8 Days & 7 Nights

4.8

Dolomites Alta Via 1 North

Hike the Alta Via 1 North, an iconic Italian Dolomites mountain trail
Picture-postcard alpine scenery— lush pastures, dramatic peaks and dense forests
Enjoy a cold beer on the terrace as a golden sunset bathes the landscape
Stay in in a combination of comfortable hotels and traditional mountain huts (rifugios)
Feel a sense of achievement after completing the northern section, next year try the south!

The northern section of the Alta Via 1 trail offers some of the most breathtaking views in all of Europe. As you make your way through the rugged terrain and past towering peaks, you'll feel a sense of awe and wonder at the natural world around you. But it's not just about the views – there are plenty of cultural and historical highlights along this route, such as the fascinating open-air museum at Galleria Lagazuoi. On this tour you will experience both hut-to-hut backpacking staying in dormitories in Alpine-style rifugi (local name for mountain huts) where you carry your luggage from place to place and stays in comfortable hotels where you can rest and refuel. Each stop on this trek has its own unique charm. And let's not forget about the delicious local cuisine! Hearty dinners are included on the nights in the rifugios and there are plenty of restaurant choices when you stay in the towns of Cortina, St Vigil and Alleghe. After a challenging and fun day of walking try typical Tyrolean meatballs. Delicious!

From $1,585.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Cortina and overnght

You’ll find pretty Cortina nestled in the heart of the Dolomites. It’s a great place to spend your first night amongst the mountains and to buy any last-minute provisions. Known as the ski and mountaineering centre of the High Dolomites, Cortina offers plenty of restaurants and shops. It's easy to get from Venice to Cortina on the Express Bus, or we can offer provate transfers if you wish.

Overnight Cortina

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Ciasa Lorenzi | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Ciasa Lorenzi, operated by the Lorenzi family, is a unique gem in Cortina d'Ampezzo, offering unparalleled views of the Dolomites and warm Italian hospitality. Nestled in the heart of the city, it is perfectly positioned to bask in the morning sunshine and witness the breathtaking sunset. The rooms are designed for peace and comfort, and guests can indulge in a sumptuous breakfast buffet featuring a variety of sweet and savoury dishes.

Hotel Pontechiesa | 3 Star | Hotel

Nestled in a peaceful, picture-perfect setting, this charming Alpine-style hotel is a favorite among hikers and nature lovers. Unwind in cozy, comfortable rooms and start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. In the evening, enjoy regional specialties at the on-site restaurant, or take a short 5–10 minute stroll into the vibrant heart of Cortina to discover a variety of local dining options.

Hotel Ambra | 4 Star | Hotel

Centrally located and a stone’s throw away from Cortina’s pedestrianised centre, the Hotel Ambra is a wonderful place to stay. With comfortable alpine style rooms, a continental buffet breakfast and free wifi, you have all the amenities you may need for a fantastic stay. Please note that as of June 2018 City Tax of approx. €3.50 will now need to be paid to the hotel directly upon departure.

Day 2 Bus to Lago di Braes. Hike to Biella, Sennes and then to Pederu. Bus to St. Vigil 8.7 miles / 14 km

After a good sleep, take a scenic bus via Dobbiaco to Lago di Braies (1494m), a spectacular lake and the official start of the Alta Via 1. Stride out from the far end of the lake with the mountains looming high on all sides, walking through patches of dwarf pines to the head of the valley. In clear weather you may catch sight of the three giant monoliths of the Tre Cime.

Your first day on the Alta Via 1 involves a good ascent to Rifugio Biella (2327m) from where you can take an optional hike up to the summit of Croda del Becco (2812m), or continue on the mountain track down to Rifugio Sennes, located at 2126m with panoramic views over Croda Rossa (3246m), Cristallo (3221m), Sorapis (3205m), and Tofana (3243m). Continue on to Pederu, from where you can catch a local bus to St Vigil for your first overnight.

Ascent/Descent: 938m/887m (3,077ft/2,910ft)

Overnight St. Vigil

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Chalet Corso | 4 Star | Hotel

Situated on the edge of the forest, only at a 5-minute walk from the centre of the traditional village of San Vigilio, and at the gateway to the Fanes-Sennes-Braies nature reserve. The rooms here are decorated in the traditional South Tyrolean style. The wellness area is free of charge.

Hotel Monte Sella | 4 Star | Hotel

The lovingly renovated Art Nouveau building of Monte Sella blends in perfectly with the new, bright, wooden building. Situated in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites in San Vigilio, the elegant ambience of the Hotel Monte Sella invites you to spend relaxing hours after hiking. You can look forward to experience genuine hospitality with Anna Cristina, Norbert and the rest of the family.

Hotel Corona | 4 Star | Hotel

Located in the heart of the picturesque mountain village of San Vigilio, surrounded by the stunning Dolomites, the Hotel Corona at Plan de Corones offers a relaxing holiday experience. Guests can explore the healing and beneficial properties of the crystals that adorn the hotel and enjoy the beautiful spa known as “Corona’s Crystal Realm.”

Day 3 Bus to Pederü. Hike to Rifugio Scotoni / Rifugio Lagazuoi / Rifugio Col Gallina / Rifugio Valparola 10 miles / 17 km

Take a local bus from St. Vigil up to Pederu and continue along the AV1 passing shimmering Lago di Limo (2157m). As you climb the slopes of the Fanes group pause to admire the views to the southern mountain ranges and Marmolada. Here in the Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d’Ampezzo you’ll see remnants of the Austrian- Italian WWI front line. Stop at the open-air ‘Museo all’aparto della Grande Guerra’ with its fascinating interpretation boards.

Walk to Rifugio Lagazuoi: 17km/10miles, Ascent/Descent: 1670m/465m (5,475ft/1,525ft)

Walk to Rifugio Scotoni: 15km/9 miles, Ascent/Descent: 1099m/635m (3,605ft/2,142ft)

Walk to Rifugio Col Gallina: 20km/12mi, Ascent/Descent: 1491m/978m (4,891ft/3,208ft)

Walk to Rifugio Valparola: 23km/14miles, Ascent/Descent: 1615m/989m (5,298ft/3,244ft)

If you stay overnight at Rifugio Col Gallina or Valparola, you can take the cable car from Rifugio Lagazuoi down to Passo Falzarego, shortening the hike by 3,5km/2mi and 644m/2,113ft of descent.

Overnight Rifugio Lagazuoi

Overnight Rifugio Col Gallina

Overnight Rifugio Scotoni

Overnight Rifugio Valparola

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Rifugio Lagazuoi | Rifugio

Rifugio Lagazuoi was built in 1965 by Ugo Pompanin and has been run by his family ever since. The rifugio sits at 2,752 meters on the summit of Monte Lagazuoi, above Passo Falzarego and offers panoramic 360° views of the surrounding peaks, including the highest in the Dolomites. Enjoy the almost otherworldly stillness at that altitude, especially at sunrise and sunset when the mountains glow with alpenglow.

Rifugio Scotoni | Rifugio

This delightful hut is nestled in the scenic Plan de Lagaciò meadow at 2,040m. Established in 1967 and managed by the Agreiter family, Rifugio Scotoni exudes a warm, rustic charm. Inside, you'll find traditional wooden interiors, a cozy Tyrolean stove. The outdoor terrace provides a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the breathtaking alpine scenery. Make time to visit the small chapel in honour of all war victims.

Rifugio Valparola | Rifugio

This Rifugio offers a tranquil alpine retreat at 2,163 meters. It is a magical place, with a fantastic panoramic view of the Col di Lana and the Marmolada providing a perfect setting for relaxation. A few minutes from the refuge, it is possible to visit the museum of Forte Tre Sassi, a small jewel of a defensive fortification built by the Austro-Hungarian army at the end of the nineteenth century, now home to an important museum.

Day 4 Hike from Rif. Lagazuoi / Rif. Scotoni / Rif. Valparola to Rif. Scoiattoli 5 miles / 8 km

With a bit of luck, you will experience an unforgettable sunrise in this impressive mountain setting this morning with a cup of coffee on the balcony of your mountain hut. Depending on which hut you are staying in, the day begins with a steep descent to Passo Falzarego (alternatively, you can take the cable car down), where you can discover remains from the First World War along the way. You can then relax on a short, flat section before another strenuous climb.

Hike starting from Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Scoiattoli: 9km/5mi, Ascent/Descent: 347m/837m (1,138ft/2,746ft)

Hike starting from Rifugio Scotoni to Rifugio Scoiattoli: 11km/6miles, Ascent/Descent: 935m/667m (3,068ft/2,188ft)

Hike starting from Rifugio Valparola to Rifugio Scoiatolli: 6.6km/4 miles, Ascent/Descent: 328m/240m (1,076ft/787ft)

Hike starting from Rifugio Col Gallina to Rifugio Scoiatolli: 5.5km/3.5 miles, Ascent/Descent: 391m/191m (1,283ft/627ft)

Depending on availability, we will arrange your stay in Cortina.

Overnight Rifugio Scoiattoli

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Rifugio Scoiattoli | Rifugio

The Lorenzi family warmly welcomes you to Rifugio Scoiattoli, ideally situated next to the 5 Torri chairlift. This beloved mountain hut combines genuine hospitality with spectacular alpine scenery. Its modern panoramic terrace, thoughtfully enclosed with glass to shield from the wind, offers uninterrupted, breathtaking views - making it the perfect spot to pause, relax, and take in the beauty of the mountains.

Day 5 Hike from Rifugio Scoiattoli to Rifugio Croda da Lago 5 miles / 7 km

Starting at Rifugio Scoiattoli, you pass by the Cinque Torri, as you follow this variant of the Alta Via 1 through orchid-filled meadows and patches of shady pine trees. A series of switchbacks is rewarded by superb views over Cortina and the valley, then its a pleasant stroll to Rifugio Croda da Lago G Palmieri (2066m).

Ascent/Descent: 412m/783m (1,352ft/2,569ft)

Depending on availability, we will arrange your stay in Cortina.

Overnight Rifugio Croda da Lago

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Rifugio Croda da Lago | Rifugio

This simple Rifugio is run by mountain guide Modesto Alverà, his wife Monica and their five children. Located by the tranquil Lago del Federa, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you relax with a treat by the stove –Monica’s ricotta cake, strudel and flavoured grappas are legendary!

Day 6 Hike Rifugio Croda da Lago to Col dei Baldi. Cable car down to Alleghe 9 miles / 14 km

Keep watch for scampering salamander as you walk through patches of scree and grass Forcella Ambrizzola (2277 m). Pass the Rifugio Citta di Fiume and through lush pastures and scree paths all the way to Rifugio Passo Staulanza, a contrast to the high Alpine slopes. Don't miss this opportunity to taste what is said to be the best hot chocolate in the Dolomites in a cosy mountain hut. From Passo Staulanza, the trail ascends through the Civetta ski area, offering wide, easy paths. Arrive at Col dei Baldi, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Monte Pelmo and Monte Civetta. From here take the cable car down to Piani di Pezze and on to Alleghe, where you stay for the next two nights.

Ascent/Descent: 646/77m (2,120ft/253ft)

Overnight Alleghe

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Sporthotel Europa | 4 Star | Hotel

The Sporthotel Europa is located on the shores of Lake Alleghe and only a 3 minute walk from the town centre. Hotel’s facilities include a hot tub, a Turkish bath, and a large terrace equipped with chairs and tables facing the lake. Relax or enjoy the views of the lake and the surrounding majestic peaks, perfect for relaxing after a hike.

Naturae Lodge

Located just a five-minute walk from the lake, this hotel offers a relaxing stay inspired by the natural beauty of Alleghe and its surrounding mountains. With a thoughtfully designed spa and cozy interiors, it’s an ideal place for resting after a day of hiking and enjoying the tranquility in the heart of nature.

Hotel Barance | 3 Star | Hotel

The De Zordo family welcomes you to the Hotel Barance in Alleghe. The hotel is situated at the far end of the lake, 15 minutes walk from the cable car station and 20 minutes from the town centre. After a day of hiking you can relax in the cosy Stube (lounge) or visit the hotel's wellness area. In the hotel restaurant you can taste the excellent cuisine with a choice of local and national specialities.

Day 7 Cable car from Alleghe. Hike the AV1 from Col dei Baldi to Capanna Trieste. Transfer back to Alleghe 10.5 miles / 17 km

The day starts with a cable car ride up from Alleghe to Col dei Baldi. Pass Rifugio Coldai and Rifugio Mario Vazzoler where refreshing drinks and snacks may be welcomed. You can also view beautiful Lago Coldai and the impressive and dramatic mountain scenery en route. A transfer from Rifugio Capanna Trieste back to Alleghe completes your final day walking in the Dolomite mountains.

If you prefer there is a shorter option if you want to take it easier today. We recommend a walk around Lake Alleghe with a short detour to the waterfall Ru de Rialt.

Ascent/Descent: 804m/1602m (2638ft/5256ft) (2,638ft/5,256ft)

Shorter Walk around Lake Alleghe: 8km/5 miles, Ascent/Descent: 250m/230m (820ft/755ft)

Overnight Alleghe

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Sporthotel Europa | 4 Star | Hotel

Naturae Lodge

Hotel Barance | 3 Star | Hotel

Day 8 Transfer to Cortina. Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 18kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 18kg is equivalent to 1 8-oz steak. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

Hike the popular northern half of the Alta Via 1 in just 6 days, enjoying both the camaraderie of the rifugios (mountain huts) and also comfortable hotels in towns and villages, hand-picked for their ambience and character. You’ll have time to explore the chic mountain town of Cortina before embarking on your adventure! You should be sure-footed and have a head for heights to really get the most from this trip. It is not suitable for people suffering from vertigo. You’ll tick half of this long-distance trail off your list, with the perfect excuse to return next year to complete the southern section!

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails, Alpine Walking

The minimum age for this tour is: 18 Years

Activity Level & Terrain

This walk is graded moderate to strenuous. It includes daily hikes between approximately 8 and 17km (5 and 10.5 miles) with ascents of up to approximately 1670m/5,479ft, and descents of up to approximately 1450m/4,757ft. Not only are the hikes challenging but between the huts you will also be required to carry your own pack. Some of the ascents and descents are considerably steep and some can be exposed so require a good head for heights and sure-footedness in places. You should have a good level of fitness to get the most from this trip and be an experienced mountain walker/hiker.

The landscape along the Alta Via 1 is inspiring. The hike begins at the idyllic mountain lake, Lago di Braies. Along the way, you’ll traverse an impressive high-mountain landscape, featuring steep, towering rock peaks, dramatic scree slopes, and stunning views. The stages follow a mix of switchback footpaths, country lanes, both narrow and wide tracks and rough mountain paths. On several days, there are a few steep and exposed sections secured with ropes. Hikers should expect uneven but well-maintained terrain. There are no technical challenges, as we bypass any via ferratas, and we strongly advise against attempting these sections.

Experience & Fitness

The Alta Via 1 is suitable for experienced hikers with mountain/alpine experience and good physical condition due to the length of the stages, the altitude and the nature of the trail. You will carry your own luggage on this trip, making good fitness absolutely essential. Hiking poles are recommended as they reduce strain on the joints and provide stability.

Before your trip, we recommend hiking regularly and incorporating some hilly/mountainous terrain into your routine. Be sure check the daily distances and elevation gains and losses outlined in your itinerary.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Accommodation for 4 nights in comfortable hotels, and for 3 nights in mountain huts
7 Breakfasts
Dinners in the mountain huts (except Rif. Averau)
Baggage Transfer from Cortina to St Vigil and St Vigil to Alleghe
Transfer from Capanna Alpina to Alleghe
Transfer from Alleghe to Cortina
Detailed trip information and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
24-hour assistance by phone

Excluded

Getting to and from Cortina
Travel Insurance
Lunches and snacks
4 Dinners whilst in hotels (Cortina, St Vigil and Alleghe)
Day to Day Baggage Transfers (between rifugios/huts)
Public transportation, including buses, trains and cable cars.
Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
Any items not specifically mentioned in the program.

Extras

Additional nights
Transfers to and from Venice to Cortina

When to go

When To Go

This tour is available to book any day of the week between July and mid-September. It is a short booking season because of the possibility of early or late snow. It is not unheard of for snow to fall on higher ground during the summer, and patches of snow may still be present into July and indeed possible in the middle of September. July and August are the hottest months and carry the greatest risk of thunderstorms, which can be torrential and usually occur in the afternoon - being well-prepared and equipped for all these eventualities is essential. Around August 15th is particularly busy as it is a bank holiday in Italy, so avoid booking around this time if you can.

The Alta Via has gained more and more popularity over recent years, since it is a stunning part of the world. However, the rifugios (mountain huts) have not increased in capacity and are in great demand and fill up extremely quickly. This is why it is imperative that you BOOK EARLY.

We work with various rifugios that open at different times of the year. Therefore, your confirmation will take longer than usual. (So, it can take months, rather than weeks or days) For example, if you book in the previous summer, you will not receive your confirmation until later in the year (i.e. October, November or December) depending on which huts we are booking for you. Some huts even open in January, so it could be as late as this. However, we will endeavour to keep you well-informed of the situation while you are waiting for confirmation, and please be rest assured that we are doing the best we can.

Please note that when you make your booking (with a specific start date and names of the travelers), it would be extremely challenging and virtually impossible to make any changes or amendments in this regard. Therefore, please ensure that you are certain of your plans (date and customer names) at the time of booking.

If we cannot confirm you on an Alta Via tour, there are plenty of other hikes that we can recommend: Highlights of the Alta Via 1 In Comfort, Walking in the Heart of the Dolomites and the Dolomites to Lake Garda.

Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

This tour starts in Cortina. To get to Cortina, there are a couple of options: Venice Marco Polo Airport is the most convenient airport, with various interational airlines operating here. The smaller Venice Treviso Airport is serviced by low-cost carrier Ryanair (London Stansted, Bristol, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford).

From Venice Marco Polo airport (or Venice Mestre bus station): it is possible to take the Cortina Express to Cortina (approx. 2h20); there are 4 to 5 departures daily, usually every 3 to 4 hours between 7am and 8pm, so please ensure you check their website for timetables. We recommend booking this bus well in advance.

From Venice Treviso Airport: From the airport take a bus (approx.12 mins) to Treviso, then from Treviso Sud there is an ATVO bus once a day to Cortina (approx. 2 hrs). Or you can take a bus from Treviso town to Venice Mestre or Marco Polo Airport for onward connections with the Cortina Express (see above). Check the timetable on the ATVO website.

Getting from the End

From Cortina, use one of the methods mentioned in the Getting to the Start information to get back to Venice.

Luggage Transfer

We will be able to transfer your luggage between hotels, but since the rifugios you will be staying in are mostly remote, luggage transfer to each hut is not possible on this tour. Therefore we transfer your luggage from Cortina to St Vigil, and from St Vigil to Alleghe and with you in the transfer from Alleghe back to Cortina. You will need to carry your own back-pack between the huts. It is advised that you pack extremely lightly for the days when you will be staying in the huts. (It is recommended that your back-pack is not heavier than 20-25% of your own body weight). This bag is limited to 20kg/44lbs of weight. We do not have control over the limits that our luggage transfer providers set. Therefore, it is very important that you adhere to this limit, as there is a great possibility that they will not take any additional or heavier bags. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits we must respect.