A guidebook containing all the information you need to walk the Alta Via 1 between Lago di Braies and La Pissa. Covering 115km (72 miles), this hut-to-hut long-distance hiking trail through the heart of the Dolomites in northeastern Italy takes about 2 weeks and is suitable for both first-time and experienced trekkers.

The route is described from north to south in 11 stages, each between 6 and 14km (4–9 miles) in length. Easier path variants, exit routes to reach public transport and side routes to explore nearby summits and points of interest are detailed. Advice on 4- or 5-day sections of the route for walkers who prefer not to walk AV1 in its entirety is also given.

• Includes a separate map booklet containing 1:25,000 Kompass mapping
• 1:75,000 maps included in the main book for each stage
• GPX files available to download
• Detailed information about mountain huts and facilities along the route
• Advice on planning and preparation

Map key

Overview map

Route summary table

Preface to this edition

Introduction

The Dolomites

The route

Geology

Plants and flowers

Wildlife

How to get there

When to go

Shorter itineraries

Accommodation

Food and drink

What to take

Maps

Languages and place names

Dos and don’ts

Emergencies

Using this guide

Alta Via 1

Stage 1 Lago di Braies to Rifugio Biella

Stage 2 Rifugio Biella to Rifugio Fanes

Stage 3 Rifugio Fanes to Rifugio Lagazuoi

Stage 4 Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Nuvolau

Stage 5 Rifugio Nuvolau to Rifugio Città di Fiume

Stage 6 Rifugio Città di Fiume to Rifugio Coldai

Stage 7 Rifugio Coldai to Rifugio Vazzoler

Stage 8 Rifugio Vazzoler to Rifugio Carestiato

Stage 9 Rifugio Carestiato to Rifugio Pramperet

Stage 10 Rifugio Pramperet to Rifugio Pian de Fontana

Stage 11 Rifugio Pian de Fontana to La Pissa bus stop

Appendix A Useful contacts

Appendix B Italian–English glossary

Seasons

Alpine summer - mid-June to late September - is the time to go, so that the huts are all open for accommodation and meals and the paths mostly free of snow. Midsummer is the perfect time to enjoy the myriad wildflowers that brighten the rocky slopes and meadows and to be entertained by the frolicking marmots who are by then out of hibernation.

Centres

Lago di Braies, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Agordo, Belluno

Difficulty

Alta Via 1 is a perfect introductory trek to the Dolomites and while the paths are not a seaside stroll, they are not overly difficult. No special equipment is necessary. Easier path variants are detailed where useful. Overall AV1 rates as Grade 2, suitable for fit walkers with some experience of alpine terrain and conditions.

Must See

Breathtaking views of an estimated 80% of the Dolomites, including the Tofane, Pelmo and Civetta, as well as the glaciated Marmolada; memorable stays in comfortable high-altitude alpine huts

February 2025

Alpine Clubs

August 2022

Via Ferrata Marmol

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