Dolomites Alta Via 1, Private guided

TRIP ITINERARY:

Day 1: Meeting in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

You meet with your guide at your hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo, which is the primary mountain town in the Dolomites. After introductions and a briefing on your AV1 trek, there will be plenty opportunity to ask questions and time to do any last-minute shopping. The evening is free to explore the many bars and restaurants Cortina has to offer.

Day 2: From Cortina to Lago di Braies and Rifugio Biella

From Cortina we transfer to the smaller village of Dobiacco where our Alta Via trek begins in earnest. We start with a gentle walk to Lago di Braies, where we walk along the shoreline of the gorgeous mountain lake. We then start our ascent, through classic Dolomites terrain, to the Sora Forno mountain pass and Rifugio Biella where we spend our first night high up in the mountains.

Day 3: From Rifugio Biella to the Fanes pastures

Today is a very enjoyable day as we enter the stunning Fanes National Park and pass a number of mountain huts where refreshments are available. It's a gentle start, courtesy of 4x4 vehicle tracks constructed during WW1, before we descend steeply to the valley floor at Pederü. We now commence our climb, which takes us to our mountain hut, located in a picturesque glacial basin by a small lake.

Day 4: From the Fanes pastures to Lagazuoi

A gentle start to the day on old WW1 tracks before we veer away from the valley and climb on increasingly steeper terrain to a tiny pass cut into the rugged ridge-line. A brief, but steep, descent takes us to a small lake and we continue our ascent through lunar-like landscape to Rifugio Lagazuoi, which is the highest point of the AV1 and, probably, the most impressive vantage point in all of the Dolomites.

Day 5: From Lagazuoi to Averau

A very interesting day packed with WW1 history awaits. Upon leaving our hut, the Alta Via briefly takes us East, past wartime tunnels and trench lines, before a splendid traverse below the face of the majestic Tofane de Rozes. We then drop to the valley floor before an ascent takes us past the famous Cinque Torri (five towers) and more wartime history. A final climb to a small mountain pass on a rocky ridge line completes this day and you arrive at Rifugio Averau.

Day 6: From Averau to Passo Staulanza

We traverse below the steep limestone walls to reach the Passo Giau road pass and a morning coffee stop at the hut before we continue across a succession of smaller mountain passes. Although, the distance is relatively long, the terrain is now easy and mostly descending, making for a very enjoyable walk. We end the day at the very comfortable Rifugio Staulanza where we are treated to some of the best food available on the Alta Via.

Day 7: From Passo Staulanza to Rifugio Vazzoler

Leaving the comfortable Staulanza hut behind us, sated from a lovely breakfast, we start the day with an easy stroll. Then, begins our ascent through wild and stunning Dolomites terrain, passing a small, emerald green lake. The ascent is made easier by a good track and two huts where refreshments are available. Beyond the second hut, it's all downhill to the very charming Vazzoler hut surrounded by conifer trees.

DAY 8: From Rifugio Vazzoler to Passo Duran

A most enjoyable start to the day, as we walk through conifer woods, crossing a couple of minor mountain passes along the way to the Carestiato hut, which is perfectly located for a lazy lunch stop. It is now downhill to the Passo Duran roadpass and our base for the night.

Day 9: From Passo Duran to Rifugio Fontana

A brief downhill section on easy road, before we start ascending through conifer woods. to the Moschesin mountain pass. Here, the views open up to reveal a stunning and varied Dolomites landscape. The Alta Via now turns increasingly wild as we travel through rugged terrain surrounded by limestone walls and ridge-lines until the final mountain pass is crossed and we enjoy a gentle descent to Rifugio Fontana for a well-deserved rest.

Day 10: From Rifugio Fontana to Cortina

After a night in the charming Rifugio Fontana, we awake to the final day on the Alta Via trail. A short, but intense, climb to the Forcella la Varetta pass gives access to the lush Val Vescovà, which we follow, mostly downhill, along a gushing stream to the road head at la Pissa from where we transfer back to our hotel in Cortina to celebrate our completion of the Alta Via 1.

Day 11: Depart Cortina d’Ampezzo

Breakfast at the hotel in Cortina and the official end of our Dolomites Alta Via 1 tour.