After yesterday’s long hike, today offers a more relaxed pace. We start with a short 10-minute walk to the summit of Mount Lagazuoi, where the early morning light provides stunning photo opportunities with views stretching to the distant Marmolada. After breakfast, we begin our descent to the famed Passo Falzarego, a favorite among road cyclists and a feature of the annual Dolomites Marathon. Here, you’ll find cafés and gift shops where maps of the local area can be purchased. A gentle stroll across meadows leads us to a local restaurant for morning coffee before we ascend through beautiful larch forests on a scenic trail.
As we climb, we are treated to breathtaking views of Mount Lagazuoi, the Tofane mountain range, and the iconic Cinque Torri (Five Towers). This is an excellent day for photography, especially as we pass the striking blue-green waters of Lago Limedes, which offers spectacular panoramic shots. We typically stop for lunch at Rifugio Averau, renowned for its excellent cuisine. Later, we take a short 20-minute climb to the historic Rifugio Nuvolau, the oldest rifugio in the Dolomites, perched dramatically on the cliff’s edge. However, if you prefer to relax on the terrace at Rifugio Averau instead, no one will hold it against you! After soaking in the views at Nuvolau, we descend to the pass before a final easy walk to our accommodation for the night, which will be at either Rifugio Averau, Passo Giau, or Rifugio Scoiattoli, depending on availability.
Hiking: 9 km (5.6 mi), 6 hours (to Passo Giau or Rifugio Scoiattoli) / 7 km (4.3 mi), 5 hours 15 minutes (to Rifugio Averau)
Elevation (to Passo Giau or Rifugio Scoiattoli): +515 m (+1,689 ft), -974 m (-3,194 ft)
Elevation (to Rifugio Averau): +515 m (+1,689 ft), -774 m (-2,539 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Passo Giau or Rifugio Scoiattoli
Luggage access: Yes for Passo Giau/Rifugio Scoiattoli, no for Rifugio Averau
The Alta Via I was a big goal for me, and the trip was everything I hoped for and more. The trip guide kept me thinking positively when I was struggling, and the astounding beauty kept me inspired as well. We encountered every type of weather possible, but these incredible mountains were worth every minute.