Alta Via 2 - Trekking in the Dolomites

Trek the dramatic peaks, jagged ridges, and alpine valleys of the western Dolomites on the Alta Via 2 (AV2), a 174km (108 mile) long-distance trail from Bressanone to Feltre. This classic north–south route threads through some of Italy’s most stunning mountain scenery, including rocky passes, high plateaus, and scenic valleys, with opportunities to explore traditional mountain villages and alpine huts along the way.

Suitable for experienced trekkers with a good level of fitness, AV2 typically takes around two weeks to complete. The route is divided into 13 stages of 8–22 km (5–14 miles), with alternative 3- or 6-day sections for those who prefer shorter excursions. 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.

• 13 stage-by-stage route descriptions covering the full Alta Via 2 from Bressanone to Feltre, with distances, terrain summaries, and daily hiking times
• Presented with 1:75,000 overview maps in the main book, plus a separate 1:25,000 Kompass map booklet with route line for precise navigation
• GPX files for the Alta Via 2 compatible with GPS devices and smartphone apps, allowing easy digital navigation on alpine terrain
• Alternative 3- or 6-day sections and exit routes, plus overview maps and route descriptions for Alta Via 3, 4, 5, and 6, for planning shorter hikes or extended trekking adventures in the central and eastern Dolomites
• Detailed information about mountain huts, refugios, and facilities along the route, with guidance on transport links and logistics
• Planning and preparation advice, including what to pack, seasonal considerations, and tips for navigating the high mountain passes of Italy's Southern Limestone Alps
• Key highlights include the jagged Sella Group, scenic alpine valleys, historic villages, and panoramic Dolomite peaks along the north–south trail

Plan your Alta Via 2 adventure with confidence and experience the scale, beauty, and challenge of the western Dolomites with this comprehensive guidebook.

Seasons

Alpine summer (mid-June to late September) is the time to go as that's when the rifugi huts are open - essential for overnight accommodation and meals. Moreover that's when the snow will have melted off the high-level paths and the colourful alpine wildflowers will be at their brilliant best.

Centres

Bressanone, Passo Gardena, Passo Pordoi, Malga Ciapela, Passo San Pellegrino, San Martino di Castrozza, Fiera di Primiero, Feltre

Difficulty

A challenging 13-stage trek that entails a number of aided and exposed sections (though these do not rate as full-blooded vie ferrate; several can be detoured). A head for heights is essential, and a short rope and karabiner clips are helpful though not compulsory. Alte Vie 3-6 are more demanding, with remote terrain and prolonged and more technical aided sections.

Must See

The Plose, Puez-Odle, Sella, Pale di San Martino and Alpi Feltrine groups, each distinctive and exciting; key mountain passes such as Passo Gardena and Passo Pordoi; optional detours to peaks such as Sass de Putia and Rosetta as well as the glaciated Marmolada with its high-altitude World War 1 fortifications and poignant museum

Map key

Overview map

Route summary table – Alta Via 2

Preface to this edition

Introduction

The Dolomites

Alta Via 2

Alte Vie 3–6

Geology

Languages and place names

Plants and flowers

Wildlife

How to get there

When to go

Shorter itineraries

Accommodation

Food and drink

What to take

Maps and waymarking

Dos and don’ts

Emergencies

Using this guide

Alta Via 2

Stage 1 Bressanone to Rifugio Plose

Stage 2 Rifugio Plose to Rifugio Genova

Stage 3 Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Puez

Stage 4 Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Pisciadù

Stage 5 Rifugio Pisciadù to Rifugio Castiglioni

Stage 6 Rifugio Castiglioni to Passo San Pellegrino

Stage 7 Passo San Pellegrino to Rifugio Mulaz

Stage 8 Rifugio Mulaz to Rifugio Rosetta

Stage 9 Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Treviso

Stage 10 Rifugio Treviso to Passo Cereda

Stage 11 Passo Cereda to Rifugio Boz

Stage 12 Rifugio Boz to Rifugio Dal Piaz

Stage 13 Rifugio Dal Piaz to Feltre

Alte Vie 3–6

Alta Via 3

Alta Via 4

Alta Via 5

Alta Via 6

Appendix A Useful contacts

Appendix B Italian–English glossary