Alta Via 1: 6 days of alpine trail running in the heart of the Dolomites

The day begins with a taxi transfer to Lago di Braies, a jewel of turquoise waters nestled at the foot of steep cliffs. After following the lake's shores, you begin a gradual ascent beneath the striated walls of Monte Muro, up to the Porta Sora il Forn pass at 2388m. Weather permitting, you'll catch a glimpse of the Marmolada glacier in the distance, the only true ice field in the Dolomites.

A short descent leads you to Rifugio Biella, ideal for a morning break. The route continues through flowery meadows and alpine pastures before joining a steep track that leads to Rifugio Sennes. A break is possible here, or you can continue on to Rifugio Pederù, where lunch is provided.

In the afternoon, the ascent resumes through the rocky landscape of the Vallone di Rudo, leading to Lago Piciodil. You will spend the night in a comfortable mountain refuge in the heart of the Fanes Natural Park. Please note that your luggage will not be accessible this evening.

You begin the day with a climb to the Passo di Limo at 2172m, bordered by a tranquil lake surrounded by pastures and limestone slabs sculpted by time. After a more rocky traverse, the ascent continues to the Forcetta del Lago at 2486m, a spectacular pass that marks the start of an impressive descent to Lago di Lagazuoi at 2182m. Here, a break is essential to enjoy the view.

A gentle 200m climb then leads to Rifugio Lagazuoi, perched on a strategic site from the First World War. There you can explore galleries, gun emplacements, and an exhibition dedicated to this period. Weather permitting, a round trip to Piccolo Lagazuoi offers a superb viewpoint.

The day continues with a descent to the Forcella Travenanzes pass at 2507m, before passing a moving memorial commemorating the area's historical battles. The stage ends at the Col Gallina pass, at the Passo Falzarego, where you will spend the night. A return trip by cable car is possible from Lagazuoi.

From the Col Gallina, a short climb leads to a magnificent balcony trail up to the Rifugio Dibona, perfect for enjoying a coffee on the terrace with a view of the peaks. A steep descent through larch forests precedes the climb to the opposite slope, punctuated by the discovery of the Sentiero dei Trincee, an open-air museum depicting the trenches of the First World War at the foot of the Dolomite towers.

The ascent continues to the Averau pass, with a well-deserved break at a welcoming mountain refuge. If conditions permit, an alternative route allows you to climb to the Rifugio Nuvolau and its summit for a spectacular view.

The end of the day follows a technical trail traversing beneath imposing cliffs, leading to the Passo Giau at 2236m, one of the most iconic passes in the Dolomites. Here you will spend the night, with a memorable sunset over the surrounding mountains, between Cortina and the Veneto region, as your backdrop.

Starting from the Passo Giau, you begin a day marked by the crossing of three mountain passes and a change of scenery: the rocky paths give way to verdant, flower-filled alpine pastures. The route climbs and descends through meadows, often dotted with herds of horses, donkeys, or cows. After an initial descent, you climb again, skirting the impressive southern cliffs of Monte Formin, until you reach the Forcella Ambrizzola pass at 2277m.

This mountain pass offers beautiful views of the Civetta mountain range and a Neolithic site. The descent is gentle through pastures to the Rifugio Città di Fiume, perfect for a lunch break.

In the afternoon, a superb balcony trail winds its way beneath the spires and cliffs of Monte Pelmo, one of the iconic peaks of the Dolomites. The day ends with a descent through the forest, with, if time allows, an optional detour to search for dinosaur tracks nestled at the foot of Pelmo.

An early start for this penultimate, longer stage begins with a climb through the forest to an old mule track leading to the shoulder of Cima Coldai, a spur of the Civetta massif. A break at Rifugio Sonino al Coldai allows you to recharge before reaching the turquoise waters of Lago Coldai. The trail continues towards Forcella Col Negro at 2203m, before a long descent into the Val Civetta, dominated by the west face of Monte Civetta: an impressive 1200m-high wall nicknamed the "wall of walls," famous for its climbing routes.

After the Col Rean pass, another break is possible at the Rifugio Vazzoler, nestled between the rocky peaks of Torre Trieste and Cima della Busazza. In the afternoon, a forest path leads to the steep Forcella Col dell'Orso pass at 1823m, before traversing woods and meadows, crossing a former Austro-Hungarian border, and reaching the Rifugio Carestiato. The final descent takes you to the Passo Duran, where this rewarding day comes to an end.

Last day on the Alta Via 1, with entry into the Bellunesi Dolomites National Park, renowned for its wild character and the possibility of spotting marmots or chamois. From the Passo Duran, the trail skirts the southern slopes of the Tamer Grande, between steep cliffs and imposing peaks. After a wooded section, a climb leads to the remains of the Moschesin garrison, then to the Forcella del Moschesin at 1940m.

The trail continues towards the outskirts of the Rifugio Pramperet, in a secluded setting overlooking the Costa dei Nass valley, then climbs to the Portela dei Pezedei, where the terrain becomes more rocky. Approaching the slopes of the Cima de Zita, the path narrows along an exposed ridge for a short section before reaching the highest pass of the day at 2451m. The descent, punctuated by panoramic views of the Venetian plain and edelweiss along the path, leads to the Rifugio Pian de Fontana (1632m) for a late afternoon break.

You then leave this peaceful place for a long, fun descent through the forest to the hamlet of Soffranco, the final point of the route, before a transfer to your accommodation.

Your stay ends today. From Pieve di Cadore, regular connections provide easy access to Venice Airport. For those wishing to extend their adventure, it is also possible to travel by public transport to Cortina d'Ampezzo, a renowned mountain resort, ideal for continuing your exploration of the Dolomites.