Alta Via No. 1 Dolomites High Trail
The No. 1 of the Dolomite High Altitude Trails
Named after the geologist Déodat de Dolomieu, the Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2009 because of their unique beauty. The limestone reefs, washed by the sea millions of years ago, form a stark contrast to the inviting South Tyrolean valleys. Nowhere else are green meadows, lovely alpine pastures, rugged rock faces and bold peaks united in such a confined space.
Enjoy the unique landscape of the Dolomites on one of the most beautiful, technically easy alpine crossings. The spectacular route with daily changing impressions leads from Villabassa at the Braies Lake to Alleghe under the rock castle of the Civetta. Already on the first stage you will experience real Dolomite ambience during the ascent over the "Ofenmauer". In the following days you will hike through the unique Fanes and Sennes National Park, experience (with a bit of weather luck) a magnificent sunset from the summit of the 2756 m high Lagazuoi, hike to the giant lego stones of the Cinque Torri and marvel at the largest rock faces of the Dolomites from a safe distance.
In between the daily highlights you can look forward to beautiful hiking trails and paths, wonderful resting places at deep blue lakes and not to forget cozy huts with the best Italian cuisine.
Program and schedule
- Mountain guide:in with the appropriate qualifications
- 5x overnight stay in huts and private mountain inns
- 1xovernight stay in hotel
- 6x rich breakfast buffet and multi-course dinner menu
- 2x transfer
- Free participation in our online training: Alpine Crossing - Preparation
Day 1: Meeting point in Villabassa, South Tyrol; transfer to the unique Braies Lake and ascent to the Seekofel Hut (2,126m). We first hike leisurely along the lake shore with a magnificent panoramic view of the Braies Dolomites. Now we face the first ascent of the tour. At first easy, later a bit steeper we climb to the Ofenscharte. From here it is not far to the hut. Ascent 950Hm / Descent 300Hm / Walking time 4h, ⇔ 9,4km
2nd day: To Rifugio Sennes and to Pederu (1.545m), through Val de Fanes to the Green Lake and to Rif. Lavarella (2.050m). Today invites us once again to enjoy the wonderful panorama of the Natural Park Sennes-Fanes. We stroll across the Sennes plateau to Rifugio Sennes and continue towards Plan de Lasta, from here we descend steeply to the head of the valley to Pederü. After a short stop at the Pederü hut, we tackle the last ascent of the day. An easy mountain path takes us into the middle of the Fanes group. The Lavaredo hut, idyllically situated between meadows and sparse woods, is today's destination. Overnight stay at the Rifugio Lavarella (2.050m). Ascent 550Hm / Descent 650Hm / Walking time 3-4h, ⇔ 10,2km
Day 3: To the Lago di Limo and to the Alpe Fanes, further over mountain paths to the Forcella del Lago (2.480m) and up to the Rif. Lagazuoi (2.756m). At first, the route is leisurely over the Limojoch to the Fanesalm. With the saddle Fuorcla da Lago we have reached only one intermediate goal, but it is a welcome place for a rest. We continue past the Lago de Lagazoui and now climb steadily until we reach our destination for today's stage. The view from the terrace of the Lagazoui hut is truly magnificent and unparalleled. Overnight stay at the Lagazoui hut (2.752m). Ascent 1.100Hm / Descent 420Hm / Walking time 5h, ⇔ 12,3km
Day 4: Over the Passo Falzarego, past the Cinque Torri to the beautifully situated Rif. Lago di Croda (2,042m) with panoramic views of Cortina D'Ampezzo. Another highlight is waiting for you. We descend on historic paths of the former Dolomite front through the Galleria de Lagazoui towards Falzarego Pass. Really impressive how cruel life was in wartime on the Dolomite front. After a rest we continue towards the Cinque Torri hut. Across beautiful meadow terrain we reach the accommodation situated on Lago Federa. Overnight stay at the Rifugio Lago di Croda. Ascent 700Hm /Descent 1.350Hm / Walking time 5,5h, ⇔14km
Day 5: Via Col Dura (2.293m), Passo Palafavera (1.634m) and Col Traversa (1.887m) to Rif. Coldai (2.132m). First we climb up to Fuorcla Ambrizola, then slightly descending we pass Rif. Citta di Fiume directly under the mighty falls of Monte Pelmo 3,168m. We will stop for lunch at Passo Staulanza. From there we have to climb a few more meters to our stage destination, the Rifugio Coldai. Ascent 950Hm / Descent 850Hm / Walking time 6h, ⇔ 16,6km
Day 6: Over the Col Coldai (2.191m) and the Col Mandro (2.023m) down to the Lago di Alleghe (966m). The last day of the Alta Via offers another highlight. You hike in the face of the mighty northern falls of the Civetta 3,220m, where alpine history was written, to the Rifugio Tissi. A short coffee stop and you continue to the Vazzoler hut. With the Torre Venezia in view, we stop here for lunch before continuing our descent to the Rifugio Trieste. From there cab transfer towards Alleghe. A nice last evening together and overnight stay in Alleghe. Ascent 140Hm / Descent 1.250Hm / Walking time 2,5h, ⇔ 5,4km
Day 7: Transfer back to Villabassa, South Tyrol
Program Change: All courses and guided tours are conscientiously organized and carried out according to the safety standards of the VIVALPIN Mountain and Ski School with qualified mountain and ski guides. An adjustment of the proven tour program is possible for safety-related reasons such as bad weather, dangerous conditions or insufficient prerequisites of the participant:inside. The decision for the final program is made by the mountain guide on site.
You should know about good physical condition, no vertigo, endurance, and the appropriate condition for the daily stages with about 8kg luggage. You can expect daily Walking time of about 6-8 hours and up to 1.000Hm (in ascent and descent). Good preparation for multi-day hikes is half the battle: Get used to your mountain boots and to carrying a backpack. The best way to practice this is on hikes with comparable altitude differences. We also recommend our intensive training in surefootedness and head for heights.
"Not for nothing is the Alta Via, the "high way", also the number one multi-day hiking tour for many. Nowhere else in the Alps are there these contrasts between extreme rock faces and lovely alpine landscapes and lakes. Amazingly easy, the Alta Via finds its way between the three-thousand-meter peaks, although the rating "amazingly easy" is more from the perspective of an experienced mountaineer. In any case, you should be sure-footed, free from vertigo and, of course, have the necessary physical condition, then nothing will stand in the way of your dream tour."
Lisa Pütz
Mountain hiking guide
Member of the VIVALPIN Competence Team
Head of department for mountain school for many years
Similar tours
Private mountain guide:in
Want a dream tour? We will gladly organize an optimally qualified guide for you and your friends, family or company. Over 80 mountain guides are looking forward to your dream tour. They have made their hobby their profession and will accompany you with great commitment after meticulous preparation. There are almost no limits: From
Ammergau alpine crossing
The Bavarian fairy-tale king Ludwig II left his descendants not only magnificent castles, but also many a royal riding and hunting trail, which was created especially for the eccentric monarch in the Bavarian Alps. This wonderful hike follows parts of these historic paths, as well as the most beautiful sections of the "Maximiliansweg", which was only opened at the beginning of the 1990s.
Karwendel High Altitude Trail
Karwendel - that is the epitome of untouched nature and rugged peaks, of austere beauty and wild solitude. However, the Karwendel Höhenweg cleverly finds the weak points between the inaccessible mountain ranges and is good and enjoyable for sure-footed and experienced hikers accompanied by a mountain guide.
Intensive training in surefootedness and head for heights
Surefootedness is one of the elementary skills for all mountaineers, hikers and climbers. Let a mountain professional show you important tips, tricks and exercises so that you can be more experienced and effective in the mountains in the future.
Dolomites Via Bellissima, South Tyrol
Which is the most beautiful dolomite crossing? We asked a local who should know. Florian Harrasser comes from Bruneck, he is a long-time rope partner of Simon Gietl and a mountain hiking guide with passion. The tour he planned for us is not in any hiking guidebook and is an absolute highlight. Because it connects the most beautiful spots of the Dolomites
Alpine crossing Tegernsee - Sterzing
The Alpine Crossing Tegernsee - Sterzing is our easiest route across the Alps and the ideal introduction to the world of long-distance hiking. Technically easy paths and comfortable bases make the tour a feasible adventure for every:n.
Alpine crossing Garmisch - Merano
On the crossing of the Alps from the Zugspitze to Merano you start at the highest point of Germany and have from here the route to the south in the best view. On often lonely paths and climbs you get to know the Alps from their best sides.
Alpine crossing Merano - Lake Garda
The Alpine crossing from Merano to Lake Garda is more than an extension of the classic E5. With VIVALPIN you hike in small groups of 6-8 participants, up to 7 hours per day on technically easy paths and climbs. You will enjoy a perfect organization with the best bases and all necessary transfers.
Alpine crossing Watzmann - Three Peaks
The eastern alpine crossing Watzmann - Drei Zinnen is next to the E5 a classic in the VIVALPIN program. Particularly impressive is the circumnavigation of the highest mountain in Austria, the 3,798m high Großglockner. The daily stages on partly narrow paths and climbs go over up to 1300Hm in the ascent.
Alpine crossing Oberstdorf - Merano (E5)
The E5 from Oberstdorf Meran is the most famous alpine crossing. With VIVALPIN you hike in small groups of 6-8 participants, the daily stages last up to 7 hours and are technically easy. You will enjoy a perfect organization with the best bases and all necessary transfers.