g. yoga or stretching
        • Swimwear for pool/hot tubs if available
        • Ear plugs and head torch — recommended when sharing a room
        • Maps — optional, can be bought locally
        • Heart rate monitor — optional
        • GPS watch/phone to track your route — optional
        • Toiletries — soap/shower gel (not always provided)
        • Padlock (for luggage being transferred)
        • 1 medium-sized holdall or suitcase

      Your luggage will be moved each day by a taxi driver. The maximum weight limit is 15 kg (33lbs) per person. Please bring no more than one luggage bag on the trip—the taxi company may charge an additional fee for extra bags. Keep in mind that you must be able to carry your luggage upstairs, as not all accommodations have elevators.

      If you follow a gluten-free or celiac diet, please bring supplementary snacks.

    • Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, but it is generally good. You can expect everything from glorious sunshine to rain, fog, high winds, and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°C (86°F) in July and August, but can drop to 5°C (41°F) on the high passes. 

      As with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°C (41-59°F) on the passes.

      Even in mid-summer there is the possibility of overnight snow, especially when spending a night in a mountain refuge at higher altitude.

    • Group sizes and pricing

        • For this Alta Via 1 trail run, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1. 
        • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.
        • The price of the adventure is based on 2 people sharing a room at the hotel and 2-4 people in dormitory-style rooms (same gender) in mountain rifugios. Your guides will do their best to arrange bedrooms at rifugi, but it’s not a guarantee. Mixed gender rooms may be necessary on some occasions
        • Single supplement is available for the hotel in Cortina upon request, but single room availability is limited and dependent on early booking.
        • We strongly advise you not to make travel arrangements until your departure has been confirmed to run!

      An Alta Via 1 trail run can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

      Min. age requirements

        • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.

      If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

    • The starting point of your Alta Via 1 trail run is Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. To get there, most people fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or Innsbruck Airport (INN). Depending on where you land, it will take you anywhere between 1.5-3 hours to reach Cortina d’Ampezzo. To get there, you can arrange a shuttle, take public transport, or rent a car.

      Once you’re there, you’ll meet your guide at around 6pm for dinner at your hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

    • Activity, injury, and mountain rescue insurance is mandatory, while travel insurance is highly recommended. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

      Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

      Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

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