Alta Via 1 in Comfort

A stunning first day awaits you. Lago di Braies sits contemplatively at the bottom of Croda del Beco, a behemoth rock wall that juts to the heavens. Hike 30 minutes south to the end of the lake, where your hike begins in earnest as you leave the sparkling, turquoise waters of Lago di Braies, and head south. You'll gain elevation quickly over rocky terrain. It's a stiff 6 km climb to reach the first possible refuge on the Alta Via 1, Rifugio Biella. Towards the col above Biella, there are a few sections where care is needed. Cables are hammered into the rock face to ensure stability. After a quick rest, you'll begin your descent over similarly rocky terrain, first past Rifugio Sennes, then Fodara Vedla, to reach your end point for the day at the well appointed Berggasthaus Pederü.

Your second day is shorter. A stiff, 2 km climb awaits for you out of the gate. The best views of the day can be had as you reach the top of the stiff ascent, looking back down to the valley floor below and the river snaking beneath you. From there, you'll follow a dirt road for a few km before being spilt into a lush prairie with a few farms and huts, where Ladin is still spoken between the locals. Ladin is a romance language that is spoken by roughly 30,000 inhabitants in the area of South Tyrol. Your refugio is tucked away in this jewel of culture, hidden away in the heart of the Dolomites.

Surely one of the most memorable days of the tour lies ahead of you. The view at Forcella del Lago is a favorite of many hiker and the historic WWI elements leading up to Lagazoui remind us of a tumultuous past. You day starts with a short climb, then along a well trodden and easy path that features little elevation gain through the first 5 km. Early in the season, wild flowers can blanket the prairies that flank the path. You'll reach a junction where you can either head high to reach the dizzying heights of Forcella del Lago, or stay low and pass near Rifugio Scotoni. The most direct, although more challenging path is via the Forcella, however the industrious are rewarded. After the 2km climb, you'll reach Forcella del Lago and a plunging view down to Lago di Lagazuoi one thousand feet below (300 meters). Almost at eye level is your target for the day - Forcella Lagazuoi. You'll descend first to the lake, stopping perhaps for a picnic lunch on it's shores, then make your climb up 500 meters to Lagazuoi. Along the way, note the relics of world war 1, cabins, huts and trenches via a military path.

The main route heads east and passes through more remnants of world war 1 including bunkers, trenches and barbed wire. The first few km in eroute to Focella Col dei Bos are of the highest scenic quality. After the col, a few spots of exposure require care, especially with the looming Tofane rock facing preoccupying much of your attention. After 4 km from Col dei Bos, you will reach Rifugio Dibona, a place to stop for a break and perhaps some refreshment. Descend from Dibona down into the valley and across the highway, to begin a beautiful ascent past Rifugio Cinque Torri, Scoiatolli and finally Averau, which has a reputation for quality meals. From Averau, stay low to avoid the via Ferrata that comes after Rifugio Nuvolau (superb 360 view) and descend to your accommodation for the day at Passo Giau.

Today you will embark on an exciting trek from Hotel Passo Giau to Rifugio Passo Staulanza. The day commences with an easy 1km ascent from Passo Giau to Forcella de Col Piombin. Revel in the gentle climb, immersing yourself in the tranquil surroundings. As you progress towards Forcella Giau, anticipate a more challenging ascent, leading to an expansive pasture with awe-inspiring views of the Pelmo. From there, the trail from Forcella Giau to Forcella Ambrizola takes you underneath a majestic rock face, offering a gently ascending path. Soon, you'll reach Forcella Roan, boasting panoramic views of the "Pyramid of Antelao" and a tempting turnoff to Croda de Lago, an alternative accommodation option. You'll then pass by Rifugio Cita di Fiume, with the imposing Pelmo looming above, before reaching Staulanza in just an hour.

This will certainly be one of the most visually appealing stages of the tour, although you wouldn't expect it, as you start the day walking one kilometer on the SP 251 paved road. You'll exit this road at the bend, opting for a dirt road into the forest. Carry on for another 1.5 km before reaching Casera Vescova. Here, you face a stiff climb through grassy terrain, with the accompanying bugs of a farmed area, until you reach a level saddle at an elevation of 1876 meters. Finally, the beauty of the day reveals itself as you ascend in a zigzagging pattern to Rifugio Coldai, a good place for lunch if you are in the mood. From there, you encounter some undulating terrain before losing quite a bit of elevation on your way down from Forcella col Negro. At the bottom, steel yourself again for a stiff climb up to Rifugio Tissi. Here, it's all worth it as you get a plunging view down into the valley on one side and a brilliant light show at sunset on the other of the Civetta.

You'll start the day with a solid descent of around 800 meters. You'll leave behind the stunning Civetta and walk through a more pastoral setting before arriving at Refugio Vazzoler, a great location for a bite to eat, about 5.5 km from Tissi. Shortly there after, you'll reach the low point of today's trek 1,411 meters. Here you can find a sign pointing to Listolade, a town at the bottom of the valley. Barring unforeseen circumstances, follow the sign to Carestiato, which will see you gain about 600 meters in around 3 km of hiking. The trail alternates between tree covered forests and open shale landscapes. At Foreclla del Camp, you'll start descending, past Carestiato, to reach your final destination at the foot of the SP 347 and Passo Duran.

A delightful day, in a more secluded part of the trail, awaits you in Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi. You'll start with about 2 km of road walking, but after that, the views are worthy of your attention. There are a few steep parts on the trail, however for the most part, you'll have a gentle ascent all the way to Rifugio Pramperet, where a stop in to dry your boots and whet your beak is in order (cell service is possible by their cable way in case you are in dire need of checking in with a loved one). From there, the hiking gets tougher. It's only 6 km to Pian Fontana, but the views are spectacular. Be careful around 2,350 meters as some scrambling is necessary to ascend a near vertical crest. Beautiful views of Castello di Morschein are possible here. You'll quickly reach Forcella di Zita Sud (2,450 m), however from there, it's all downhill until you reach your accommodation at Pian de Fontana.

From Pian de Fontana to Rifugio Bianchet, there are still views to be had, so savor your last moments in the Dolomites. After Bianchet, you'll hike down a wide road all the way to a paved highway and the bus stop at La Pissa.