1 week Alta Via 1 trek in the Dolomites

Day 1: Arrival in Dobbiaco

Our trip starts in Dobbiaco in Italy, also known as Toblach in German. To maintain a high standard of accommodation we might start in the neighbouring village of Villabassa, if our usual hotel in Dobbiaco is fully booked. We hold a trip briefing in the hotel at 6pm, followed by our evening meal.

Accommodation: 3* hotel, dinner included

Luggage access

Day 2: Lago di Braies to Rifugio Fanes

The day starts with a short bus ride to Lago di Braies; a stunning turquoise lake surrounded by magnificent cliffs. We make a steady ascent under the striated cliffs of Monte Muro to the pass at Porta Sora il Forn (2338m). From here the view takes in the glacier of Marmolada to the southwest. We head down to the Rifugio Biella for lunch, before a scenic descent through the meadows and rustic farms, and a final steep section down to the Rifugio Pederu. From the Rifugio Pederu we have our final climb of the day. It takes approximately 1.5 hours, but is well worth it to stay at the fantastic Fanes hut. 

Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

Luggage access

Walking: approx 8 hrs

Distance: 22km

Altitude gain / loss: +1500m / -1020m

Day 3: Rifugio Fanes to Rifugio Lagazuoi

A steady climb in the morning takes us to the Passo di Limo (2172m) and the pretty lake of the same name. After traversing the rugged mountainside we get to the Forcella del Lago (2486m), before a stunning descent towards Lago di Lagazuoi (2182m). A 200m climb to the Rifugio Lagazuoi finishes our day, as we follow what was once a WW1 front line, complete with gun placements and tunnels carved out of the ridgeline. Rifugio Lagazuoi is in an amazing location, high in the mountains, and even has a wood-fired sauna. This is a long day with a considerable ascent, but the descent is minimal. 

Accommodation : Mountain refuge, dinner included

No luggage access

Walking: Approx 7.5 hrs

Distance: 18km

Altitude gain / loss: + 1185m / -450m

Day 4: Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Averau

Today’s journey will take us from the remnants of World War 1 to the magnificent summits of the Tofane. First we head over the Forcella Travenanzes (2507m), followed by a descent that takes us past an atmospheric WW1 memorial. We go over the Forcella Col dei Bois, and enjoy fabulous views towards the Cinque Torri. There is an opportunity to stop at the RIfugio Dibona for coffee, before a steep climb through the forest. After stopping for lunch at another lovely Italian rifugio, we have a relatively easy climb to our refuge at Averau. After you have checked in, we recommend heading up to the Rifugio Nuvola, which is perched on the cliff tops, and offers some of the best views in the Dolomites. It adds an extra 120m of ascent but is definitely worth it!

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Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

No luggage access

Walking: Approx 7 hours

Distance: 16km

Altitude gain / loss: +855 / -1150m

Day 5: Rifugio Averau to Rifugio Palafavera

The day starts with stunning views of the Tofane, Lagazuoi and Cinque Torri. We descend through flower meadows as we drop down to the next pass, before joining a path leading us underneath the cliffs. At the Forcella Giau (2360m) we stop for a coffee and take in the views towards Monte Pelmo. Following Monte Formin’s southern cliffs we then climb to the Forcella Ambrizzola (2277m). As we descend to the Rifugio Citta de Fiume we pass through dairy herds, and enjoy views of Civetta. After a break we start our final section of the day, taking a trail that traverses under the rugged peaks and spires of Monte Pelmo, which is one of the most famous landmarks of the Dolomite mountains. A final descent through the Larch forests brings us to the Rifugio Palafavera, where we spend the night. 

Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

Luggage access

Walking: Approx 8 hrs

Distance: 19km

Altitude gain / loss: +550m / -1160m

Day 6: Rifugio Palafavera to Rifugio Vazzoler

The morning starts with a farm track, and a steady climb through the forest. Sometimes the chair lift is running, so anyone not wishing to climb could take the lift (not included). We arrive at the Casera di Pioda, which is a working dairy farm selling cheese in the summer months. We leave the tinkling bells of the goats and cows behind, as we take a well-graded mule track to the shoulder of Cima Coldai. At the Rifugio Sonino al Coldai we continue west along a small valley to the Lago Coldai. We drop around the beautiful turquoise lake and over the Forcella Col Negro (2203m) before our descent into Val Civetta, where the impressive peaks of the west face of Monte Civetta tower 1200m overhead. We then head to Rifugio Vazzoler for the night, via the Forcella di Col Rean. 

Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

No luggage access

Walking: approx 6.5 hrs

Distance: 14km

Altitude gain / loss: +952m / -800m

Day 7: Rifugio Vazzoler to the Passo Duran (and return to Dobbiaco)

We leave our refuge accompanied by great views of the Torre Trieste (2458m) and Cima della Busazza (2894). We then take the steep pass of Forcella Col dell Orso (1823m). After a short aided section the path crosses boulders and pastures before dropping down in front of the south face of the Moiazza. Along the Val Framont we have the option to take in a small detour to the Rifugio Carestiato for another Italian coffee. The final section of our Alta Via descends though pastures and meadows to the Passo Duran, where we can enjoy a well-earned celebratory drink before being collected by taxi and taken back to our hotel in Dobbacio. 

Accommodation: 3* hotel, dinner included

Luggage access

Walking: approx 6 hrs

Distance: 12km

Altitude gain / loss: +670m / -800m

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Day 8: Depart Dobbiaco

The tour finishes after breakfast.