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 changing impressions every day leads from Villabassa/Niederdorf at Lake Braies to Alleghe under the rocky castle of the Civetta. On the very first stage, you will experience a real Dolomite ambience on the ascent over the "Ofenmauer". In the following days, you will hike through the unique Fanes and Sennes National Park, experience a magnificent sunset from the summit of the 2,756 m high Lagazuoi (if you are lucky with the weather), hike to the giant Lego stones of the Cinque Torri and marvel at the largest rock faces in 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
- 5 x overnight stays in huts and private mountain inns
- 5 x rich breakfast buffet and multi-course dinner menu
- 2 x transfer
- Free participation in our online training: Crossing the Alps - Preparation (1 h)
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. Lago di Croda (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 to see 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 Lago Federa via beautiful meadows. Overnight stay at the Rifugio Lago di Croda. 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. Ascent 140 m / descent 1,250 m / walking time 2.5 h, ⇔ 5.4 km
Day 6 : Transfer back to Villabassa, South Tyrol. Arrival expected late afternoon.
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 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
Online training: Crossing the Alps
If you are planning to cross the Alps, there is a lot to consider. You should be able to correctly assess the requirements and difficulties, be familiar with objective and subjective dangers and be in control of your equipment.you will learn everything you need to know about preparation, packing your rucksack correctly, food, the special "hut life" from an experienced mountain professional...
Palaronda Trek
Cimo della Pala, Rifugio Rosetta, Passo Pradiadali, the names melt in the mouth. And indeed, the Pala Dolomites are something for alpine connoisseurs. For ski tourers, freeriders, climbers and, in particular, mountaineers and hikers. Because although the summit panorama is characterized by steep pinnacles and towers, mountain forests and plateaus are hidden in between...
Private mountain guide:in
Want a dream tour? We will be happy to organize an optimally qualified guide for you and your friends, family or company. Over 80 mountain guides are looking forward to your dream tour with you. They have turned their hobby into a profession and will accompany you with great commitment after meticulous preparation. There are virtually no limits: From...
Ammergau alpine crossing
The Bavarian fairytale king Ludwig II not only left his descendants magnificent castles, but also many a royal riding and hunting trail that was created especially for the eccentric monarch in the Bavarian Alps. This wonderful pleasure 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 has been Simon Gietl's rope partner for many years and is a passionate mountain hiking guide. The tour he has planned for us is not included in any hiking guide and is an absolute highlight. Because it connects the most beautiful spots in 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.