Alta Via 1: Map, Difficulty, and Route on the Italian Dolomites

The Alta Via 1 is located at the heart of the Dolomites. Now, where can we find this stunning mountain range? The Dolomites can be found in north-eastern Italy and stretch throughout the provinces of Belluno, South Tyrol, and Trentino. The name of this group of mountains comes from the French geologist who discovered the dolomite mineral found here in 1791, Deodat de Dolomieu. Most of the peaks of this mountain range go above 3000 meters and the highest peak is Marmolada Peak, which stands at 3343 meters.

Although the Alta Via 1 is indeed the easiest option when it comes to hiking in the Dolomites, this does not mean that the trail is a walk in the park. Most of the trek is quite straightforward and there are no Via Ferratas, glacier crossings, or climbing sections. However, there are some stretches of steep, rocky ground. There are also some narrow and exposed paths, not recommended for trekkers with fear of heights, like the narrow ridge between Passo Duran and Pian de Fontana. The good news is that you can find metal cables as handrails in the tougher sections.

The season for the Alta Via 1 trek is from mid-June to mid-September. The relatively short season is due to weather conditions that limit access to the trails. A typical summer day in the Dolomites is characterized by bright sunshine and clear skies. However, there may be occasional rain showers or afternoon storms. There is no snow on the trails, which is the main limiting factor for off-season accessibility. In the summer, there may be some light snowfall, but the snow does not accumulate and is usually gone by the next morning. Be sure to bring waterproof and warm clothing, not just shorts.

The trailhead of the Alta Via 1 is in Lago di Braies in northern Italy. The nearest airport is Venice and the easiest way to get from the airport to the starting point of the Alta Via 1 is using public transportation. Once you exit the baggage claim area in Venice take a left and find the ATVO bus ticket line. There you can purchase a one-way ticket for the Cortina Express. The line runs four times per day and the ticket costs around 25€ per person. The bus ride to Cortina d'Ampezzo takes about 2 hours.

You can either spend the night at Cortina d'Ampezzo or take the next bus to Dobbiaco and spend the night there, closer to the trailhead. Either way, at some point, you will have to get to Dobbiaco. To get there, take the SAD bus, line 445 (make sure that it has "Dobbiaco" displayed on it). You can get the ticket on the bus for 5€ per person and the ride takes approximately 50 minutes. Once there, you will take line 442 to Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee. This ticket also costs 5€ and the ride takes about half an hour.

The Alta Via 1 ends at the La Pissa bus stop. Here you can catch a 20-minute bus ride to Belluno. You can buy your ticket on the bus. Once in Belluno, you can continue your journey by train or bus.

Let's be clear: wild or dispersed camping is not allowed during your Alta Via 1 trek. Trekkers are required to spend the nights at mountain huts, rifugios in Italian. The good thing about spending the night at the huts is that you don't need to carry a tent, cook set, and food for the 7-10 days. The rifugios vary in size and accommodation options, but they all offer a shower, a good night's sleep, and half-board including tasty local dishes.

Most rifugios usually offer private rooms as well as shared dormitories. They are not super fancy, don't forget you are in the middle of the mountains, but they are well equipped and offer their guests comfortable beds, a friendly atmosphere, and great Italian food!

Are you short on time or don't have the legs to hike the Dolomites for more than a week? No problem. Because Cortina d'Ampezzo is close to some of the highlights of the Dolomites, it is also possible to hike a shorter version of the Alta Via 1. This starts like the full version at Lago di Braies but ends at the insanely beautiful Cinque Torri, in English the Five Towers, and the epicenter for mountain sports in the Dolomites. With this program, you have a slightly easier start so you have more time and energy for the stretch between the Sennes plateau and Lagazuoi. Both Cinque Torri and Lagazuoi have a good connection to Cortina d'Ampezzo in the form of cable cars, so you can save both time and your legs on the last day. Check out our program for a 4-day Alta Via 1 here and get the most out of your time in South Tyrol. With a slight adaption this can also work if you're looking for a hut-to-hut hiking trip with kids.

You can do the Alta Via 1 accompanied by a guide or by yourself, it's up to you. If you decide to go with a guide, the person will have accommodation and meals arranged for you and you won't have to worry about planning each stage of the route. Most importantly, there is no chance of getting lost. However, the truth is that the trails of the Alta Via 1 are very well marked and signposted. If the weather is clear and you follow the trail, the chances of getting lost are very low. As for the weather, it can get pretty foggy in the afternoon, so make sure you have a map, a compass (and know how to use it), and a whistle just in case.

The Alta Via 1 is quite well signposted along the way. There isn't only one mark, signs vary from painted arrows The Alta Via 1 is well signposted along the way. There is not just one waymark sign; the signs range from painted arrows or circles to more specific signs, such as a "1" inside a triangle. Although the route is fairly clear throughout the hike, it is important to have a map and compass with you. Snow or low clouds can make navigation quite challenging. Under the snow, the markers are hidden and it is important to rely on your map and compass skills.