Dolomites Alta Via 1 Hut to Hut Trek Overview

The Dolomites of Northern Italy are truly magical and the Alta Via One Hut to Hut trek is the premier high mountain trek of the region. For more serious trekkers, our adventurous hut to hut guided trek takes you along the best of the Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2, the most famous of the Dolomites treks and the one with most breathtaking views. A high traverse though the heart of the Dolomites, this is the trek to do in the Dolomites. Hiking by idyllic lakes, through beautiful forests and up over high mountain rocky passes, this is European hut to hut trekking at it’s finest.

Located in the German-speaking area of Italy know as the South Tirol and also the Italian area of Veneto, the Dolomites are a hikers paradise. The Dolomites are a culturally fascinating area which is in a predominately German and Ladin speaking area as well as Italian and was on the front lines of WWI. Neither German or Italian, the Ladins of this area are a “micro culture” with their own language that is very close to ancient latin. Along our trek we visit many WWI trenches, tunnels and sites. The area is also renowned for it's unique culinary tradition and we have the opportunity to sample much of the region’s best cuisine.

We meet in the town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, where we spend the first night in a 4-star hotel. We begin the Alta Via 1 hike at the beautiful Lago di Braies and spend the next 7 days traversing the Alta Via to Passo Duran. We continue along the Alta Via through the Fanes-Sennes-Braies National Park to the Falzorego Pass using the high mountain hut system. We continue through the Cinque Torri and Nuvaloa area before making a spectacular traverse by the famous North wall of Civetta. We are then picked up and taken back to Cortina for the final night at our hotel. 

This is a high mountain hut to hut trek for more serious hikers who are looking for adventure. We do not hike with a heavy pack due to the high mountain hut system which provides our bedding, shelter and fine food. Pack weights are usually less than 20 lbs! However, some of the days can be long along high mountain trails with some uneven terrain. The Italian huts are very comfortable with fine food, wine and beer lists and some with showers and even saunas! The accommodations are a combination of dorm style and private rooms. In the middle of the trek we include a stay at a wonderful mountain hotel with a luggage transfer for a well deserved break from hut life.

Our Italian treks are led by American guides who have extensive experience in this wonderful part of the world. We run our own treks and do not contract out our tours like many larger companies. With over 10 years of guiding experience in the Dolomites, you know you’re in good hands with IAG and ensured a more personal experience. Come join us for Italian hut to hut hiking at it’s finest!

Thanks again. We had a wonderful experience hiking in the Dolomites!
— Ray G.
 

Alps trekking Sale - 10% Off!

All 2024 Alps treks are 10% off if booked by February 5th. Use the code ALPSTREK24 at checkout



SKILL & EXPERIENCE LEVEL

Hikers on the Dolomites Alta Via  trek should be in very good physical condition and have previous overnight hiking experience. The ability to hike up to 10 miles a day with a day pack on some uneven terrain is necessary.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION & LODGING

The Dolomites Alta Via Trek is an inclusive trip with all lodging, food and transport provided. Breakfast is continental, lunch is a small pack lunch. Dinners are usually traditional fare of the region, which is renowned for it's cuisine.

 

 

 

 

2024 Dates:

July 7- 14

July 14-21 (Full)

September 9-16 (Few spots remaining!)

*CUSTOM/ PRIVATE GROUPS DATES AVAILABLE*

Cost:  $6295

Includes:

  • Professional American trekking guides highly experienced in the Dolomites

  • All ground transportation, luggage transfers & lift tickets (airport transport not included)

  • All hut and lodging fees (double occupancy)

  • Breakfasts, lunch and dinners for the duration of the trek

 

Prefer a private trip? No problem at all. We specialize in designing custom trips for you or your group.
Contact us for a quote!


For more info on this trip please fill out the form below:

Dolomites Best of the Alta Via Hut to Hut Trek Itinerary

Day 1
We meet in the bustling small town of Cortina d' Ampezzo, Italy, deep in the Italian Dolomites. Cortina is a historical winter sports town that hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and will again co-host the 2026 winter games along with Milan. We stay in a comfortable 4-star hotel near the center of town on the main pedestrian walkway. Cortina is a direct 2 hour bus ride from the Venice airport. Lodging: 4-star Hotel in Cortina d’ Ampezzo.

Day 2
We begin the day with a private shuttle ride over the the start of the Alta Via One trek at Lago de Braies, one of the most beautiful lakes in all of the Dolomites. We warm up with a hike around the shores of the lake before ascending steeply towards our first hut, the Rifugio Biella. There is also the opportunity for an optional ascent of the high peak Croda del Becco.

Day 3
Today we hike on easy trails downhill, stopping at the Sennes Hut for a morning cappuccino. We descend toward the Pederau hut where we can enjoy a fine lunch or morning pastry. Then it’s a steady uphill on to the Lavarella hut high up in the Dolomiti, passing hand carved elves along the way. The Lavarella Hut touts the highest microbrewery in the Dolomiti with homemade farm style Ladin cuisine. This is a comfortable hut with private rooms available and fine cuisine in a spectacular setting in the legendary Ladin kingdom of Fanes.

Day 4
A high traverse across the moonscape of the high Dolomites, and down into the next valley and town of Armentarola. This is an easier day of hiking out of the Fanes Valley and toward Lagazuoi, where along the way we will pass WWI ruins and fortifications and enjoy expansive views of Marmolata, the Dolomites highest peak, before descending down to where we will treat ourselves to a 4 star hotel in Armentarola, where your luggage will be waiting.

Day 5
In the morning we will take a shuttle to Falzarego Pass, where we will take the tram up to the Lagazuoi Hut and enjoy some of the most fabulous 360 degree views of the Dolomiti! We will tour through the famous preserved WWI tunnels and ruins (which require a headlamp!) A truly fascinating journey for any history buff. We can grab a delicious deck side lunch enjoying views of where we came from and where we are going to! Then we make our way up to Refugio Scoiatoli for a wonderful lunch with views of nearby Cinque Torri. After lunch we will explore another WWI ‘outdoor museum’ with a preserved wartime hospital. We then continue our ascent to the Nuvolau Hut which is perched almost on top of a peak with more amazing views. We will descend and shuttle to a local 3 star hotel for the night, where your luggage will be waiting for you.

Day 6
A longer but stunning and more remote day of hiking as we hike from Pass Giau on the Alta Via over Passo Ambrizolla over wide open grassy mountainsides and then down through forests and pastures filled with friendly mountain cows. We will desend past traditional mountain huts and begin to see Pelmo and Civetta close up. Our destination is the hamlet of Pascal near Passo Staulanza, where we will indulge in a 4 star hotel.

Day 7
We begin the morning hiking up ski slopes and steep switchbacks passing, if we’re lucky, local Ladin sheep herders tending their flock, heading to the the comfortable Rifugio Coldai perched on the side of Civetta. For those still wanting to hike more, we can stroll to the Tissi Hut perched high up on a bluff overlooking Civetta, Marmalada, and back toward Passo Falzarego. We overnight at the comfortable and cozy Rifugio Coldai perched on the side of Civetta.

Day 8
A spectacular day and a fitting end to our journey. We do a grand traverse around Civetta and through dramatic rocky terrain. Here you will feel the remoteness and quiet of the Italian wilderness you have been dreaming of. We will descend back to the Col die Baldi and take the gondola down to the charming and ever endearing town of Alleghe. We will meet our shuttle and transfer back to Cortina where we will stay at a 4 star hotel and our final celebratory dinner!

Itinerary/ hotels and or huts subject to change due to availability.