Alta Via 1 Dolomites Blog: Everything you need to know about the AV1
Approaching Lagazuoi
We’ve put together a list of all the usual questions we get asked about the Alta Via 1 Dolomites (along with the answers, of course!). However, if you have a question which isn’t covered below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we’ll be happy to help!
Shortcuts
1. What is the Alta Via 1 Dolomites?
Confusingly, there are many Alta Vias in Italy. Alta Via simply translates as “High Way” and so it's a name given to many high level trekking routes in Italy - in fact there are several Alta Via routes in the Dolomites region alone, all with their own number.
The trail we call the "Alta Via 1 Dolomites" is the most popular in the Dolomites, and probably in Italy in general.
The trail takes hikers on a grand tour of this mountain range, following its spine from North to South. You’ll start in Dobbiaco (also known as Toblach) in South Tyrol, a former part of Austria where the majority still speak German, and finish in Belluno, a Venetian hill town with a very Italian feel. Along some of the trail, the trenches and tunnels of WW1 are still evident, and many are open to explore.
Although not to be underestimated, the AV1 involves less ascent than most Alpine hut to hut tours. The trail is also enjoyably remote - staying high up in the mountains for the duration of the hike. Accommodation is therefore in mountain huts (or “rifugios”), where you can enjoy Italian cuisine in often breathtaking locations.
On the trail just beyond Passo Giau
2. How long does the Alta Via 1 take?
We offer four suggested itineraries on the Alta Via 1 - ranging from nine nights to twelve nights (with eight to eleven days walking). The number of rifugios in the Dolomites mean it’s possible to split up the stages in many different ways, depending on what kind of distances you prefer to walk each day. Our four itineraries offer daily average walking distances of 10.5 to 14 km (6.5 to 8.5 miles).
If you have time, we highly recommend taking a rest day about halfway through the route - the charming town of Cortina is perfect for this.
If you’re short on time, we can also offer part-sections of the trail. All our holidays are completely open to customisation - just get in touch and we’re more than happy to create the itinerary that works best for you.
3. When is the best time to walk the Alta Via 1?
The season for the Alta Via 1 is generally early July to mid-September. Earlier than this and the high passes might not be clear of snow, and later the weather begins to cool and snow showers become a risk. Also, most of the rifugios won’t open outside these months.
Each month has its own advantages. In July, the wildflowers and meadows are at their most vibrant, and the temperatures are at their highest. August weather is pretty much as warm as July, and you’ll find the trails to be busiest due to the summer holidays. In September, things tend to be a bit quieter, cooler, and the weather more settled.
Ascending Monte Nuvolau
4. Can I skip sections?
Absolutely. There are a few options for this along the trail, in the form of buses, cable cars or taxis. Though do bear in mind the bus or taxi might not be able to take the direct route and the drive might therefore take longer - and cost more - than you expect.
If you want to reduce your walking days, we’d recommend starting or finishing part-way along the trail, rather than skipping sections along the way.
Please just get in touch and we can set out all the options in detail. You will also find all the important information in your Trail Doc when you book your holiday - neatly summed up for when you need it!
5. Can I shorten the walking distances on your itineraries further?
Due to the limited number of roads and cable cars passed on the Alta Via 1, there aren’t many stages which can be easily shortened. On the occasions the trail does meet a road, it is usually a crossing point where a bus or taxi could take you off trail and round to a different stage, but not easily along that stage.
6. Where should I add a rest day on the Alta Via 1?
We recommend taking a rest day in the town of Cortina, part-way along the trail. It’s a popular resort town and a busy centre of outdoor activities, but also a fantastic place to sample local Italian dishes or perhaps just wander the streets with an ice cream.
It is the largest town in the area, so it’s here that you’ll find the greatest selection of shops to stock up on suppliers and kit. It’s also an amazing base for other walks and activities in the area - take a look at our Highlights of the Dolomites Rail & Trail holiday if you’re considering making the most of a few days here.
Before or after the trail, we also highly recommend spending a day or two in Venice, which is a few hours away by public transport.
Pizza in Cortina
7. How tough is the Alta Via 1? How fit do I need to be?
Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can do the Alta Via 1. If you’ve never done a hut-to-hut hike in the Alps before, the AV1 is a great choice to begin with, as it’s one of the easiest that we offer in terms of daily distances and ascent. We wouldn’t recommend doing the AV1 if you never do any hiking at all, but as long as you do some hiking back home every month or two, you’ll be fine. Of course, as with any walk, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it!
Please be aware that there will be some small sections where fixed chains and handrails help you across steep or loose terrain, so a head for heights will come in handy. We highly recommend trekking poles, and taking your time!
8. How high does the Alta Via 1 go? Is altitude an issue?
The highest point on the standard Alta Via 1 route is at Lagazuoi, at 2752m. These altitudes are perfectly safe - you won’t feel any significant effect of altitude, and altitude sickness is not a risk. We do however recommend bringing a sun hat and lots of sun cream - sun rays are stronger at higher altitudes and not to be underestimated if you are out all day!
Walking above the clouds at the Col des Fours
9. Do I need to pre-book accommodation on the Alta Via 1?
Definitely. The trail is very popular, and most accommodations are fully booked well in advance in the summer.
10. Are there luggage transfers available on the Alta Via 1?
There are indeed, though not to every location. Luggage transfer services are able to access about half of the Rifugios along the AV1, but it depends which itinerary you are on. We are more than happy to tweak your itinerary so that you stay at more locations that are accessible by luggage transfers.
However, the transfers are rather expensive, usually many hundreds of pounds for the service, due to the logistics involved.
Many are walking the Alta Via 1 as part of a longer trip, and choose to leave a suitcase which they won’t need during their hike at their hotel in Dobbiaco, which we then arrange to have delivered to their hotel at the end of the trail in Belluno.
Just let us know that you’d like to include this when enquiring with us!
Refugio Lagazuoi
11. Do I have to stay in refuges, and what are they like? Can I get private rooms?
Refuges are relatively basic mountain accommodations, in remote locations. Whilst some are accessible by cable car or 4x4 vehicle along a rough track, many can only be reached by foot, helicopter, or mule. This limits the level of facilities, and variety of food they can offer.
However, this is Italy, so despite the remote locations the food ranges from good to brilliant. In some huts another feature is the communal nature of dinner - where tables and often dishes are shared between yourselves and other guests who have been randomly allocated to the same table. This is where the famous camaraderie between hikers on the trail really gets going - sharing stories from the trail over a meal and wine.
In terms of sleeping, almost all refuges have a mixture of shared dormitories and private bedrooms (though these often still feature bunkbeds, not king size beds!). Shared bathrooms are common, though en-suite bathrooms can sometimes be found. The private bedrooms tend to book up well in advance, so book early if you’d like to have more of these.
12. How busy is the Alta Via 1?
Whilst the Alta Via 1 is a very popular hut-to-hut trek, much of the trail passes through locations which are far from the nearest road. This means the number of daytrippers you encounter is greatly reduced, compared to other hut-to-hut treks in the Alps. There are certainly a few honeypot sites, such as Cinque Torri and Lago di Braies which will feel a bit busier, but it doesn’t take long to find quiet again after passing these spots.
And despite being popular - every time we’ve hiked the trail we’ve found ourselves completely alone for long stretches of the day.
Rifugio Lagazuoi from above
13. What is the weather like on the Alta Via 1?
Temperatures vary by altitude, but to give a very approximate answer, it usually ranges from 20 to 30 degrees celsius (68 to 86 fahrenheit) in the valleys, and 10 to 20 degrees celsius (50 to 68 fahrenheit) at the very highest points on the trail.
Most hikers doing the Alta Via 1 will experience several warm and dry days, with the occasional rain shower. Though sometimes these rain showers can graduate to thunderstorms, usually in the afternoons.
It’s important to be prepared for all eventualities - carrying a waterproof jacket and trousers is just as important as a sun hat, sun cream and plenty of water.
14. What do I need to pack for the Alta Via 1?
We have a comprehensive kit list of essential and recommended kit to bring along - just get in touch and we’ll be happy to share it!
An Edelweiss flower on the trail
15. Should I wear Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes on the Alta Via 1?
This is entirely down to personal preference. The most important thing is that you have worn them in with plenty of hiking already. Some people find the ankle support of boots to be beneficial over long distances, whilst others prefer the lightness of trail shoes. Whichever you go for, just make sure they have good tread/grip on the bottom. Whilst the trail is very well maintained, you are still moving in high mountain terrain where potential snow patches or wet rocks are likely to occur.
16. What is the best section of the Alta Via 1?
For sheer wow factor, we recommend the first half of the Alta Via 1, from the start of the trail at the stunning Lago di Braies, down to Rifugio Nuvolau, near the famous Cinque Torri. This takes 3 to 4 walking days, and is great for those on a more limited time scale. However, it’s most certainly a popular area and you might meet a fair few people along the trail.
For something a bit more remote, we’re big fans of the latter stages of the trail, from Passo Staulanza (near Rifugio Città di Fiume) to the end of the trail. This can be done in 4 to 6 walking days. These stages of the trail feel much more distant from civilisation, with barely a road or building in sight. More forested, they are also excellent for spotting wildlife.
If you only have a limited amount of time available, we’re more than happy to tailor an itinerary to your needs, and organise just a section of the trail for you.
The Alta Via 1 is well signposted throughout
17. How do I get to the Alta Via 1?
The majority of hikers on the Alta Via 1 arrive from nearby Venice, and its well connected airport. From Venice, the journey to Dobbiaco (aka Toblach) can be done in 4 to 5 hours by bus (with a change in Cortina) or 5 to 6 hours by train, via Verona and Franzensfeste/Fortezza.
Returning from Belluno to Venice is much easier - a mere 2 hours by direct train.
Alternatively, if travelling from the north, Dobbiaco is also fairly accessible by train - for example, it is approximately 5 hours by train from Munich (with a change in Franzensfeste).
18. Can you just organise this all for me?
Of course! We’d love to take all the hard work out of organising your hike on the Alta Via 1, so that you can just get on and enjoy the walking. Just take a look at our Alta Via 1 holiday page, and please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’ll be happy to provide a quotation, as well as answer any questions you may have about the trail.
On the trail just beyond Passo Giau