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The Alta Via 1 (AV1) is the ultimate multi-day hut-to-hut trek and the original and flagship high level route through the Dolomites. The Alta Via 1, described in the outdoor press as “one of the world’s premier treks”, is a north-south traverse of Italy’s spectacular Dolomites. Internationally renowned climber Reinhold Messner describes the Dolomites “The Most Beautiful Mountains in the World”.
This diverse route encompasses flower-filled alpine meadows underneath towering Dolomite peaks, crashing waterfalls, clear turquoise lakes, World War 1 heritage sites, and wild, remote sections. The highest point of the trek is 2752m at Rifugio Lagzazuoi. Staying high in the mountains in the excellent network of mountain refuges means you will be in the very best place to enjoy the spectacular sunrises and sunset of the Dolomites.
The route is not technical and is accessible to regular walkers. Typically you can expect around 6 hours of walking each day and ascents and descents of about 700m. Bedding and food are provided by the mountain huts along the way, so you just need to carry the things you would normally take with you for a day’s walking, a few basic toiletries, a change of clothes and a sheet sleeping bag liner.
You will have the chance to explore the fascinating history of the region and enjoy a well-earned glass of wine on a mountain hut balcony while watching the sunset turn the Dolomites to their famous pink colour. Why not make the most of Italy’s summer sunshine, great food, superb mountain accommodation and the chance to trek amongst the Dolomite peaks of this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Trip length: 8, 10 or 12 days
The Alta Via 1 is very adaptable, with trek lengths to suit everyone:
- Alta Via 1 North 8 days: Our trip ensures you don’t miss the best parts of the AV1
- Alta Via 1 South: 8 days: Explore the quieter and wilder section of the AV1
- Alta Via 1 to Passo Duran: 10 days. Our trip avoids the steep long descent at the end of the AV1.
- Alta Via 1 Full: 12 days: Relaxed enough to enjoy it, (but we can speed this up if you want to do the walk more quickly)
- Shorter trip lengths are also possible.
If you’re not sure which section of the Alta Via 1 is right for you, ask us for our advice – we’ve walked it many times and can help you decide.
For more details see the itinerary
Contact us now for the best accommodation options on the Alta Via 1.
Self-guided or guided?
Almost all of our clients choose to do this trip self-guided. The paths are well signed, and the route is not technical. We will provide you with detailed trip notes, maps with your route highlighted, GPX files if you wish. We’ll also book your accommodation and help with transport. Self-guided trips can be run for 1 person or more.
If you prefer to go with a guided group, let us know the dates you could travel and we’ll send you a quotation.
Dates
The Alta Via 1 can be run between 8 June and 20 September. The mountain huts are not reliably open outside of these dates.
Self-Guided Alta Via 1 Trek Prices
Our trips are tailor-made to suit your requirements, yet we remain very competitive on price:
Prices assume 2 people sharing hotel rooms, but we also offer this trek for solo trekkers.
Contact us with your group size and preferred dates for an exact quote.
The AV1 will sell out quickly. Book now with trekMountains to reserve your space on the AV1 for your summer 2025 trekking holiday to avoid disappointment!
Why trek the Alta Via 1 with trekMountains?
Here at trekMountains we pride ourselves on being Italian Dolomites specialists.
trekMountains has been organising and leading treks on the Alta Via 1 every year for the past 14 years.
To the best of our knowledge, we were the first people from the UK to put together hiking trips on the Alta Via 1.
We therefore know every step of the various routes intimately, and have spent time building up personal relationships with all the rifugi owners.
We will put together the best route for your needs – we listen to your requirements for the type of trail that you like to walk on – including if you have any fears or concerns, and we determine the type of rifugio that will suit you. Once we have done that we then tailor your trip to suit you best.
** Additionally we will always reserve private rooms for you wherever possible at NO extra cost to you for all bookings of 2 or more people. **
Click on the links below for more information about the Alta Via 1 trek:
Alternative trips
You may also be interested in:
- Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage GeoTrail: a wonderful new trek which take you on a journey of discovery as it traverses through the various geological areas of the Dolomites. Similar in difficulty to the Alta Via 1.
- Dolomites Val Gardena Day Walks: based from a friendly hotel in the delightful Gardena valley, let the cable car take the strain as you enjoy the network of cable cars to walk in the many varied areas which surround the Gardena Valley. These day walks can be adapted for all walking levels.
- Dolomites Tre Cime: slightly easier than the Alta Via 1, this circuit takes you round the iconic peaks of the Tre Cime and lets you discover World War I sites.
- Dolomites Alta Via 2: a harder north-south traverse of the Dolomites, west of the Alta Via 1 area.
