Quality of Trails
Alta Via 1 of the Dolomites: 9-11 Days from Lake Braies to Belluno
Alta Via 1 of the Dolomites: 9-11 Days from Lake Braies to Belluno
Description
Why choose the Alta Via 1?
- ✓ The most iconic trek in the Dolomites: the great north-to-south traverse from Lake Braies to Belluno
- ✓ Cross five legendary Dolomite groups — Fanes, Lagazuoi, Pelmo, Civetta and Schiara — through the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site
- ✓ Walk light: luggage transferred between basecamp hotels, only the essentials on your back
- ✓ Nights in authentic mountain rifugi, with a 3-star hotel on your first and last night
- ✓ Self-guided with 24/7 support, dedicated hiking maps and GPS navigation — or with a UIAGM alpine guide at your side
- ✓ No via ferrata: well-marked, well-maintained trails, with short exposed passages secured by cables
The queen of the Alte Vie
The Alta Via 1 is the definitive Dolomites traverse — the route that made hut-to-hut walking famous around the world. You set out from the turquoise mirror of Lake Braies and work your way south through the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, past the history-laden walls of the Lagazuoi, the Cinque Torri, the solitary bulk of Monte Pelmo and the north-west face of the Civetta, into the wild San Sebastiano and Schiara groups at the gates of Belluno.
The route
9 to 11 days with stages of 10–15 km and 5–7 hours of walking, averaging around 740 m of ascent per day. The 11-day version walks the full Alta Via to the Schiara; the 9- and 10-day versions finish in the Civetta-Moiazza area and the Zoldo valley respectively, with return transfer included. Before and after the trek you stay at a basecamp hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo or Toblach.
Who it's for
Intermediate level: the ideal itinerary if you hike regularly and are comfortable on mountain trails for 5–7 hours a day. No mountaineering skills or via ferrata experience required — just sure footing, good fitness and an appetite for breathtaking views.
Self-guided or with a guide
In the self-guided version you receive a detailed itinerary curated by our guides, 1:25,000 maps, GPS tracks and 24-hour phone support: the huts are already booked, all you do is walk. In the private guided version (minimum 4 participants) an English-speaking UIAGM alpine guide accompanies you across the whole traverse, with private transfers to and from the trail.
The season
From June 8 to September 21. July and August offer the most stable conditions; June brings lingering snow on the highest passes, September crisp light and quiet trails. The huts along the Alta Via 1 are the most sought-after in the Dolomites: book well in advance.
Difficulty Level & Physical Requirements
Level 1 - Village-Based Hikes
Level 1 are our easiest hikes. You should be comfortable hiking 3 – 4 hours with up to 500 m cumulative ascent and a lightweight backpack of 2 – 3 kg. Families with small children can join Level 1 hikes.
Level 2 - Easy Hut-to-Hut Treks
You should be comfortable hiking 8 to 13 km per day with an average cumulative ascent of 500-600 meters and for approximately 5 hours on an average. Level 2 routes run only along well-maintained trails and primarily through easy terrain, such as meadows above the tree line.
Level 3 - Moderate Hut-to-Hut Treks
You should be comfortable hiking 10 to 15 km and for 5 to 7 hours (net hiking time, ie without long breaks) on well-maintained trails. Daily cumulative ascent on Level 3 itineraries is normally 600 to 1000 meters. Terrain on a typical Level 3 route varies significantly, but for most of the route you will be hiking through moderately difficult terrains. Exposed trails are not unusual on Level 3 routes, but they are widened or properly secured, normally with a metallic cord or chain, so that hikers pass without gear safely.
Level 4 - Challenging Hut-to-Hut Treks
Level 4 hut-to-hut hikes are designed for experienced and very fit hikers. To enjoy a Level 4 hike, you must be physically prepared for long crossings between huts with continuous and steep ascents of up to 1000 meters. Level 4 hikes may feature challenging terrain including loose talus, rugged trails, lightly maintained trails, insufficiently marked trails and sections of secured trail requiring use of via ferrata gear.
Season & Duration
Itinerary
Primary Itinerary
Prices
Travel
Stay & Meals
Primary Itinerary: 11 Days from Braies to Belluno
What's Included
Getting to the Basecamp
Insurance and Visa
Accommodation
Meals
Trails
Difficulty
Accommodation
Solitude
Factors of Difficulty
Accommodation
Solitude
FAQ
Security Considerations
Insurance and Visa
Security Considerations
Clothing and Gear
Weather in the Dolomites
Insurance and Visa