How to Plan the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites: Itinerary, Tips & the Ultimate Digital Guide
If hiking in the Italian Alps is calling your name, there’s no better adventure than the Alta Via 1 (AV1)—a 75-mile hut-to-hut trek in the Dolomites that delivers world-class views, rustic charm, and one hell of a personal accomplishment. I hiked the Alta Via 1 Dolomites trail in July 2024 and I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know: the itinerary, how to book rifugios, when to go, and how to prep like a pro.
And if all the planning feels overwhelming—don’t worry. I’ve created the Ultimate Alta Via 1 Digital Guide, a downloadable planning tool that takes all the guesswork out of your AV1 adventure (more on that below).
What Is the Alta Via 1?
The Alta Via 1 (often called Alta Via One or AV1) is a legendary long-distance hike in the Dolomites, stretching from Lago di Braies to Belluno. Most hikers complete it in 6 to 11 days, depending on fitness and pace.
- 🥾 Total Distance: ~120 km / 75 miles
- ⛰️ Elevation Gain: Over 23,000 feet
- 🛏️ Lodging: Stay in family-run rifugios with meals, beds, and wine
- 🍝 Bonus: Delicious homemade pasta, mountain saunas, and even a microbrewery
This isn’t just a hike—it’s an immersive cultural experience in one of Europe’s most scenic mountain ranges.
When to Hike the Alta Via 1
The trail is open from mid-June to late September. If you’re looking for dry trails and stable weather, aim for early July or September. Keep in mind:
- Rifugios open for booking as early as July/August of the prior year
- Most fill up quickly, so you'll need to plan 9–12 months ahead
⏱️ Save yourself 20+ hours of research
Planning takes time—but I’ve done the work for you. The Ultimate Alta Via 1 Digital Guide includes:
✅ A complete day-by-day AV1 itinerary with distances, elevation, and timing
✅ A rifugio booking spreadsheet with contact info, open dates, and links
✅ Packing checklists, travel prep, training plans, and insider tips
✅ Gear advice, blister prevention strategies, and time-saving logistics
Get it here → [🔗 BUY THE ULTIMATE GUIDE NOW]
Alta Via 1 Itinerary: How It Works
Most hikers start in the north and head south:
- Fly into Venice (VCE)
- Take a bus to Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Take a bus to Lago di Braies—your AV1 starting point
- Trek south to Belluno over 6–11 days
- Take the train back to Venice for departure
I completed the trek in 9 days/8 nights, which I found ideal: long enough to soak it in, short enough to stay fresh. Most days we arrived at our rifugio by mid-afternoon—just in time for a shower, a beer, and a killer alpine sunset.
How to Book Rifugios on the Alta Via 1
Here’s the tricky part: There is no central booking site. Every rifugio must be contacted individually—some by email, others through websites. You’ll need to:
- Choose your desired itinerary length
- Research and list your top rifugios
- Track their opening dates for reservations
- Email or book online the day they open
Sound exhausting?
That’s where the Ultimate Alta Via 1 Digital Guide becomes your best friend.
This all-in-one tool includes a pre-built spreadsheet with hut contact info, opening dates, and reservation methods—plus a proven step-by-step system for getting every night booked without headaches.
What's Inside the Ultimate Alta Via 1 Digital Guide?
This isn’t just a list of tips—it’s a full planning system built from real experience on the trail. Here’s what you get:
✅ AV1 Itinerary – A full day-by-day route, distances, and elevation
✅ Rifugio Guide – Booking links, amenities, contact details, and notes
✅ Packing List – What to bring (and what to leave at home)
✅ Training Plan – Build strength, endurance, and elevation fitness
✅ Insider Trail Tips – Blister prevention, gear advice, navigation hacks
✅ Bonus Pro-Tips – Learn from my real-life mistakes so you don’t make them
🚀 Instant download upon purchase—get started today!
👉 GET THE GUIDE HERE & START PLANNING
Is It Worth It?
Let me be clear: 100% yes.
The Alta Via 1 trek is challenging, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. You’ll hike through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meet fellow adventurers, enjoy wine with every dinner, and sleep under a sky full of stars in the heart of the Dolomites.
With the right planning, it can be one of the most meaningful journeys of your life.
Final Thoughts
The Alta Via 1 is one of the best long-distance hikes in Europe, offering rugged beauty, Italian hospitality, and true off-the-grid adventure. Whether you're going self-guided or looking for insider support, this blog and the Ultimate Alta Via 1 Digital Guide will give you the clarity, confidence, and tools to make it happen.
If you're serious about trekking the AV1—and want to avoid overwhelm—grab the guide now and start prepping with peace of mind.
🎒 Click here to buy the Ultimate AV1 Digital Guide and start planning your trek today!
