Begin your Dolomites adventure and discover the Alta Via 1 (AV1) — a classic hut-to-hut trek through northeastern Italy’s spectacular alpine scenery. Covering 115km from Lago di Braies to Belluno, this long-distance trail offers a perfect introduction to trekking in the Dolomites, suitable for both first-time and experienced trekkers, and typically completed in around two weeks.

This Dolomites hiking guidebook makes planning simple, with stage-by-stage descriptions and expert advice from author Gillian Price. A dedicated map booklet, featuring Kompass 1:25,000 maps with the full route line clearly marked, allows you to navigate the trail with confidence. 

• The trek is divided into 11 stages, each between 6 and 14km long, with detailed descriptions of the route, terrain, and key landmarks, so you always know what lies ahead.
• Each stage is paired with a 1:75,000 overview map, while the additional 1:25,000 map booklet offers detailed navigation through the heart of the Dolomites.
• Downloadable GPX files provide an additional digital navigation option, making it simple to use your smartphone or GPS device to track progress between alpine huts, among the immense rock formations unique to the area. 
• The guide includes essential details on mountain huts, transport links, what to pack, and the best time to go — everything you need to plan your trip to Italy. 
• Short on time? Alternative paths, exit routes to public transport, and optional side trips to nearby summits are clearly detailed, allowing you to tailor the trek to your schedule and interests.

With comprehensive route descriptions, GPX downloads, and a separate 1:25,000 map booklet, this Alta Via 1 guidebook provides a complete navigation package for hut-to-hut hiking in the Dolomites. Plan your next walking holiday with confidence and experience the breathtaking scale, beauty, and adventure of one of Italy’s most iconic long-distance trails.

Author Highlight

“What better way to explore these incredible mountains than on a long-distance trek? Beginners need go no further than the popular high-level trail Alta Via 1 – straightforward yet astoundingly rewarding, and perfectly suited for a first alpine experience. An estimated 80% of all the Dolomites can be seen from the AV1 as it threads its way through the Fanes group, then over the Lagazuoi, touching on the Tofane, Averau and Nuvolau, the landmark Pelmo, Civetta, Moiazza and the rugged Dolomiti Bellunesi." 

- Gillian Price, author of Alta Via 1 - Trekking in the Dolomites 

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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