Alta Via 1 Guided Tour: Hut-to-Hut Hiking in the Dolomites

Today is all about arrival to the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, known as the jewel of the Dolomites. The beauty of the Ampezzo Valley, along with its 1,000-year history, attracts visitors year-round. Surrounded by majestic peaks, Cortina—a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site—is sure to impress any mountain lover.

Our hotel for this trip is within easy walking distance of the bustling pedestrian town center, as well as numerous museums and galleries. We’ll meet at the hotel at approximately 6:30 pm. Feel free to use this day to explore the town—proud of its heritage, Cortina offers a chance to explore local traditions, history, and the environment at the Ethnographic Museum. You can also visit the “Rinaldo Zardini” Palaeontological Museum, home to one of the most significant fossil collections in the world.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Luggage access: Yes

A short taxi ride takes us to the famous Lago di Braies, a stunning turquoise lake set among towering cliffs. According to legend, local savages once dug in the mountains for gold and precious stones. When jealous herdsmen tried to steal their treasures, the savages opened an underground spring, sinking their riches into what became Lago di Braies. The lake is now one of the largest and deepest natural lakes in the Dolomites. After following its shoreline, we begin our ascent through pine forests, eventually emerging beneath the dramatic, striated cliffs of Monte Muro.

The climb continues to Porta Sora il Forn at 2,388 m (7,832 ft), where we are rewarded with breathtaking views. A short five-minute descent brings us to Rifugio Biella, a perfect spot for a bowl of minestrone or another well-earned meal. After lunch, we descend through picturesque flower meadows and traditional farms. The trail gradually winds down before a final steep road, passing beneath towering cliffs, leads us to our overnight stop at Rifugio Pederu.

Hiking: 17 km (10.6 mi), 7 hours
Elevation: +1,045 m (+3,427 ft), -984 m (-3,227 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Rifugio Pederu
Luggage access: Yes

A steady climb this morning takes us up through the wild and rocky Vallone di Rudo to Lago Piciodil, with the reward of excellent Italian coffee at Rifugio Fanes. We continue along the trail to Passo di Limo at 2,172 m (7,124 ft), where the lake of the same name is framed by high peaks and curious limestone slabs dotted with pine trees. Families enjoying a picnic by the lake are a common sight. A rugged traverse then brings us to the Forcetta del Lago at 2,486 m (8,154 ft), followed by an improbable descent to the green waters of Lago di Lagazuoi.

There is a little ‘sting in the tail’ as we tackle a final 200 m (656 ft) climb to reach our rifugio. We are now walking along what was the frontline during WWI, evident from the gun emplacements and tunnels carved into the ridgeline. This remarkably well-preserved reminder of more troubled times is now home to Rifugio Lagazuoi, perched dramatically on the cliff’s edge high in the mountains. The rifugio even boasts a wood-fired sauna—perfect for easing tired muscles while enjoying the breathtaking mountain views. Despite the day’s big climb, the descent is minimal, and our knees will appreciate that!

Hiking: 18 km (11.3 mi), 9 hours
Elevation: +1,685 m (+5,526 ft), -450 m (-1,476 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Rifugio Lagazuoi
Luggage access: No

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

Before leaving Passo Giau this morning, take a moment to imagine tackling this infamous pass on two wheels. The grueling ascent is a regular feature of the Giro d’Italia, Italy’s answer to the Tour de France. Cyclists face a punishing 9.8 km (6 mi) climb with an average gradient of 9.4%, reaching up to 14% in some sections. Fortunately, our trail begins more gently as we traverse the mountainside beneath Monte Formin’s striking southern cliffs before climbing to Forcella Ambrizzola at 2,277 m (7,468 ft).

From here, we enjoy sweeping views of the majestic Civetta mountain as we descend gradually through alpine pastures dotted with sheep and dairy cows. Keep an eye out for the iconic edelweiss flower, which often blooms along the trail in these high meadows. Our final stretch follows a traversing path beneath the dramatic peaks and towering spires of Monte Pelmo, one of the Dolomites’ most famous landmarks. A final descent through larch forests brings us to our accommodation for the night at Rifugio Staulanza, a charming refuge run by renowned mountaineer Marco Sala.

Hiking: 17 km (10.6 mi), 8 hours
Elevation: +644 m (+2,112 ft), -973 m (-3,191 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Rifugio Staulanza
Luggage access: Yes

The day begins with a leisurely stroll along a farm cart track through peaceful forests. Along the way, we often pass herds of cattle and their loyal dogs tending to them in the summer meadows. Our trail leads to the Casera di Pioda dairy farm, where fresh cheese is available during the summer months. Leaving this pastoral scene behind, we begin a steady ascent on a well-graded mule track to the shoulder of Cima Coldai, an outlier of the Civetta range, until we reach the beautifully situated Rifugio Sonino Al Coldai.

From here, we cross a pass and descend to the rocky shores of the stunning Lago Coldai, a brilliant turquoise lake nestled in the mountains. Skirting the lake, we ascend over Forcella Col Negro at 2,203 m (7,225 ft) before descending into Val Civetta. Towering 1,200 m (3,936 ft) above us, the sheer west face of Monte Civetta stretches an astonishing 7 km (4.4 mi) in length. At its highest point, a hanging icefield—Cristallo—clings dramatically to the cliffs. Known as the “wall of walls,” this face is one of the most awe-inspiring in the Alps. We continue over Forcella di Col Rean before reaching our remote overnight stay at Rifugio Vazzoler.

Hiking: 14 km (8.7 mi), 7 hours
Elevation: +952 m (+3,122 ft), -800 m (-2,624 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Rifugio Vazzoler
Luggage access: No

Leaving our rifugio, we are greeted with striking views of the towering Torre Trieste and the imposing Cima della Busazza at 2,894 m (9,492 ft). Our trail crosses a rocky slope beneath the cliffs before reaching the steep yet scenic pass of Forcella Col Dell’Orso at 1,823 m (5,979 ft). A short section equipped with chains provides a secure handrail along a flower-strewn rock face before the path rises across boulders and pastures, eventually descending beneath the vast south face of Moiazza.

Following the Val Framont, we have the option of a brief detour to the beautifully perched Rifugio Carestiato, an ideal spot for a relaxing lunch in breathtaking surroundings. The final stretch of today’s hike takes us through peaceful pastures and pine forests before reaching Passo Duran and our accommodation at Rifugio Sebastiano by early afternoon. Here, we regain access to our luggage as we prepare for the final stages of our Dolomite traverse.

Hiking: 14 km (8.7 mi), 6 hours
Elevation: +740 m (+2,427 ft), -800 m (-2,624 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Rifugio Sebastiano
Luggage access: Yes

Today, we enter the Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi, the wildest of the national parks along the Alta Via 1, where sightings of deer and marmots are common. Setting off early from Passo Duran, our trail winds around the southern slopes of Tamer Grande, immediately immersing us in rugged landscapes of sheer cliffs and towering summits. After passing through the forest, we climb to the remains of the Moschesin garrison, reaching Forcella del Moschesin at 1,940 m (6,364 ft). A short descent brings us near Rifugio Pramparet, beautifully perched in a remote setting overlooking the Costa dei Nass valley.

Continuing uphill, we reach Portela dei Pezedei, where the landscape opens up, becoming increasingly rocky underfoot. As we traverse the western slopes of Cima de Zita, the trail narrows to a short, exposed ridge path before reaching the day’s highest pass at 2,451 m (8,041 ft). From here, glimpses of the Venetian Plain appear as we descend sharply down grassy mountainsides to Rifugio Pian de Fontana, our overnight stop at 1,632 m (5,354 ft), perched on a scenic shelf. Just before reaching the rifugio, keep an eye out for the famed edelweiss flowers growing along the trail.

Hiking: 16 km (10 mi), 8–9 hours
Elevation: +1,100 m (+3,608 ft), -1,030 m (-3,380 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Rifugio Pian de Fontana
Luggage access: No

We complete the Alta Via 1 with a gentle trail back to civilization, offering time to reflect on this incredible mountain journey. Leaving the peaceful, secluded Rifugio Pian de Fontana, our path descends through tranquil pine forests before joining the Alta Via Bellunesi trail. A short ascent brings us to Forcella la Vareta at 1,704 m (5,589 ft), passing just north of La Schiara at 2,565 m (8,415 ft)—the last major summit of our route in the Veneto Dolomites.

From here, we descend toward Rifugio F. Bianchet, where we enjoy one final coffee in the mountains. Our journey then concludes with a long, winding descent along a farm track to La Stanga, where a private taxi awaits to take us back to Cortina d’Ampezzo and our hotel.

Hiking: 14.2 km (8.8 mi), 5h00
Elevation: +414 m (+1,357 ft), -1,561 m (-5,120 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Luggage access: Yes

After the final breakfast at the hotel, our adventure officially comes to an end! If you’d like to stay longer in the area, just ask your guides for some recommendations!

Meals: Breakfast