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 the charming Brunico 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, letting our expert guide lead the way! With luggage transfers and transport to and from the trailhead taken care of, taking the high road has never been more epic!
Today you arrive in the town of Brunico, also known by its German name of Bruneck . Your guide will meet you this evening at our hotel at approximately 6:30 pm. Before and during dinner they will be on hand to answer questions you might have and discuss the trip!
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Ander or Corso am Graben
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
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.
Running (using cable car): 15.7 km (9.6 miles), 5.5-6.5 hours
Elevation (using cable car): +1,150 m (+3,772 ft), -533 m (-1,748 ft)
or
Running: 19 km (11.3 miles), 7.8 hours
Elevation: +1,150 m (+3,772 ft), -900 m (-4,179 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Rifugio Col Gallina
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
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
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)
Today we enter the Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi, one of the wildest sections of the Alta Via 1, where we may spot chamois or marmots along the way. From Passo Duran, our trail contours the southern slopes of Tamer Grande, immediately immersing us in dramatic cliffs and towering peaks.
We climb through forest to the remains of the Moschesin garrison and cross Forcella del Moschesin at 1,940 m (6,364 ft), then continue past the remote Rifugio Pramparet with views into the Costa dei Nass valley. The terrain becomes rockier as we ascend to Portela dei Pezedei and follow a narrow ridge beneath Cima de Zita to the day’s high point at 2,451 m (8,041 ft). From here, we descend steep grassy slopes dotted with edelweiss to Rifugio Pian de Fontana for a late lunch, before a long descent through pine forest leads us to Soffranco and a transfer to Pieve di Cadore.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Running: 25 km (15.5 miles), 7-8 hours
Elevation: +1,235 m (+4,051 ft), -2,095 m (-6,873 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Giardino or Hotel Belvedere
Today is your departure day. There are good transport links from Pieve di Cadore to Venice airport. For those who wish to explore the area independently after the conclusion of the trip, you can also take public transport from Pieve di Cadore to the popular mountain resort of Cortina d’Ampezza.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
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
Clothing
You must be able to cover yourself with 3 full layers on your upper body and 2 full layers on your legs.
Comfort & extras
Documentation
Personal First Aid
Additional items
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
An Alta Via 1 trail run 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 trail run is Brunico (also known as Bruneck*), 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. Alternatively, if you’re from Europe, consider a train or a bus.
Once you’re there, you’ll meet your guide at around 6pm for dinner at your hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
*Be aware when making travel plans in the Dolomites that towns and villages are often known by two names, one being Italian and the other German.
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, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.