Discover the heart of the Dolomites on this 7-day self-guided hike along Alta Via 1! Trek from Cortina d'Ampezzo to the Belluno valley, passing beneath the towering Tofane peaks, through the dramatic limestone formations of Cinque Torri, alongside the stunning turquoise waters of Croda da Lago, and around the majestic Pelmo and Civetta massifs. Experience unforgettable alpine landscapes on this iconic trail with expert support and luggage transfers.
Arrive in Pocol and check in to your hotel, located 6 km (3.7 mi) from Cortina and easily accessible by bus. If you arrive early, consider heading up to Passo Falzarego for a scenic hike on the Lagazuoi plateau, offering various route options through dramatic high-altitude terrain.
Optional hike: Up to 12 km (7.5 mi), up to 4 hours, up to +/-400 m (1,312 ft)
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Double occupancy room in 3-star hotel in Pocol
Today’s route offers several exciting options to reach the iconic Cinque Torri. Hike across dramatic alpine landscapes from the Tofane crossing (Tofana di Rozes, 3,225 m / 10,580 ft) to the Averau Pass, with possibilities to summit Lagazuoi (2,778 m / 9,114 ft) or Nuvolau (2,575 m / 8,448 ft). Enjoy a day of contrasts—from high peaks to rolling ridgelines. Start directly from the hotel or take a short bus ride to Passo Falzarego (not included).
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 6.9–16.3 km (4.3–10.1 mi), 2 to 6 hours
Elevation: +300 to +1,150 m (984–3,773 ft), -100 to -420 m (328–1,378 ft)
Accommodation: Small dormitory in Rifugio Scoiattoli
Luggage access: Yes, just a daypack to carry
Today’s hike leads you away from the striking peaks of the Tofane and the iconic Cinque Torri, perched dramatically above the larch forests. Cross beneath the Nuvolau and continue toward the Forcella Ambrizola (2,277 m / 7,470 ft), a panoramic saddle with sweeping views over the Cortina valley. You have two route options: cross the wild Croda da Lago massif via the high Formin Pass (2,461 m / 8,074 ft), or opt for a more direct descent to the scenic Federa Lake (2,046 m / 6,713 ft) and its lakeside refuge.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 11.8–16.1 km (7.3–10 mi), 4.5 to 5.5 hours
Elevation: +460 to +800 m (1,509–2,625 ft), -670 to -1,010 m (2,198–3,314 ft)
Accommodation: Small dormitory in Rifugio Croda da Lago
Luggage access: No, overnight pack to carry
Today’s route leads you from the Ambrizola Pass through rolling alpine pastures and gently undulating terrain, passing Forcella di Col Roan (2,075 m / 6,808 ft) and Forcella Roan (1,999 m / 6,558 ft). With the dramatic massifs of Pelmo and Civetta as your constant backdrop, you continue to the peaceful meadows near Rifugio Città di Fiume. From here, hike beneath the imposing scree slopes of Mount Pelmo before reaching Passo Staulanza (1,766 m / 5,794 ft). For those with energy left, an optional side trip to Mount Crot (2,158 m / 7,080 ft) offers a stunning panoramic reward.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 9.8–14.7 km (6.1–9.1 mi), 3.5 to 5.5 hours
Elevation: +420 to +820 m (1,378–2,690 ft), -700 to -1,100 m (2,297–3,609 ft)
Accommodation: Small dormitory in Col de Staulanza Rifugio
Luggage access: Yes, just a daypack to carry
Begin the day with a steady climb to the Coldai Breach (2,191 m / 7,188 ft), then continue into the heart of the Civetta range. You’ll pass Rifugio Coldai and its lake before embarking on one of the most spectacular traverses in the Dolomites—along a panoramic ledge beneath the towering 1,200 m / 3,937 ft vertical north face of Monte Civetta (3,220 m / 10,564 ft). This dramatic 3 km / 1.9 mi “balcony” trail offers unforgettable views of Lake Alleghe and the valley far below, ending at the peaceful and scenic Vazzoler Hut (1,714 m / 5,623 ft), a true gem among alpine refuges.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 15.2 km (9.4 mi), 5 to 5.5 hours
Elevation: +720 m (2,362 ft), -770 m (2,526 ft)
Accommodation: Small dormitory in Rifugio Vazzoler
Luggage access: No, overnight pack to carry
Begin with a climb to the Palanzin Pass and Forcella dell’Orso, entering the dramatic and rugged world of the Moiazza range (2,878 m / 9,442 ft). Jagged towers, spires, and vertical rock faces define this wild alpine landscape. Pause at Forcella del Camp (1,932 m / 6,339 ft) before the trail shifts direction and traverses across the base of Cima Duran. A final ascent leads to the welcoming sight of the mountain huts at Passo Duran (1,601 m / 5,253 ft).
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 11.6 km (7.2 mi), about 5 hours
Elevation: +630 m (2,067 ft), -750 m (2,461 ft)
Accommodation: Small dormitory in Passo Duran Rifugio
Luggage access: Yes, just a daypack to carry
Your final hike leads beneath the striking San Sebastiano massif (2,488 m / 8,163 ft), descending gradually into the lush valley below. Pass through the charming traditional village of Colcerver before reaching Dont, where a local taxi will be waiting. From here, continue by public transport to Venice (included). A direct taxi transfer to Cortina or Pocol is also available as an option.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 8.4 km (5.2 mi), about 3 to 4 hours
Elevation: +70 m (230 ft), -740 m (2,428 ft)
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
In order to go on this Alta Via 1 self-guided tour, great fitness is required. You’ll be hiking 2 to 6 hours per day, for 5 days in a row, with 500 to 1,000 m (1,640 to 3,280 ft) of altitude gain and 500 to 1,200 m (1,640 to 3,937 ft) of altitude loss per day.
The most you’ll hike within a day is 15.2 km (9.4 mi). Check out the itinerary to learn about day-by-day distances and elevation changes.
For more hiking adventures in the Dolomites, click here! And if you want to see all our hiking trips in Italy, check them out here.
The following items are required for this Alta Via 1 self-guided tour unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed. Luggage transfers have a limit of 33lbs/15kg—please stick to this as extra items are not easily stored by the team.
Avoid cotton or cycling-specific clothing. Synthetic fabrics dry quickly and perform well in active conditions. Merino wool is also an excellent option — it dries fast, is comfortable to wear, and naturally resists odors even after extended use.
Note that the beginning and end of the season (June and September) have a strong risk of snow and snowy conditions on the trail.
Clothing:
Gear:
First aid kit suggestions:
Carrying a basic personal first aid kit is strongly advised, as unforeseen situations may arise during travel. Access to medications and first aid supplies can be limited in certain destinations, making it essential to bring necessary prescription and over-the-counter items. Travel plans, vaccinations, and medication use should be reviewed with a healthcare provider in advance to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
Here’s a basic list of what’s generally a good personal travel first aid kit:
Optional items:
Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By going on this Alta Via 1 self-guided hiking tour, we take care of…
Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!
Digital travel package includes documents available in English, French, and German, sent by email, and provides access to a smartphone travel application for navigating hikes and accessing local maps (available in English only). It also contains the list of booked accommodations, and all the detailed information needed for a successful trip. If desired, a printed version of the travel package can be provided for an additional fee; it will be ready and available at the first accommodation of the itinerary, including maps, a topo guide, and a travel folder—you can add this at checkout.
As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.
Group sizes and pricing
Alta Via 1 self-guided hiking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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 self-guided tour is Pocol, just 20 minutes away from Cortina d’Ampezzo. To get there, there are multiple airports to consider—Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Treviso Airport (TSF), Innsbruck Airport (INN), Bolzano Airport (BZO)… Depending on where you land, it will take you anywhere between 1.5-3 hours—you can rent a car, take public transport, or a shuttle… First you’ll reach Cortina d’Ampezzo, and the take a 20-minute bus to Pocol.
Check into your hotel in Pocol. If you arrive early and if you’re up for it, you’ll be able to go on an optional hike on Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. 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!