Treks in the Dolomites - Italy, Europe - Alta Via 1 and 2

Guidebook to walking the Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2, the finest long-distance treks through the Italian Dolomites, in southern Europe. Alta Via 1 is 120km, taking about 10 days from Lago di Braies near Monguelfo to Belluno. Alta Via 2 is generally higher - the 150km route begins at Bressanone and ends at Feltre, taking over 2 weeks.

Seasons

Best time is mid-June until the end of September, when most huts are open and there is little risk of snow.

Centres

Belluno at the finish of AV 1, also Cortina is within an easy bus-ride from the road below Lagazuoi. Bressanone, Malga Ciapela and Feltre on AV2.

Difficulty

Generally well-maintained paths, with some exposed sections, all with artificial protection. The descent of Schiara (avoidable) on AV1 requires Via Ferrata experience.

Must See

AV1: Sunset at Lagazuoi, views from Rif. Tissi beneath Civetta. AV2: Rocky pinnacles above Passo Gardena, traverse of Sella group and Marmolada.

Treks in the Dolomites

Alte Vie 1 and 2

Authors

Martin Collins
Gillian Price

Cover

Paperback - PVC

Edition

Second

Published

7 Jun 2005

ISBN_13

9781852843595

Availability

Reprinted

Price £12.00

Reader Comments and Updates on Second Edition, 2005

Page 75: the gondola lift from San Andrea up to Valcroce starts running at
the end of July, not the first week of July. We took a taxi from San
Andrea to Valcroce instead. The walk up from Bressanone to San Andrea is
worth doing, and a good pipe opener.

Page 73: the two unnamed refuges on the map NW of Passo Rodella are, from
west, Schatzerhutte and Halshutte, and are worth naming on that map.

Unlike AV1, we found no refuge which took credit/ debit cards - and at one
point got low on cash. So lots of euros in cash essential.

Page 80 - alternative tel number to book into Rifugio Genova if calling
before they open: ++ 840389.

Page 85: tel number for Rifugio Puez has changed to ++ 795365.

Page 94: Rifugio Viel Del Pan was completely rebuilt in 2004; now has
well appointed, comfortable rooms, brand new showers and loos. Large
cafeteria style dining room lacks character. Best setting of any refuge.

Page 99: Walkers' route. It's best to walk south from Rifugio Castiglioni
across the dam at the west end of the Lago di Fedaia, and follow the road
(closed to motor traffic) along the south shore of the lake. [The main road
along the north shore of the lake is busy and dangerous.] Walk on past a
smaller lake (beyond the head of the lake, not the dam) to reach Passo di
Fedaia.

Nick Bradley July 2007