Best Alta Via 1 – Trekking in the Dolomites Maps, Guides & Compasses

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Guidebook describing the 115km Alta Via 1, a hut-to-hut long-distance trail through the magnificent Italian Dolomites. Easier than the other AV trails, the route extends from Lago di Braies to La Pissa and is presented in 11 stages. It offers majestic mountain vistas, including views of the Marmolada, Pelmo and Civetta. Includes 1:25K map booklet. 

Cicerone says: 

The Alta Via 1 is one of Italy’s most famous and most popular long-distance routes and is the easiest of six Alta Via routes that traverse the magnificent Dolomites. The hut-to-hut trail extends 115km from Lago di Braies to La Pissa, boasting spectacular alpine vistas. Although it demands a moderate level of fitness, it is well waymarked and follows clear well-trodden paths, making for an ideal introduction to trekking in the Dolomites. Welcoming refuges offer meals and accommodation along the way, though camping is also possible on the middle stages (restrictions apply elsewhere).

The route is presented in 11 stages, each with overview statistics, a brief summary of the day’s walking and detailed route description illustrated with clear mapping. There are also comprehensive notes on the huts the route passes, with contact details and tips on facilities available. The intro includes advice on transport, accommodation and equipment, plus suggestions for creating shorter itineraries should time be limited, and there are facts about local points of interest and background information on the region’s geology, plants and wildlife. A handy map booklet is also included, showing the full route of AV1 on 1:25,000 Kompass mapping, so you don’t have to carry paper maps.

Famed for their striking jagged peaks and sheer rock faces, the Dolomites also bear stark reminders of the turbulent World War I years in the shape of trenches and barracks. The AV1 is a wonderful way to experience the celebrated scenery: (weather permitting) an estimated 80% of the Dolomites can be seen from the trail, with highlights including fantastic views of the Tofane, Pelmo and Civetta and the iconic Marmolada with its glacier. If this is your first visit to the region, you’ll soon see why so many fall under its spell!

Our Verdict

For nearly 50 years Cicerone have been producing guidebooks on recognised treks, regions, areas and general tips for hikers.

We have used them countless times and they’ve always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too.

If you’re a gram counter you can easily remove sections of the book to take with you making your own ultra-lightweight guidebook with only the essential sections that you require.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Seasons: Alpine summer – mid-June to late September – is the time to go, so that the huts are all open for accommodation and meals and the paths mostly free of snow. Midsummer is the perfect time to enjoy the myriad wildflowers that brighten the rocky slopes and meadows and to be entertained by the frolicking marmots who are by then out of hibernation.
• Centres: Lago di Braies, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Agordo, Belluno
• Difficulty: Alta Via 1 is a perfect introductory trek to the Dolomites and while the paths are not a seaside stroll, they are not overly difficult. No special equipment is necessary. Easier path variants are detailed where useful. Overall AV1 rates as Grade 2, suitable for fit walkers with some experience of alpine terrain and conditions.
• Must See: Breathtaking views of an estimated 80% of the Dolomites, including the Tofane, Pelmo and Civetta, as well as the glaciated Marmolada; memorable stays in comfortable high-altitude alpine huts

Specifications

• Weight: 185g
• Edition: Fifth
• Number of pages: 112
• Size: 17.2 x 11.6 x 0.7cm
• Published: 25 March 2022
• Author: Gillian Price

Contents

Introduction
The Dolomites
The route
Geology
Plants and flowers
Wildlife
How to get there
When to go
Shorter itineraries
Accommodation
Food and drink
What to take
Maps
Languages and place names
Dos and don’ts
Emergencies
Using this guide
Alta Via 1
Stage 1 Lago di Braies to Rifugio Biella
Stage 2 Rifugio Biella to Rifugio Fanes
Stage 3 Rifugio Fanes to Rifugio Lagazuoi
Stage 4 Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Nuvolau
Stage 5 Rifugio Nuvolau to Rifugio Città di Fiume
Stage 6 Rifugio Città di Fiume to Rifugio Coldai
Stage 7 Rifugio Coldai to Rifugio Vazzoler
Stage 8 Rifugio Vazzoler to Rifugio Carestiato
Stage 9 Rifugio Carestiato to Rifugio Pramperet
Stage 10 Rifugio Pramperet to Rifugio Pian de Fontana
Stage 11 Rifugio Pian de Fontana to La Pissa bus stop

Appendix A Useful contacts
Appendix B Italian–English glossary