Alta Via 1

Dolomites-- Italy

June 27-July 6, 2027

Trip Overview:

The Alta Via 1 is one of the most breathtaking hut-to-hut treks in the world — a journey through the dramatic heart of Italy’s Dolomites, where jagged limestone peaks, emerald alpine meadows, and warm mountain hospitality create an experience that will remain etched in your memory forever!

On this classic AV1 route, we’ll hike approximately 70 miles from the iconic mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo to Belluno, traversing some of the most spectacular terrain in the Dolomites along the way. Winding through high mountain passes, quiet valleys, and storybook rifugios, the trail carries hikers deep into a landscape shaped by both natural beauty and rich history. Days are spent beneath towering spires and sweeping panoramas, while evenings are shared over homemade pasta, espresso, and conversations that linger long after the hiking boots come off. The Alta Via 1 is not simply a trek — it is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and experience the profound joy of moving through the mountains day by day.

As a women-only adventure, this journey becomes something even more special. There is a unique kind of connection that forms among women on the trail — friendships built through shared challenge, laughter, encouragement, and the simple rhythm of walking together each day. Whether you arrive solo or with a friend, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories, renewed confidence, and a trail family that understands exactly why the mountains call to you.

Trail Specs

Total Distance: ~70 miles

Route: Cortina de Ampezzo to Belluno (Classic Route)
Days on the Trail: 8 trekking days
Highest Elevation: ~9,000 ft
Average Daily Mileage: ~7-12 miles
Terrain: Rocky mountain trails, alpine passes, forested sections, meadows, and occasional steep ascents/descents.

Trail Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous — hikers should be comfortable with consecutive days of mountain hiking and sustained elevation gain

Weather: Expect a mix of sunshine, cool mountain air, and the possibility of afternoon rain or thunderstorms
Typical Temperature Range:
• Daytime: 50-70°F
• Nights: 40-60°F

What Type of Challenge Is This?

Physical Challenge:

The Alta Via 1 is considered a moderate to strenuous trekking challenge due to the cumulative demands of consecutive mountain hiking days, steep ascents and descents, and sustained elevation gain throughout the route. While this is not a technical climbing expedition, hikers should be prepared for rugged alpine terrain and daily elevation gains of up to 3,000 feet.

Strong cardiovascular fitness, prior hiking experience, and preparation for back-to-back days on the trail are highly recommended. The challenge of the AV1 is not necessarily found in any single day, but rather in the consistency required to wake up each morning and do it again — often while carrying the gear and personal items you’ll need throughout the trek.

Because luggage transfers are not possible on this route, hikers will carry their own clothing, toiletries, layers, water, snacks, and daily essentials in their packs. Meals are provided at the rifugios, so there is no need to carry large amounts of food, but guests should still expect a reasonably weighted pack each day.

Accommodations:

At the beginning and end of the adventure, we stay in comfortable accommodations with double occupancy rooms arranged for guests.

On the trail, accommodations are traditional mountain rifugios — cozy alpine huts that are one of the most beloved aspects of trekking in the Dolomites. Rooms are simple, communal, and dormitory-style, with a minimum of approximately four hikers per room. Whenever possible, we will prioritize arranging rooms exclusively with members of our group.

Rifugios offer warm meals, welcoming hospitality, breathtaking mountain settings, and an unforgettable cultural experience, but hikers should come prepared with flexibility and an understanding that privacy and personal space will be more limited than in traditional hotels.

Mental Challenge:

The Alta Via 1 rewards hikers who approach the trail with resilience, adaptability, and an open mind. Consecutive hiking days, changing weather, sore muscles, shared sleeping spaces, and the rhythm of mountain life all require patience and mental toughness.

Some days may feel physically demanding, and mountain conditions can shift quickly. Those who embrace the experience with humor, flexibility, and a team-oriented mindset often find the journey becomes about far more than the miles themselves. This is a trail that asks you to slow down, stay present, and lean into both challenge and connection.

Reward Level:

Exceptionally high. The Alta Via 1 offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Europe, but the rewards extend far beyond the views themselves. There is something deeply meaningful about spending days immersed in the rhythm of the mountains — sharing meals in cozy rifugios, watching the alpenglow light up the Dolomites, and forming friendships through shared challenge and adventure.

For many hikers, the AV1 becomes more than just a trek. It becomes a collection of moments, conversations, and mountain memories that remain vivid for years to come.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1:

Arrive at the Venice Marco Polo Airport and catch your transfer to the beautiful mountain town of Cortina d'Ampezzo. Check into the hotel and enjoy a stroll through town. The day ends with a dinner to meet the rest of your group, and a trail briefing from your guide. Get some good rest, because tomorrow--we hit the trail!

Accommodations: Cortina d'Ampezzo

Day 2:

Begin your day with a short taxi ride from the hotel to the start of the trek, the famous Lago di Braies! Take a few photos and then begin your first ascent on the opposite side of the lake. Once you reach the pass that overlooks Rifugio Biella, enjoy a nice lunch break. The rest of the day continues along wide and smooth tracks across open terrain, and one final descent to your refugio.

Distance Hiked: 9 miles

Elevation Gain: ~3,000 ft