Alta Via 1 Dolomites Hiking Guide + MAP

Alta Via 1 Dolomites Hiking Guide

The Alta Via 1 is a long-distance hiking trail in the Italian Dolomites in Northern Italy, starting at Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) in South Tyrol and ending at the La Pissa bus stop near Belluno.

This is a very approachable multi-day hike, perfect for people getting acquainted with long-distance trekking and hut to hut hiking in the Dolomites. It’s also said to be the easiest of the Alta Vie, Dolomites high routes.

As wild camping is forbidden along the route, you’ll stay in Rifugios (Rifugi in Italian, Hütten in German) along the way. These mountain shelters range from rustic to luxurious. No matter where you stay the night, you can expect tasty food, excellent company, and a comfortable place to sleep.

Some of our fondest memories of hiking the Alta Via 1 were the conversations and laughs we shared with fellow hikers inside the rifugi.

In this Alta Via 1 hiking guide, you’ll learn exactly how and when you should book rifugios, what itineraries to consider, how to get to the trailhead, and more.

Alta Via 1 Hiking Trail Overview

Total Distance: 120 km point-to-point
Days Needed: 8 – 10 days. Shorter routes are possible.
Difficulty: Easy
Permit Needed: None
Start: Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee), South Tyrol
End: La Pissa Bus Stop, a 20-minute bus ride to Belluno
Accommodation: Rifugios (mountain huts)

How Difficult Is the Alta Via 1 Trail?

Easy (Grade 2). We’ve done a fair amount of hut to hut hiking in the Alps and trekking across Europe, and by comparison, the AV1 is rather easy. Even though the trail wasn’t challenging, we still loved it. The mountain views were spectacular and the route itself is outstanding. Because the traditional stages are on the short-side, experienced thru-hikers may want to combine some of the stages.

While the trail is easy-to-follow, it’s not always obvious. The Alta Via 1 waymark ( “1” inside a triangle) isn’t consistently marked throughout the trekking route. So, I wouldn’t recommend relying on Alta Via 1 signage alone to guide you in the right direction. We met other hikers who got lost or took accidental round-about routes to the next rifugio. It can easily happen.

This Cicerone Alta Via 1 Guidebook is an essential companion on your Alta Via 1 trek. You can purchase trail maps in the Rifugi. Each night, we studied the trail, marking the next day’s route on our Maps.me app.

As easy as a trail might be, the weather can change everything. Kati and I barely made it to Rifugio Lagazuoi, because we got lost in a snow blizzard. YES, a SNOW BLIZZARD. I wrote about it on Instagram. The lesson we learned is: if it starts snowing, stop gaining elevation.

When Can You Hike the Alta Via 1?

July, August, or September.You have to time your trek with the opening times of the rifugios. The huts typically open-up around mid-June and stay open until late-September. If you hike the Alta Via 1 in June, you’ll likely encounter snow on the trail.

We hiked the Alta Via 1 during the first week of September. September is usually a very stable month in the Dolomites, but we had a stroke of bad luck. During our first three days, we hiked in the pouring rain and snow. After that nasty spell, the weather was miraculous the following weeks.

Learn More: Best Time to Visit the Dolomites for Hiking

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Alta Via 1 Trail Guide Overview

Alta Via 1 Itinerary Options: complete route, north route, south route, our route + lessons learned
Alta Via 1 Route Map
How to Make Reservations for Rifugios
Alta Via 1 Cost
How to get to the Alta Via 1 trailhead: Lago di Braies
Alta Via 1 Packing List
Alta Via 1 Stages Explained

Dolomites Hiking Guides

Get the Guidebook

Cicerone: Trekking the Dolomites AV1

Book a Self-Guided AV1 Tour

Alta Via 1 Self Guided 13-day Relaxed: 13-stage AV1
Alta Via 1 Self Guided 10-day Standard: 10-stage AV1
Alta Via 1 Self Guided 7-Day Active: 7-stage AV1
Alta Via 1 North Self Guided 4-Day Itinerary: 4-stage North AV1
Alta Via 1 Central Self Guided 4-day Itinerary: 4-stage Central AV1
Alta Via 1 South Self Guided 5-day Itinerary: 5-stage South AV1

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Forcella Ambrizzola, Alta Via 1 Hike, Dolomites, Italy

Alta Via 1 Itinerary

The 120-km-long Alta Via 1 (Dolomiten Höhenweg) is hiked north to south and generally broken up into the following 10 stages. Many hikers will combine stages 7 and 8.

Alta Via 1 Complete Route

Lago di Braies – Rifugio Biella (or Rifugio Sennes)
Rifugio Biella – Rifugio Fanes (or Rifugio Lavarella)
Rifugio Fanes – Rifugio Lagazuoi
Rifugio Lagazuoi – Rifugio Nuvolau (or Rifugio Averau)
Rifugio Nuvolau – Rifugio Città di Fiume
Rifugio Città di Fiume – Rifugio A. Sonino Al Coldai
Rifugio A. Sonino Al Coldai – Rifugio Vazzoler
Rifugio Vazzoler – Rifugio Carestiato (or Passo Duran)
Rifugio Carestiato – Rifugio Pramperet (or Rifugio Pian de Fontana)
Rifugio Pramperet – La Pissa Bus Stop – Bus to Belluno

Book: Alta Via 1 Self Guided 13-day Relaxed, Alta Via 1 Self Guided 10-day Standard, or Alta Via 1 Self Guided 7-Day Active

Many people choose to hike a shorter section of the trail. For example, we met lots of people hiking the 4-stage Alta Via 1 North route (Lago di Braies to Cortina d’Ampezzo), or the 6-stage Alta Via 1 South route (Cortina d’Ampezzo to La Pissa/Belunno).

Alta Via 1 North Route

Lago di Braies – Rifugio Biella (or Rifugio Sennes)
Rifugio Biella – Rifugio Fanes (or Rifugio Lavarella)
Rifugio Fanes – Rifugio Lagazuoi
Rifugio Lagazuoi – Cortina d’Ampezzo

If you’re planning on ending your AV1 trek in Cortina d’Ampezzo, we recommend hiking stage 5 from Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Nuvolau, or Rifugio Averau. On day 6, you can continue along the Alta Via 1 to Passo Giau and the Mondeval Plateau.

At Forcella Ambrizolla, descend to Lago Federa and Rifugio Croda da Lago. Take a break at the lake and then continue your descent all the way down to Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Book: Alta Via 1 North Self Guided 4-Day Itinerary

Alta Via 1 South Route

Cortina d’Ampezzo – Rifugio Nuvolau (or Rifugio Averau)
Rifugio Nuvolau – Rifugio Città di Fiume
Rifugio Città di Fiume – Rifugio A. Sonino Al Coldai
Rifugio A. Sonino Al Coldai – Rifugio Carestiato (or Passo Duran)
Rifugio Carestiato – Rifugio Pramperet (or Rifugio Pian de Fontana)
Rifugio Pramperet – La Pissa – Bus to Belluno

Book: Alta Via 1 South Self Guided 5-day Itinerary

Our Alta Via 1 Route

Lago di Braies – Rifugio Biella
Rifugio Biella – Rifugio Fanes
Rifugio Fanes – Rifugio Lagazuoi
Rifugio Lagazuoi – Rifugio Nuvolau
Rifugio Nuvolau – Rifugio Città di Fiume
Rifugio Città di Fiume – Rifugio A. Sonino Al Coldai
Rifugio A. Sonino Al Coldai – Rifugio Vazzoler – Rifugio Capanna Trieste – Listolade Bus Stop – (Bus to Corvara)

We hiked the first 7 stages of the Alta Via 1, departing the trail at Rifugio Vazzoler. We opted for a shortened route, because we wanted to spend time in Alta Badia and Val Gardena. Also, we had just hiked the Berlin High Trail and the Rätikon Circuit, so we didn’t want to commit to a 10-day hike. When you’re tired, hiking hut-to-hut isn’t fun.

So, on day 7, we hiked from Rifugio A. Sonino Al Coldai to Rifugio Vazzoler, and then descended to Rifugio Capanna Trieste. We spent the night at Rifugio Capanna Trieste so that we could easily reach the bus stop at Listolade the next morning.

Though our plan worked out, I wouldn’t recommend exiting the Alta Via 1 the way we did. The descent from Rifugio Vazzoler to Listolade is very long and monotonous. And, Rifugio Capanna Trieste was the worst refuge we stayed in during our trek. The food was overcooked and the owner was not amiable, to put it mildly.

Croda da Lago, Alta Via 1 Dolomites Hiking Trail

Alta Via 1 Map

Alta Via 1 Trail Stages

Places to stay before/after the trek + Transit
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Stage 5
Stage 6
Stage 7
Stages 8 - 10
Listolade Exit Route

Rifugio Nuvloau Dining Room, Dolomites, Italy

How to Make Reservations for Alta Via 1 Rifugios

Each rifugio needs to be booked individually. Some huts can be booked by email, other huts can be booked via an online form.

Because the rifugios along the Alta Via 1 route are very popular, most require deposits. Typically, you’ll pay a deposit of 15 to 20 EUR per person to secure your reservation.

When you make reservations, you’ll usually have to specify whether you want half board (breakfast and dinner), or bed and breakfast. If you choose the B&B option, you can order dinner from the hut’s a la carte menu.

If booking multiple mountain huts sounds like a huge hassle, or you simply don’t have the time, you can also book your hiking tour via a self-guided hiking company. These companies make reservations on your behalf and provide other resources to make your trip seamless.

We recommend the self-guided company: Alpenventures UNGUIDED. Check out their AV1 tours:

Alta Via 1 Self Guided – 13-Day Relaxed – Alta Via 1 trekking route divided into 13 stages (slow paced)
Alta Via 1 Self Guided – 10-Day Standard – Alta Via 1 hiking route divided into 10 stages (moderately paced)
Alta Via 1 Self Guided – 7-Day Active – Alta Via 1 tour route divided into 7 stages (fast paced)
Alta Via 1 North Self Guided – 4-Day Itinerary – The Northern AV1 route from Lago di Braies to the Cinque Torri Region, divided into 4 stages.

When to Book Alta Via 1 Rifugios

The Alta Via 1 Dolomites trail is getting increasingly popular. People start booking AV1 huts as early as December and January, months before the trekking season.

If you’re starting the booking process later (e.g. spring, or even early summer), it may be very difficult to secure hut reservations independently. We recommend booking a self-guided tour AV1-10 Alta Via 1 Self Guided to save time.

Also, if the Alta Via 1 trek is fully booked, this 9-day Best of the Dolomites Trek is a great alternative. It runs west to east, connecting Seceda with Tre Cime di Lavaredo. You can opt for the 12-Day Best of the Dolomites Trek, or the 7-Day Best of the Dolomites Trek.

How to Book Alta Via 1 Rifugios

Rifugio Biella | We made our reservation by email: [email protected]. They asked us to re-confirm our reservation one week before our arrival. Rifugio Biella didn’t request a deposit.

Rifugio Fanes | We submitted this reservation request form online. Rifugio Fanes replied to our request by email, confirming availability for the date we specified. To complete the reservation, we had to pay a 40 EUR deposit for 2 people. In the email, there’s a link to the payment gateway, where you can pay the deposit using a Visa, Mastercard, or a Maestro.

Rifugio Lagazuoi | We booked our stay on rifugiolagazuoi.com. Simply enter your desired dates and number of people, and you’ll automatically see if there’s availability. If there is, you can choose which room you want (dormitory, double room, triple room), and complete your booking. The last step requires you to enter your credit card details (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, or Diners Club) to pay your deposit (20 EUR per person). We paid a 40 EUR deposit for 2 people.

If Rifugio Lagazuoi is fully booked, you have several other options. You can stay at Rifugio Scotoni, or Camping Sass Dlacia (guesthouse).

Rifugio Nuvolau | Rifugio Nuvolau accepts bookings on the Rifugio Nuvolau website. They open up bookings for the summer hiking season in February. When we booked this hut, we had to transfer a 50 EUR deposit.

Rifugio Città di Fiume | You can send booking requests using the online form on the Rifugio Città di Fiume website. They open up bookings for the summer hiking season in March. This hut also required a deposit (20 EUR/person when we hiked the AV1).

Rifugio A. Sonino Al Coldai | We made a reservation by email: [email protected]. They replied confirming availability plus directions on submitting our deposit. To secure our spots, we had to transfer 30 EUR (15 EUR per person) to their account using the bank details (IBAN / SWIFT) they provided in the email. It’s important to include your reservation name and dates of stay on the transfer. They also said it’s possible to pay with Visa or Mastercard: you just have to let them know if that’s your preference. Learn more: Rifugio Coldai website.

Rifugio Vazzoler | rifugiovazzoler.com

Rifugio Carestiato | Find the hut’s updated contact info at caiveneto.it

Passo Duran | There are two mountain huts at the Duran mountain pass: Rifugio San Sebastiano and Rifugio Passo Duran C. Tomè.

Rifugio Pramperet | Email: [email protected]

Rifugio Pian de Fontana | Email: [email protected]

Rifugio Cancellation Policy

Each Rifugio has a different cancellation policy. Make sure to note these policies as you make your reservations. Some huts offer a 100% refund if you cancel up to 30 days before your arrival date. Other deposits are non-refundable.

How much does the Alta Via 1 cost?

You should budget 80-90 EUR per person per day if you’re sleeping in dormitory rooms. If you’re opting for private rooms, budget an additional 30 EUR per person per day. Note: not all rifugios offer private rooms.

In some rifugios, you’ll pay for everything separately. For example, in Rifugio Biella, we each paid 15 EUR for our dormitory bed, 9 EUR for breakfast, and about 15 EUR for dinner and drinks, which we ordered from an à la carte menu. In other rifugios, you’ll have the option to pay a single half board sum, which includes your bed, breakfast, and dinner. Drinks are not included.

Prices may also vary depending on the season, as some huts differentiate between summer low season and summer high season.

Alta Via 1 Rifugio Pricing (on average)

Rifugio Dormitory Prices

Dormitory Bed: 13 – 15 EUR
Dormitory Bed with Breakfast: 40 EUR
Half Board (Dormitory Bed, Breakfast, Dinner): 45 – 68 EUR.

Rifugio Private Room Prices

Private Room for 2-3 persons with private bathroom (breakfast included): 101 EUR per person (e.g. Rifugio Fanes Pricing)
Double room (breakfast included): 240 EUR for the room (e.g. Rifugio Lagzuoi)

Rifugio Food Prices

Packed Lunch (optional): 8 – 10 EUR
Breakfast: 9 – 10 EUR
Main Dish: 8 – 12 EUR
Beer: 4.50 EUR for .4 L
Wine: 1.50 EUR / glass
1 Liter of Hot Water: 3 EUR
Espresso Drinks: 1.5 EUR for espresso / 2.5 EUR for a cappuccino

Other Costs

Local Tax: 1 EUR per person
Hot Showers: 4 – 5 EUR

When to Pay

Typically, you’ll pay for your room and board when you arrive in the hut, or in the evening before you go to bed. The rifugios have a record of your deposit, so you’ll just pay the difference.

Payment Options

Traditionally, mountain huts are cash-only establishments. However, a few rifugios along the Alta Via 1 accept credit cards. When you make your reservation, you can find out what your payment options are.

Alpine Club Membership Discount

Many Alta Via 1 rifugios are privately owned and not owned and managed by an alpine club. When a rifugio is affiliated with an alpine club, you can present your alpine club membership card, and you’ll receive a discount on your lodging.

During our trek, Rifugio Nuvolau, Rifugio Città di Fiume and Rifugio A. Sonino Al Coldai were the only huts that provided an Alpine Club Membership discount.

Lago di Braies / Pragser Wildsee, Northern Italy

How to Get to Lago di Braies - The Alta Via 1 Trailhead

Read How to Get to the Dolomites to learn how to reach the Dolomites from the closest airports, train stations, and bus terminals.

If You Arrive at the Venice Marco Polo Airport

One of the closest airports to the Dolomites is Venice Marco Polo Airport.

Most overseas AV1 hikers fly to Venice and then take a direct bus to Cortina d’Ampezzo. The direct Cortina Express takes 2 hours.

Either stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo, or continue your journey to Dobbiaco/Toblach in Alta Pusteria (Hochpustertal in German, Upper Puster Valley).

Take SAD Bus 445 (40 minutes) from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Dobbiaco/Toblach. Bus line 445 departs Cortina d’Ampezzo six times a day. Use the suedtirolmobil.info journey planner to find the best connection.

From the Dobbiaco/Toblach bus station (Toblach Busbahnhof), take SAD Bus 442 to Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee in German). The bus ride takes 30 minutes.

Update: If you’re planning on taking a bus to Lago di Braies between July 10 – September 10, advance online booking and prepayment are required. You can book your bus ticket here: prags.bz/en/.

Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo

If you’re arriving in Italy after a long international flight, you may want to recover from your jet lag in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Budget | Hotel Meuble Oasi is a delightful alpine hotel, located close to the Cortina d’Ampezzo Bus Station, walking distance to Cortina’s pedestrian zone.

Midrange | Hotel Regina is a friendly, family-run hotel located directly in the town center. A delicious breakfast is included in the rate.

Midrange-Luxury | Ambra Cortina Luxury&Fashion Hotel is a lovely boutique hotel with 24 thematic rooms and a bar in the very center of Cortina. Guests are treated to an excellent breakfast.

Luxury | Hotel de Len is a sparkling new luxury hotel in the heart of Cortina. Fresh-faced interiors blend alpine design, modern lines, and natural and sustainable materials. The hotel restaurant, open 12 pm – 10 pm, showcases mountain products and local Ampezzo flavors in new and exciting ways. Breakfast is included in the room rate. Rooftop spa access is an extra charge. Read our Hotel de Len review.

Look for accommodation in Cortina.

Where to Stay in Dobbiaco / Toblach

Budget | Guesthouse – Cultural Center Gustav Mahler is a friendly and clean B&B, situated conveniently close to the Dobbiaco/Toblach train station.

Look for accommodation in Dobbiaco.

Where to Stay in Lago di Braies

If you want to spend the night directly at Lago di Braies, before embarking on your Alta Via 1 trek, you have one option: Hotel Lago Di Braies.

Alta Via 1 Packing List

Here’s our complete hut to hut hiking packing list.

It’s always tempting to bring a big pack, but you don’t need anything larger than the Osprey Kyte 36 (for women) and Osprey Kestrel 38 (for men) for this trek. If you have a 45 L backpack, that’ll work too.

Rifugios provide sheets, blankets, and pillows, but you need to bring a sleeping bag liner for hygienic purposes. We use this Sea to Summit Silk-Cotton Blend Travel liner. More options: Cocoon Cotton TravelSheet and Sea to Summit Premium Silk Sleeping Bag Liner.

No special equipment is needed. However, if you hike in June, it’s probably a good idea to bring microspikes like these CAMP Snowline Chainsen Lightweight Microspikes. There are some trail variations along the Alta Via 1 which follow Via Ferrata assisted climbing routes. If you choose to do those, you’ll need a via ferrata kit.

Alta Via 1 Guidebook

Cicerone’s Alta Via 1 Trekking Guide – every English speaker hiking this trail will have a copy of this guidebook.

Alta Via 1 Trail Maps

You can purchase trail maps in the Rifugios.

Lago di Braies boat rental, Italian Dolomites

Alta Via 1 Route Overview

Alta Via 1 Stage 1

Day 1: Lago di Braies – Rifugio Biella

Distance: 6.5 km (4 miles)
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Altitude Difference: 870 meters ascending / 60 meters descending
Time Needed: 3 – 3:30 hours

Stay in Rifugio Biella

Showers: None
Drinking Water: No potable water
Electronic Charging Stations: There’s a single charging station on the second floor by the bathroom.
Payment: Cash Only
Food: Good
Half Board or à la carte: à la carte only
Rooms: Rooms with 4 beds. Walls between rooms are paper-thin, so it’s hard to sleep.

Rifugio Biella is a well-run, economical mountain hut. However, Rifugio Sennes is probably the better option, in terms of comfort and food. From Biella, it’s a 50-minute walk to Rifugio Sennes – a suitable option for stage 1.

Alta Via 1 Stage 2

Day 2: Rifugio Biella – Ücia Pederü – Rifugio Fanes

Distance: 13.5 km (8.4 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude Difference: 630 meters ascending, 870 meters descending
Time Needed: 4:30 hours
Lunch Option: You can grab a bite to eat at Pederü. We enjoyed a coffee and Apfelstrudel here.

Stay in Rifugio Fanes

Showers: Yes. There’s no fee to use the showers.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink
Electronic Charging Stations: In rooms
Payment: Cash, or Credit Cards
Food: Great. The food and wine menus are very extensive.
Half Board or à la carte: both available
Rooms: Dormitory and private rooms available

Tonight, you can also stay in Rifugio Lavarella, which is a 5-minute walk away from Fanes.

Alta Via 1 Stage 3

Day 3: Rifugio Fanes to Rifugio Lagazuoi

Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Altitude Difference: 1150 meters ascending, 450 meters descending
Time Needed: 5:30 hours

Stay in Rifugio Lagazuoi

Showers: 3.50 EUR for 3 minutes
Drinking Water: No potable water
Electronic Charging Stations: In the dining area
Payment: Cash, or Credit Cards
Food: Great
Half Board or à la carte: Both options available
Rooms: Private and dormitory rooms available

Rifugio Lagazuoi is an iconic mountain in the hut in the Dolomites. Because of its close proximity to a cable car, many people visit and overnight in this hut, without actually hiking here. So, that changes the atmosphere, naturally.

We arrived in Rifugio Lagazuoi in a snow blizzard. We were wet, frozen, and exhausted. Luckily, we could warm up in the hut’s tiny sauna, which fits 4 people. Sauna access costs 20 EUR per person and comes with a towel, bathrobe and a shower token.

Our only complaint about this hut was the dry room. It was way too small, and there wasn’t enough room for everyone’s shoes and clothing. So, we hiked in wet shoes the next day.

Hiking up to Rifugio Nuvloau, Alta Via 1, Dolomites

Alta Via 1 Stage 4

Day 4: Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Nuvolau

Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Altitude Difference: 900 meters ascending / 1080 meters descending
Time Needed: 5 hours

There are a few different ways to hike from Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Nuvolau. The Cicerone trail guide does a great job outlining your options. One route takes you to Rifugio Dibona via Forcella Col dei Bos and then up to Cinque Torri, before ascending to Rifugio Nuvolau.

You can also descend to Passo Falzarego via the cable car, or hiking trail, and hike up past Lago di Limides to Forcella Averau, and then up to Nuvolau.

The first route is probably more gratifying. We opted for the second, because of the heavy snow conditions along the route to Forcella Col dei Bos, from the freak storm the day before.

Stay in Rifugio Nuvolau

Showers: None
Drinking Water: Tap water isn’t drinkable
Electronic Charging Stations: There’s a charging station by the entrance (available until 10 pm).
Payment: Credit cards (minimum: 25 EUR), or Cash
Food: Good
Half Board or à la carte: à la carte. When you check-in, they ask you to order dinner between 5:30 and 6 pm.
Rooms: Dormitory only

Rifugio Nuvolau was the only hut along the AV1 that asked to see our passports.

Tonight, you can also stay at Rifugio Averau, Rifugio Scoiattoli, or Rifugio Cinque Torri.

Hiking from Rifugio Nuvolau to Rifugio Città di Fiume, Alta Via 1, Dolomites

Alta Via 1 Stage 5

Day 5: Rifugio Nuvloau – Passo Giau – Forcella Giau – Forcella Ambrizzola – Rifugio Città di Fiume

Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Altitude Difference: 400 meters ascending, 1050 meters descending
Time Needed: 5:30 – 6:00 hours
Lunch Options: You can grab something to eat at Giau Pass Rifugio. They have excellent cakes.

Stay in Rifugio Città di Fiume

Showers: 3.50 EUR for 4 minutes
Drinking Water: Tap water isn’t potable.
Electronic Charging Stations: In the hallway upstairs
Payment: Credit cards, or cash
Food: Okay
Half Board or à la carte: Both available. You can choose when you arrive.
Rooms: Dormitory rooms only

Alta Via 1 Stage 6

Day 6: Rifugio Città di Fiume – Rifugio A. Sonino Al Coldai

Distance: 9.3 km (5.8 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude Difference: 520 meters ascending, 300 meters descending
Time Needed: 4 hours
Lunch Option: Rifugio Passo Staulanza

Stay in Rifugio A. Sonino Al Coldai

Showers: 5 EUR for 6 minutes
Drinking Water: Tap water isn’t potable.
Electronic Charging Stations: In the dining room
Payment: Cash only
Food: Good
Half Board or à la carte: Both available. You can decide when you order dinner at 6:30 pm.
Rooms: Dormitory, and private rooms available. It only costs 2 EUR extra (per person) for a small room (2 beds).

Before you settle in, make sure to hike up to Lago Coldai. The lake is gorgeous in the late afternoon. We checked in, dropped off our bags in our room, and walked up to the lake before dinner.

Alta Via 1 Stage 7

Day 7: Rifugio A. Sonino Al Coldai – Rifugio Vazzoler

Distance: 9.5 km (6 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude Difference: 380 meters ascending, 800 meters descending
Time Needed: 4 hours
Lunch Options: Rifugio Tissi (optional detour)

Exit Route to Listolade

As explained earlier, we decided to exit the AV1 at Rifugio Vazzoler. We hiked down to Capanna Trieste, where we stayed the night. The next morning, we finished the walk to Listolade and caught the Dolomiti Bus to Corvara in Alta Badia.

Rifugio Capanna Trieste

Showers: Yes, Free
Drinking Water: Tap water is drinkable
Electronic Charging Stations: Upstairs
Payment: Cash Only
Food: Not good. All the vegetables were overcooked and mushy.
Half Board or à la carte:half board only
Rooms: Dormitory rooms only. But, we didn’t share our “dormitory” room with anyone else.

For those of you continuing the trail, we recommend pushing on to Rifugio Carestiato on day 7.

On Day 8, continue to Rifugio Pramperet.

And On Day 9, you can finish the trek. AV1 hikers will catch the bus at La Pissa bus stop to Belluno.

Check out Dolomiti Suite (Budget accommodation with a washing machine), or Suite Hotel Astor (Midrange hotel) in Belluno.

Look for accommodation in Belluno.

It’s a 2.5 – 3 hour bus ride from Belluno to Venice Marco Polo Airport.