Alta VIA 1 Planner (2026 Edition)
- Self Guided Dolomites
- Sep 23
- 7 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
by Florian Grossrubatscher, IFMGA Mountain Guide and Dolomites Expert
The dream of every Dolomites hiker
The Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites is not just a trail — it’s the most famous hut-to-hut route in northern Italy. Starting at the emerald waters of Lago di Braies, the Alta Via 1 leads south across jagged peaks, high plateaus, and alpine meadows, but also through landscapes marked by World War I history, where tunnels and trenches at places like Lagazuoi still tell their story. Further south, hikers pass beneath the towering walls of Civetta, one of the most impressive mountains in the Dolomites. Hikers often call it the “classic” Alta Via because it combines everything the Dolomites are known for: dramatic scenery, welcoming mountain huts, and a true sense of journey.
What you need to know
Length: about 120 km – often shown on any Alta Via 1 map
Duration: 6–10 days, depending on your chosen itinerary
Overnight stays: mountain huts (rifugi) with dinner, breakfast, and a bed
Difficulty: moderately challenging but achievable for most hikers with basic preparation
Why planning matters
The experience is unforgettable — but planning your trek can feel overwhelming. How to book Alta Via 1 rifugios? That’s the number one question we hear. Mountain huts sell out months in advance, and arranging transfers and logistics on your own is time-consuming.
👉 That’s why we created our Alta Via 1 self guided tour packages at SelfGuidedDolomites.com. We handle every Alta Via 1 hut booking, provide a complete digital guidebook and GPX tracks, and schedule a Zoom call with a local guide before you depart. With our help, your Alta Via 1 self guided adventure is seamless — you just hike and enjoy.
Quick Links
Is this trek for you?
The big question every hiker asks
You’ve probably seen photos of Lago di Braies or read about the Alta Via 1 Dolomites and wondered: “It looks incredible, but is the Alta Via 1 really doable for me?”
Most hikers share the same doubts: Is it too hard? Will I be able to get a spot in the huts? How complicated is the planning?
The honest answer
The Alta Via 1 is challenging in parts but well within reach for anyone in reasonable hiking shape. The trail is well marked, the distances are manageable, and the rhythm of hiking by day and resting in mountain huts at night makes the experience surprisingly accessible. Whether you dream of the shorter Alta Via 1 North (6 days), the wilder Alta Via 1 South (7 days), or the full Alta Via 1 itinerary (10 days), there is an option that matches your fitness level and available time.
Where hikers struggle
The hardest part is rarely the walking — it’s the logistics. The number one question we hear is: “How do I book Alta Via 1 refugios?” Huts along the route book out months in advance, and many hikers get frustrated juggling emails, deposits, and cancellations. Others arrive without proper transfers arranged and end up wasting valuable time.
👉 That’s why we designed flexible Alta Via 1 self guided options. Whether you choose the shorter AV1 North, the wilder South, or the full 10-day route, we make it fit you. We take care of the hut reservations and logistics, so you can focus on the hiking — confident that the Alta Via 1 matches your time, fitness, and adventure goals.
The Classic 3 Ways to Walk It
One trail, three experiences
The Alta Via 1 Dolomites isn’t just one trek — it can be shaped to fit your time and energy. Over the years, three versions have become the “classics.” Whether you want a shorter adventure, a wilder journey, or the full crossing, there’s a route for you.
Alta Via 1 North (6 Days) – Most Popular
Starting at the iconic Lago di Braies, this is the section most hikers choose. In less than a week you’ll walk across high plateaus, pass the WWI tunnels of Lagazuoi, and finish in glamorous Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s a perfect mix of highlights, comfort, and accessibility — and the itinerary we recommend most.
Alta Via 1 South (7 Days) – A Wilder Finish
Beginning in Cortina and heading south, this route dives into the dramatic walls of Civetta and the quieter, less-traveled valleys. It’s rugged, more remote, and ideal for hikers who want solitude and longer days.
Alta Via 1 Full (10 Days) – The Complete Journey
From Lago di Braies to Belluno, this is the original Alta Via 1 itinerary. Ten days of hiking link together all the northern highlights with the southern wilds. Demanding in time and logistics, but a badge of honor for those who want the full Dolomites crossing.
Which one is right for you?That depends on your time, fitness, and style. But no matter which you choose, the challenge is the same: huts must be reserved early, and logistics can get tricky.
👉 With our Alta Via 1 self guided tour packages, we adapt to the version you choose — handling all Alta Via 1 hut bookings, organizing logistics, and giving you the confidence that your trek is planned to perfection.
When to Go: The Season of Your Adventure
Every month has its mood
The Alta Via 1 Dolomites is best hiked from late June to late September. Early summer brings fresh snowmelt, waterfalls, and wildflowers. By August, the trail is at its busiest but also its liveliest. September offers golden light, quieter huts, and crisp air — the perfect closing of the season.
Choosing your perfect moment
There’s no single “best” time. It depends on whether you prefer long summer evenings, peak-season buzz, or the peaceful quiet of autumn.
👉 Our Alta Via 1 self guided tour packages include seasonal advice and insider tips, so you don’t just pick dates at random — you choose the moment that fits your hiking style.
Life in the Huts
The heart of the Alta Via 1 experience
Evenings in the mountain huts (rifugi) are where memories are made. After a day on the trail, you’ll share a hearty meal, watch the sunset over jagged peaks, and sleep in a warm bed high in the mountains. It’s this combination of effort and comfort that makes the Alta Via 1 self guided trek so unique.
The challenge
The downside? Rifugi are limited in size and sell out months in advance. Many hikers find themselves disappointed, stuck with long detours or no bed at all.
👉 With our Alta Via 1 hut booking service, you don’t have to worry. We secure your places in advance, so when the sun sets you’ll always have a bed, a hot meal, and a view to remember.
What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)
Fear of forgetting something?
Every hiker worries about leaving the wrong thing at home — or carrying too much. On the Alta Via 1 Dolomites, you’ll want sturdy boots, layers for changing mountain weather, and a sleeping liner for the huts.
Essentials vs. extras
The key is balance: bring what keeps you safe and comfortable, but don’t overload your pack. Trekking poles, for example, are a lifesaver on long descents, while heavy gadgets often end up unused.
👉 Our Alta Via 1 self guided tour includes a complete gear list inside the digital guidebook, so you’ll know exactly what’s essential — and what’s better left behind.
Eating, Drinking, Living on the Trail
Life at the rifugi table
One of the joys of the Alta Via 1 is sharing meals in the huts. Expect hearty mountain dishes like pasta, polenta, or goulash — always with dessert and often with local wine.
Water and comfort along the way
Water can usually be refilled at huts or marked fountains, but not everywhere — knowing the right spots saves stress. Little comforts, like bringing earplugs for dorm rooms or cash for extras, can make your trek smoother.
Finding Your Way
The joy of well-marked trails
The Alta Via 1 is famous for its red-and-white trail signs. Most days, navigation feels straightforward — just follow the markings across meadows and passes.
Why GPX tracks still help
When fog rolls in or you’re tired at the end of a long day, knowing you have the route on your phone or GPS gives peace of mind.
Safety first
The trail isn’t technical, but weather changes fast in the Dolomites. Having backup navigation helps you feel secure — and keeps small mistakes from becoming big problems.
👉 With our Alta Via 1 self guided tour, you’ll receive GPX tracks for every stage, so you can hike with confidence knowing you’ll never get lost.
Mistakes Most First-Timers Make
Learn from others before you
Every year, hikers on the Alta Via 1 Dolomites run into the same problems:
Booking huts too late and finding everything full
Underestimating sudden mountain weather
Carrying too much — or the wrong gear
These aren’t small mistakes. They can turn a dream trek into a stressful one — or, after a lot of trying, mean your Alta Via 1 never happens at all.
How We Make It Easy for You
That’s why we created our Alta Via 1 self guided tour service.
We handle the details that most hikers struggle with:
✅ Hut reservations secured in advance
✅ A detailed digital PDF guidebook with daily descriptions
✅ GPX tracks for safe and easy navigation
✅ A 30-minute Zoom call with a local guide before departure
With us, your Alta Via 1 hut booking is guaranteed, your questions are answered, and you start your trek prepared and confident.
Your Next Step
The Alta Via 1 is one of Europe’s most sought-after hut-to-hut treks. Beds sell out months in advance — sometimes before winter ends.
👉 Don’t wait until it’s too late. Secure your huts, guidebook, and GPX tracks today with our Alta Via 1 self guided packages at SelfGuidedDolomites.com.
So when summer comes, you won’t be stuck planning — you’ll already be on the trail.
About the Author
Florian Grossrubatscher is an IFMGA-certified Mountain & Ski Guide and founder of Dolomagic Mountain Guides and SelfGuidedDolomites.com. Born and based in the Dolomites, Florian has spent decades exploring the region’s trails, peaks, and passes. His passion is helping hikers and climbers experience the Dolomites safely and authentically — whether on guided adventures or through carefully designed self guided tours. Recognized as a true Dolomites expert, Florian combines deep local knowledge with international guiding experience to make every journey unforgettable.
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