Alta Via no. 1 Dolomites High Trail

• Mountain guide with the appropriate qualifications
• 5 x overnight stays in huts and private mountain inns
• 5 x rich breakfast buffet and multi-course evening menu
• 2 x transfer
• Free participation in our online training: Crossing the Alps - Preparation (1 h)
• 10% discount code for your purchases at bergfreunde.de

Additional costs

• possibly mountain railroads
• Snacks, drinks
• Arrival, possibly parking fee

Day 1: Meeting point in Niederdorf, South Tyrol; transfer to the unique Pragser Wildsee lake and ascent to the Seekofel hut (2,126 m). We start with a leisurely hike along the lakeshore with a magnificent panoramic view of the Braies Dolomites. Now we face the first ascent of the tour. Initially easy, later becoming a little steeper, we climb up to the Ofenscharte. From here it is not far to the hut. Ascent 950 m / descent 300 m / walking time 4 h, ⇔ 9.4 km

2nd day: To the Rifugio Sennes and to Pederu (1,545 m), through the Val de Fanes to the Grünsee and to the Rif. Lavarella (2,050 m). Today invites us once again to enjoy the wonderful panorama of the Sennes-Fanes Nature Park. We stroll across the Sennes plateau to the Rifugio Sennes and continue in the direction of Plan de Lasta, from here descending steeply to the head of the valley to Pederü. After a short break at the Pederü hut, we tackle the last ascent of the day. An easy mountain trail takes us right into the heart of the Fanes group. The Lavaredo hut, idyllically situated between meadows and sparse forests, is today's destination. Overnight stay at the Rifugio Lavarella (2,050 m). Ascent 550 m / descent 650 m / walking time 3 - 4 h, ⇔ 10.2 km

Day 3: To Lago di Limo and Alpe Fanes, continuing along mountain paths to Forcella del Lago (2,480 m) and up to Rif. Lagazuoi (2,756 m). The route first takes you comfortably over the Limojoch to the Fanesalm. With the Fuorcla da Lago saddle we have only reached an intermediate destination, but it is a welcome place for a rest. The route continues past Lago de Lagazoui and now climbs steadily up to our destination for today. The view from the terrace of the Lagazoui hut is truly magnificent and second to none. Overnight stay at the Lagazoui hut (2,752 m). Ascent 1,100 m / descent 420 m / walking time 5 h, ⇔ 12.3 km

Day 4: Over the Passo Falzarego, past the Cinque Torri to the beautifully situated Rif. Croda da Lago (2,042 m) with panoramic views of Cortina D'Ampezzo. Another highlight awaits you. We descend along the historic paths of the former Dolomite front through the Galleria de Lagazoui towards the Falzarego Pass. It's really impressive how cruel life was on the Dolomite front during the war. After a rest, we continue towards the Cinque Torri hut. We reach the accommodation on Lake Federa via beautiful meadows. Overnight stay in the Rifugio Croda da Lago. Ascent 700 m / descent 1,350 m / walking time 5.5 h, ⇔ 14 km

Day 5: Via Col Dura (2,293 m), Passo Palafavera (1,634 m) and Col Traversa (1,887 m) to Rif. Coldai (2,132 m). First we climb up to the Fuorcla Ambrizola, then descend slightly past the Rif. Citta di Fiume directly below the mighty precipices of Monte Pelmo 3,168 m. We stop for lunch at Passo Staulanza. From there we still have a few meters of altitude to climb to our stage destination, the Rifugio Coldai. Ascent 950 m / descent 850 m / walking time 6 h, ⇔ 16.6 km

Day 6: Over the Col Coldai (2,191 m) and the Col Mandro (2,023 m) down to the Lago di Alleghe (966 m). The last day of the Alta Via has another highlight in store. You hike to the Rifugio Tissi in the face of the mighty northern precipices of the Civetta 3,220 m, where alpine history was written. A quick coffee stop and then it's on to the Vazzoler hut. With the Torre Venezia in view, we stop here for lunch before descending further to the Rifugio Trieste. From there, cab transfer back to our starting point in Villabassa. Arrival probably late afternoon. Ascent 500 m / descent 1,500 m / walking time 6.0 h, ⇔ 14.5 km

Note on program changes: 

All courses and guided tours are conscientiously organized and carried out in accordance with the safety standards of the Vivalpin Mountain and Ski School with qualified specialists (e.g. mountain and ski guides, mountain hiking guides, etc.). The provisional tour program may be adjusted for safety-related reasons, such as bad weather, dangerous conditions, unforeseen natural events or inadequate conditions of the participants. The final program will be decided by the guide on site.

You should know about good physical condition, a head for heights, stamina and the appropriate fitness for the daily stages with approx. 8 kg of luggage. You can expect daily Walking times of approx. 6 - 8 hours and up to 1,000 m (ascent and descent). Good preparation for multi-day hikes is half the battle: Get used to your hiking boots and carrying a rucksack. The best way to practise this is on hikes with comparable differences in altitude. We also recommend our intensive training for surefootedness and a head for heights.

You can find information on estimating altitude meters and difficulty information here. If in doubt, please call our office or send us an e-mail.