Alta Via 1 — Classic Dolomites Traverse

The Alta Via 1 (High Route 1) is the original and finest of the Dolomites' high-level traverses — a 120 km route that links the northern Prags / Braies area to Belluno in the south, crossing the full vertical extent of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites in 9 days.

Why it's the benchmark

The AV1 was opened in 1966 and remains the standard against which all other Dolomites multi-day routes are judged. It passes through six distinct valleys and massifs — the Fanes, Lagazuoi, Civetta, Pelmo, and Schiara groups — each with its own dramatic character. The rock changes colour through the day: pale grey at noon, burning amber and rose at sunset (the famous enrosadira phenomenon that gives the Dolomites their UNESCO designation).

The route — 9 stages

• Stage 1: Lago di Braies (1,494 m) → Rifugio Biella (2,327 m): 15 km, 1,000 m gain
• Stage 2: Rifugio Biella → Rifugio Fanes (2,060 m): 12 km, 500 m gain — the Fanes plateau, one of the great Dolomites landscapes
• Stage 3: Rifugio Fanes → Rifugio Lagazuoi (2,752 m): 14 km, 800 m gain — WWI tunnels on approach
• Stage 4: Rifugio Lagazuoi → Rifugio Cinque Torri → Rifugio Palmieri (1,998 m): 18 km, 500 m gain
• Stage 5: Rifugio Palmieri → Rifugio Coldai (2,132 m): 14 km, 900 m gain — first views of Civetta's vast west wall
• Stage 6: Rifugio Coldai → Rifugio Vazzoler (1,714 m): 12 km, 700 m gain
• Stage 7: Rifugio Vazzoler → Rifugio Carestiato (1,834 m): 10 km, 800 m gain — beneath the Moiazza north face
• Stage 8: Rifugio Carestiato → Rifugio 7° Alpini (1,498 m): 16 km, 600 m gain — the Schiara group
• Stage 9: Rifugio 7° Alpini → Belluno (389 m): 14 km, 1,100 m descent

Rifugio culture

The rifugi (mountain huts) on the AV1 are the heart of the experience. Most are staffed family operations serving three-course dinners, full breakfast, and dormitory or private room accommodation. Pre-booking is mandatory July–August; most accept online reservations. Budget approx. €60–80/night half board.

Technical notes

The AV1 is T3 overall with a few T4 sections (fixed cables on steep sections at Fanis pass, Lagazuoi, and the Schiara). No glacier travel. Via ferrata equipment (harness + lanyards) is recommended for the cable sections but not mandatory. The route is very well signposted (red-white-red Italian alpine markers + AV1 logo).

Base / access

Start: Lago di Braies — bus from Dobbiaco (30 min) or Cortina. End: Belluno — train to Venice (1.5 h) or connections north. Car users typically leave the car in Dobbiaco or Cortina and take public transport to the start.

Best season: mid-June to late September. Snow lingers on the Lagazuoi and Fanes plateaux until late June.