Alta Via 1 — The Classic Dolomites High Route

The rifugios open roughly late June to late September and must be reserved in advance in high season; half board (dinner, bed, breakfast) is the norm. Bring cash, earplugs and a sleeping-bag liner — the three things every AV1 walker wishes they’d packed.

Weather turns fast at altitude and afternoon thunderstorms are a Dolomites signature. Leave at first light, aim to be off the exposed passes by early afternoon, and check the forecast at each hut before committing to the next stage.

The descent through the Lagazuoi war tunnels is dark enough to need a headtorch, and the long stony descents punish knees — trekking poles pay for themselves by day two.

Lagazuoi and Cinque Torri are open-air museums of tunnels and trenches from the First World War’s mountain front. Build in an hour to explore them — it’s the most haunting history on any alpine trail.

The northern trailhead at Lago di Braies is reached by bus from Dobbiaco/Toblach (connections from Bolzano and Cortina). The route ends near Belluno, with trains and buses on to Venice — a one-way traverse with genuinely easy logistics at both ends.

The season is set by the rifugios opening and the high passes shedding snow. Early July still finds snow patches on north-facing slopes; September brings quieter huts and sharper light.

Reliable water between huts is scarce on the limestone plateaus — karst country swallows streams. Fill up at each rifugio and carry at least two litres on the longer stages.