The Dolomites' Alta Via 1 Hut-to-Hut
Hike Italy's premier long-distance route through the Dolomites
Trip Summary
From soaring rock towers to grassy alpine meadows, the Italian Dolomites offer some of the most dramatic, exciting, and challenging hiking in the Alps. Strikingly different from the French or Swiss Alps, the limestone Dolomites rise dramatically from narrow valleys to form impressive spires, canyons, sheer rock walls rising 3,000', and huge limestone plateaus.
The Dolomites were once submerged under a coral sea, which led to the gradual formation of layers of sediments: limy mud, sand, silt, and clay. These elements combined with massive forces of the earth's shifting crust resulted in the formation of the Dolomites. Since that time many, many millions of years ago, the Dolomites have been worn to their present state by glaciation, erosion, frost, wind, and rain. More recently in social history, this region saw heavy fighting during World War I, and remnants of this are still very apparent. Three languages are spoken in this area: German, Italian, and Ladin, an old dialect that came to the area from northern regions.
Beginning in the Italian Sud Tirol, our Hut-to-Hut Hiking in the Dolomites trip will take us south along the famed high route, the Alta Via 1, through the Pragser, Tofana, and Civetta mountain groups. The impressiveness of the scenery and the variety of terrain along this route are matched only by the warmth and hospitality of the rifugio and hotels. The unusual contrasts in landscapes and a curious mix of Italian and Austrian influences can only mean fantastic hiking and plenty of pasta!
This linear trip is a great hike highlighted by breathtaking views, rustic and lively mountain refuges, a sense of excitement of what lies around the next bend or the next pass, and the satisfaction of traveling by foot through this beautiful and remote area.
The Dolomites' Alta Via 1 Hut-to-Hut Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Independent travel from Venice to Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Cortina d’Ampezzo is a classic Dolomites village nestled among the spectacular mountains of the Tofane, Cristallo, Sorapis, and Antelao. This beautiful village has a wonderful main street lined with several shops and outdoor cafes. Cortina is a great place to begin our trek. Welcome dinner and trip orientation.
- There are 3 buses per day from Venice to Cortina. We will help organize your travel to Cortina.
Day 2: Hike to Rifugio Fodara Vedla
Departing the hotel at 8:30 am, we take a private transfer 45 minutes to Pragser Wildsee (Lago di Braies). This stunning blue-green mountain lake is nestled between the surrounding mountains: the Seekofel, Croda del Becco, and the Grosse Apostel. The hike around the lake soon gives way to a steady climb to the Forcella (pass or col) Porta sora L'Forn (7,880'). The view from here is one of the best anywhere in the Alps! In front of us spread the mountains of Tofane, Pelmo, Cristallo, and Civetta. All these will mark our way as we head south. From the pass, you cross a limestone plateau and descend to our rifugio for the night. In the event of poor weather, we will hike a different route to Fodara Vedla, a shorter and more protected way.
This is a fantastic first day of hiking, rewarding and challenging. Bunkrooms for 4 to 6 with shared facilities. We will stay in the bunkrooms as a group. Rifugio Fodara Vedla is a wonderful family-run rifugio. We have been staying at Fodara Vedla since 1999! Rifugio Fodara Velda is a very comfortable rifugio. Dinner and breakfast included.
Day 3: Fodara Vedla
Taking advantage of the amazing location, we spend a second night in this beautiful Rifugio. Day hikes for today might include an easy ascent to the Sas dla Para at 2,712’, about a 3-hour round trip. Or a day hike off the beaten path to the Joch at Munt de Senes at 8,312’. With our lighter packs, we will be treated to some magnificent hikes, and we get to return to Fodara Vedla for the night. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 4: Fodara Vedla to Rifugio Scotoni
From last night’s stop, we first descend steeply (1,380') to the valley and then hike up to Rifugio Fanes and Lago di Limo, about 2 hours. A spectacular 360-degree view awaits at a picnic spot at the Passo di Limo. The trail then opens into a lush, broad valley between the rocky summits of Monte Castello, which was heavily fortified during WWI, and Piz des Cunturines (10,111'). The scenery and colors are stunning. This descent (1,500') leads down to the valley floor, followed by a 40-minute climb to Rifugio Scotoni. This small rifugio is set in a beautiful valley surrounded by the towering mountains of the Cime di Fanes. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 5: Scotoni to Rifugio Cinque Torri
The first part of today’s hike is a steady hike up through the Alpe di Lagazuoi to the Rifugio Lagazuoi (gaining 2,530’). Surrounding us are the Punta di Fanes, the cliffs of the Lagazuoi, and the massive Tofana di Rozes (10,650'). Near the pass, there are several World War I underground passages called galleries, which serve as memorials to the terrible fighting that took place here in 1916. After a stop for lunch at Rifugio Lagazuoi, we will avail ourselves of the cable car that takes us to the valley.
From the valley at Passo Falzarego, we cross an alpine road, rejoin the hiking route, and begin the final ascent (950’) to the friendly and comfortable Rifugio Cinque Torri that has been run by the same family since 1936. The setting for this rifugio is remarkable as it looks out at the long wall of the Croda di Lago. In the distance rise Sorapis and Anteleo. In the other direction stands the wall of the Torri Grande. Simply put, the view, in every direction, is awesome. Dinner and breakfast included.
Day 6: Rifugio Cinque Torri to Rifugio Staulanza
From Cinque Torri, we hike on a remote, rugged trail to Passo Giau passing near two striking rocky mountains: Averau and Nuvolau. On this quiet, challenging trail, we might spot some elusive chamois. In about two hours, we arrive at the mountain road at Passo Giau. This morning hike includes several short, steep climbs and steep descents.
From Passo Giau, we continue to the Forcella Giau, where the views of the Tofana and Monte Cavallo are inspiring. The mountains on display to the south are Monte Fromin, Cernera, Pelmo, and the upswept flank of Monte Mondeval. The trail leads over lush alpine meadows, perhaps spotting some wild edelweiss. The last part of the day leads below Pelmo's north face, (which is 3,300' straight up to the top at 10,454',) to our comfortable mountain inn/Rifugio at Passo Staulanza. This is a long day. Dinner and breakfast included.
Day 7: Rifugio Staulanza to Rifugio Tissi
From Passo Staulanza, we join a popular trail and climb to the shoulder of Monte Coldai, which lies at the edge of the famous Monte Civetta (10,620'). After stopping for a picnic lunch at Lago Coldai, we continue to the col Negro di Coldai, which looks over at the towering west face of Monte Civetta. This "wall of walls" extends for over 4 miles! About mid-way past this wall, we climb to our rifugio (7,500'), Rifugio Tissi, perched on the mountain flank looking out at the Val Civetta, down the Alleghe Valley and west to the Marmolada Glacier.
While this is the most rustic rifugio on the hike, it is also the most memorable with its stunning setting. It would be hard to find another rifugio located in such a remarkable place. The views and the friendly and lively atmosphere all add up to make this overnight stop memorable. This is a rustic, basic rifugio with limited facilities. Bunkrooms for 6 to 8 and shared facilities. Dinner and breakfast.
Day 8: Rifugio Tissi to Cabane Triese - transfer to Forno di Zoldo
From Tissi, we descend to the Val Civetta over the Col Rean, through beautiful, open, green meadows to the narrow valley of Val Corpassa. The route takes us right below the sheer rockfaces of the Torre Venezia and the Torre Trieste, both rising some 2,000’. We may see some climbers ascending these impressive towers as we make our way to Rifugio Vazzoler, which is a great stop for a strudel and cappuccino.
We then descend to the valley floor at Cabane Trieste. It is at Cabane Trieste, where we meet our van at 13:30 pm. Transfer to Forni di Zoldo and our hotel for the night. Travel time is about 50 minutes. We will arrive at the hotel at about 14:30. Overnight in Forno di Zoldo at a wonderful family-run hotel. All rooms with private bathrooms. Farewell dinner at a nearby restaurant. Our extra luggage will be at the hotel on our arrival.
Day 9: Depart Forno di Zoldo
The trip will end with a group transfer from the hotel to the Venice Airport. The departure time is about 6:30 am. Travel time is about 1¾ - 2 hours; expected arrival at the airport is about 8:30 am.
We have purposely set the departure time early to accommodate morning flight departures from Venice. If you would like to depart later, we can arrange for a later taxi at an additional cost. From the Airport you can take a shuttle bus to Venice or to Mestre Rail Station for onward travel.
Note: Elevation gain and loss refers to the total number of feet ascended and descended each day. Hiking times, which are good estimates, refer to the actual number of hours hiked, not including rests stops. Actual hiking time may vary depending on weather conditions and hiking abilities. Elevation gains, losses, and distances are approximate.
Additional Information
SOLO TRAVELERS
If you wish to have your own room, there is a single room supplement fee of $400. Please let us know at the time of registration if you would like a single room. Single rooms are limited.
If you are traveling alone and would like to share a room, we will match you with a roommate. If there is no one with whom you can share, a “forced” single" fee of $200 will apply.
- Note: Overnights, with the exception of Cortina, San Cassiano, and Forno di Zoldo, will be in shared bunkrooms.
INCLUDED
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts
- All dinners
- Sandwiches for picnic lunches purchased at the rifugio
- Group transfer from Forno di Zoldo to the Venice Airport on the last day.
- One luggage transfer from Cortina to Staulanza and from Staulanza to Forno di Zoldo
- All ski lift and transfers as per itinerary
- Guides
- Lots of great hiking
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare, travel to Cortina, the starting point or transport from the ending point which is the Venice Airport, lunches at resturants, fee to spas or saunas, optional/individual transfers or excursions, items not on set dinner menu, bottled water, beverages, tips to guides or leaders, insurance, items of personal nature (phone calls, laundry, passport fees, etc.). Allow roughly $175 - $375 in additional costs.
LUGGAGE
Our extra luggage will meet us once partway through the trip. Luggage will be transferred from Cortina to Staulanza, where you will be able to swap out items. Once we depart Staulanza, our extra luggage will then be transferred to our hotel in Forno di Zoldo. This exchange or resupply allows us to keep our packs a bit lighter. Other than this one transfer, hikers will need to carry their personal items with them. (See our sample packing list.) With advances in synthetic clothing and other travel gear, it’s possible to keep your pack weight to about 15 lbs., including lunch and water.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND FACILITIES
Hotels: In Cortina, we stay at a friendly hotel, all rooms with private baths. It is located within easy walking distance to the center of town. In Forno di Zoldo we stay at family-run hotel located in the center of this pretty village. All rooms with private bathrooms.
Rifugios (mountain huts): A rifugio is a mountain “lodge” that offers simple overnight accommodations for hikers. The rifugios can vary greatly depending on where they are located; however, they all are situated in amazing places. We will stay in bunkrooms for 4 – 8 persons or in private twin/double rooms. Staulanza is a small, simple inn with rooms for 3 or 4 hikers.
- Rifugios Fodara, Scotoni, Cinque Torri, and Staulanza are more like simple mountain inns and have spacious and nice bunks rooms (top and bottom beds) that sleep from 4 – 6 persons. They have very nice shared bathrooms, with hot showers. Blankets, pillows, and a bath towel are provided at each of these rifugios.
- Rifugios Tissi and Carestiato are rustic rifugios, basic and simple. They have a larger bunkroom of up to 8 persons and shared facilities including showers. There are blankets and pillows on each bunk. Towels are not provided. A sleep sheet is required though you can purchase one at Tissi for about 6 euro and use it at Carestiato as well.
All the rifugios have warm and cozy dining areas where dinners and breakfasts are served. (The food is quite good!) All rifugios have outdoor areas, where you can admire the view and relax over a cappuccino or a cold beer after your hike. Each rifugio has its own charm, unique character, and spectacular view!
The atmosphere is friendly and jovial as hikers from many countries gather to spend the night. We believe that staying in the huts offers a wonderful opportunity to meet hikers from other parts of the world, experience something new and wonderful, and take part in the simple tradition of the European style of hiking hut-to-hut.
Meals: The hotels offer a large breakfast buffet and most rifugios provide is a breakfast buffet as well, but it is smaller generally including hot drinks, juice, bread, jams, cheese, ham, yogurt, and cereal; sometimes fruit and hard-boiled eggs.
Lunches will be mostly picnic-style on the trail. You will be able to buy simple sandwiches at the rifugios each day: cheese, ham or salami and other snacks. One or two days we will be able to have lunch at a mountain restaurant. While you can get some snacks at the rifugios and other food at local stores before you begin your hike, some carry their favorite snacks from home. Fresh fruit is generally not available at the rifugios.
Dinners at the rifugios are usually served at 7:00. There is one sitting and the menu is set, though you will have some choices. The meals are ample and very good with the first course often pasta or soup, followed by the main course normally a meat dish: beef or pork. Vegetarian meals will be made up of two first courses: vegetable soup followed by pasta. Please note: Some rifugios have very limited (or none at all) fresh fruit and vegetable options, they simply cannot resupply and store fresh items easily.
TRAVEL
Cortina is easy to access from several airports, but we recommend flying to Venice (Marco Polo) as a first choice. Once in Venice, you can take a bus to Cortina. The buses depart roughly every two hours from the Venice Airport and travel to Cortina; travel time is about 2 1/2 - 3 hours. The buses arrive at the main bus station Cortina, from where it's a short walk to the hotel. We'll provide very detailed travel information about getting to Cortina.
WHO WOULD LIKE THIS TRIP?
Our Hut-to-hut Hiking in the Dolomites trip is perfect for those strong hikers looking for a challenging and varied hiking experience along one of Italy's classic long-distance routes. It's a great trip for those who are intrigued by the idea of hiking from one mountain hut to the next and the cultural experience of staying at Italian rifugios. This hiking area is strikingly different from the French or Swiss Alps. The red, yellow, and orange rock faces of the Dolomites towering limestone peaks are nothing short of dazzling. For every avid mountain hiker, the Alta Via 1 is a route not to miss!
MEETING POINT
We will meet on Day 1 at 6:30 pm at the hotel in Cortina. Please contact us for detailed travel information regarding travel to Cortina.
ENDING POINT
The trip will end with a group transfer to Venice Airport. Departure time from the hotel in Forno di Zoldo is 6:30 am. Travel time is about 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Please allow for travel time when making plans.
MORE INFORMATION
If you would like to register or would like to receive more information, including a detailed itinerary (including elevation gains, loss, and distance), please contact us. We're also happy to supply a list of past participants willing to share their honest insights into this guided Hut-to-Hut Hiking in the Dolomites experience.
How to Reserve This Trip
A deposit of $500 along with your completed registration forms will reserve a space on your requested trip. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express card as well as personal checks. To make a deposit, you may either follow one of the “Reserve a Trip” links below, give us a call at 1-888-845-5781, or include your payment information in the area provided when completing your registration forms.
The balance is due 90 days prior to departure for most of our trips. When applying less than 75 days prior to departure, full payment is due. For final payments, we accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express, as well as personal checks.
As confirmation of receipt of your deposit, we will send you a comprehensive packet of information pertaining to your trip, an invoice for final payment and additional information including release agreement form, medical information form, travel information, and packing list. Upon receipt of final payment and no later than 30 days prior to your trip start, you will receive trip rendezvous information and a list of accommodations. Returning trip participants will receive a 5% discount on most trips.
Receipt of all forms will finalize your registration.
Route Maps
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Testimonials
Distant Journeys rocks! You have all the details covered. Very creative and well planned itinerary. Very professional.
Julia A., Rochester, NY
“I appreciate the experience and information provided by guides.” “Her skill, patience, and pace were excellent…”. “Good guides provide side info- on plants, birds, history, geology.”
Carolyn W., OR
“It’s hard to put a price on our experience like that. Worth every euro/dollar!!”
Chris R., NY
Strenuous, Strenuous Plus
Reserve Your Spot
How to Reserve This Trip
A deposit of $500 along with your completed registration forms will reserve a space on your requested trip. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express card as well as personal checks. To make a deposit, you may either follow one of the “Reserve a Trip” links below, give us a call at 1-888-845-5781, or include your payment information in the area provided when completing your registration forms.
The balance is due 90 days prior to departure for most of our trips. When applying less than 75 days prior to departure, full payment is due. For final payments, we accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express, as well as personal checks.
As confirmation of receipt of your deposit, we will send you a comprehensive packet of information pertaining to your trip, an invoice for final payment and additional information including release agreement form, medical information form, travel information, and packing list. Upon receipt of final payment and no later than 30 days prior to your trip start, you will receive trip rendezvous information and a list of accommodations. Returning trip participants will receive a 5% discount on most trips.
Receipt of all forms will finalize your registration.
Testimonials
Distant Journeys rocks! You have all the details covered. Very creative and well planned itinerary. Very professional.
Julia A., Rochester, NY
“I appreciate the experience and information provided by guides.” “Her skill, patience, and pace were excellent…”. “Good guides provide side info- on plants, birds, history, geology.”
Carolyn W., OR
“It’s hard to put a price on our experience like that. Worth every euro/dollar!!”
Chris R., NY
