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Alta Via 1 South
Arrival day: Arrive in Cortina
Your trips starts on arrival in Cortina, a wonderful Italian town right in the mountains. The long pedestrian high street is perfect for strolling - and for exploring the local shops and cafes. We recommend dining out in town at one of the many fantastic restaurants.
Hotel in Cortina (breakfast)
Your trips starts on arrival in Cortina, a wonderful Italian town right in the mountains. The long pedestrian high street is perfect for strolling - and for exploring the local shops and cafes. We recommend dining out in town at one of the many fantastic restaurants.
Hotel in Cortina (breakfast)
Stage 1: Lagazuoi to Rifugio Averau
Red 2 (grade) 10.1km with 680m ascent, 850m descent
We describe two options for your first day on the Alta Via 1. Our recommendation is to take the bus up the valley to the Lagazuoi cable car, an iconic viewpoint and the highest point on the Alta Via 1 trail. From Lagazuoi, the trail descends past World War 1 trenches to cross the valley, climbing up through the famous Cinque Torri (five towers) to Rifugio Averau, with spectacular views back to Monte Tofane across the valley. Rifugios Scoiattoli and Cinque Torri are close by; exactly where you'll stay will depend on availability. We also describe a walking route the whole way from Cortina if you'd prefer not to take any transport.
Mountain hut (breakfast - dinner can be purchased a la carte at the hut)
Red 2 (grade) 10.1km with 680m ascent, 850m descent
We describe two options for your first day on the Alta Via 1. Our recommendation is to take the bus up the valley to the Lagazuoi cable car, an iconic viewpoint and the highest point on the Alta Via 1 trail. From Lagazuoi, the trail descends past World War 1 trenches to cross the valley, climbing up through the famous Cinque Torri (five towers) to Rifugio Averau, with spectacular views back to Monte Tofane across the valley. Rifugios Scoiattoli and Cinque Torri are close by; exactly where you'll stay will depend on availability. We also describe a walking route the whole way from Cortina if you'd prefer not to take any transport.
Mountain hut (breakfast - dinner can be purchased a la carte at the hut)
Stage 2: Rifugio Averau to Passo Staulanza
Red 3 (grade) 16.5km with 510m ascent, 1200m descent
Setting off from Rifugio Averau we drop down the hillside to reach Passo Giau, the second of the road passes above Cortina. The hills beyond allow wide open walking over meadows, interspersed with short climbs. At the end of the day the realm of Cortina is far behind and the Zoldo area looms large. Monte Pelmo is unmistakeable in view, with its two summits.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 16.5km with 510m ascent, 1200m descent
Setting off from Rifugio Averau we drop down the hillside to reach Passo Giau, the second of the road passes above Cortina. The hills beyond allow wide open walking over meadows, interspersed with short climbs. At the end of the day the realm of Cortina is far behind and the Zoldo area looms large. Monte Pelmo is unmistakeable in view, with its two summits.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 3: Passo Staulanza to Rifugio Vazzoler
Red 3 (grade) 15.2km with 680m ascent, 740m descent
Climbing from the road at Passo Staulanza, we pass Rifugio Coldai and the pretty turquoise lake of the same name. After Rifugio Coldai we pick up a long traverse around the back of Monte Civetta. Rolling downhill at the end of the day we come to Rifugio Vazzoler, one of the more basic huts on the Alta Via 1 but charming in its wooded setting.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Red 3 (grade) 15.2km with 680m ascent, 740m descent
Climbing from the road at Passo Staulanza, we pass Rifugio Coldai and the pretty turquoise lake of the same name. After Rifugio Coldai we pick up a long traverse around the back of Monte Civetta. Rolling downhill at the end of the day we come to Rifugio Vazzoler, one of the more basic huts on the Alta Via 1 but charming in its wooded setting.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 4: Rifugio Vazzoler to Passo Duran
Purple 2 (grade) 11.6km with 650m ascent, 760m descent
Today's distance passes quickly on generally good terrain, with short sections of more slow-going and steep walking. Several combes are crossed as we round the Southern end of the Civetta massif. Reach the quiet road at Passo Duran.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Purple 2 (grade) 11.6km with 650m ascent, 760m descent
Today's distance passes quickly on generally good terrain, with short sections of more slow-going and steep walking. Several combes are crossed as we round the Southern end of the Civetta massif. Reach the quiet road at Passo Duran.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 5: Passo Duran to Rifugio Pian de Fontana
Purple 4 (grade) 16.7km with 1050m ascent, 1020m descent
Enter an area of bold mountains today, at times with a more remote feel than the hills before. The crossing of the Cime di Zita involves a narrow ridge, at the higher end of difficulty for the Alta Via 1. On the way up the trail passes Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet, a good stop for lunch. In descent a long, steep and interesting hillside brings you to a grassy shelf hidden from civilisation. Here sits the Pian de Fontana refuge, another basic one and quite charming.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Purple 4 (grade) 16.7km with 1050m ascent, 1020m descent
Enter an area of bold mountains today, at times with a more remote feel than the hills before. The crossing of the Cime di Zita involves a narrow ridge, at the higher end of difficulty for the Alta Via 1. On the way up the trail passes Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet, a good stop for lunch. In descent a long, steep and interesting hillside brings you to a grassy shelf hidden from civilisation. Here sits the Pian de Fontana refuge, another basic one and quite charming.
Mountain hut (dinner and breakfast)
Stage 6: Rifugio Fontana to La Pissa
Red 2 (grade) 12.3km with 250m ascent, 1440m descent
The trek is completed with a modest half-day stage to the road. We avoid the optional Via Ferrata finish to the Alta Via 1 crossing the Schiara massif, instead following more straightforward paths to Rifugio Bianchet, then the wide track to La Pissa. We catch the local bus to Belluno. The city comes as a contrast to the calm of the trek, being a lively place very much in an Italian style. (If you have stayed at Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet instead of Pian de Fontana, we suggest a shorter descent route from Pian de Fontana to avoid a very long last day; we then arrange a taxi to Belluno.)
Hotel in Belluno (Breakfast)
Red 2 (grade) 12.3km with 250m ascent, 1440m descent
The trek is completed with a modest half-day stage to the road. We avoid the optional Via Ferrata finish to the Alta Via 1 crossing the Schiara massif, instead following more straightforward paths to Rifugio Bianchet, then the wide track to La Pissa. We catch the local bus to Belluno. The city comes as a contrast to the calm of the trek, being a lively place very much in an Italian style. (If you have stayed at Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet instead of Pian de Fontana, we suggest a shorter descent route from Pian de Fontana to avoid a very long last day; we then arrange a taxi to Belluno.)
Hotel in Belluno (Breakfast)
Departure day: Depart from Belluno
Enjoy your last breakfast in Belluno and look round the shops before departing. The train to Venice makes it easy to keep exploring, and we can advise on further travel in Italy and the wider Alps.
Enjoy your last breakfast in Belluno and look round the shops before departing. The train to Venice makes it easy to keep exploring, and we can advise on further travel in Italy and the wider Alps.
Trip Options
The spacing of the huts along the trail determines the schedule lengths we are able offer on the Alta Via 1 South. There are still a number of great options and we are happy to help you plan a trip that fits your walking style, whether you fancy a fast dash or prefer to savour the stunning scenery and mountain views. We describe a few options below. Make the trip shorter
For those up for a challenge, the trip can be shortened to 5 stages by making each day a little longer. For example, for fitter hikers, it is possible to walk from Rifugio Vazzoler to La Pissa in 2 stages rather than 3, staying at Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet. Please do ask us for more details if interested in exploring this option.
If you are interested in an even shorter schedule, why not consider our 4-stage Alta Via 1 North trip starting in Lago di Braies and finishing in Cortina.
Make the trip longer
If you fancy savouring the mountain views for longer, extended schedules are also very possible. For a 7-stage trip we split the two long days between Rifugios Averau and Vazzoler into three shorter stages, stopping at Rifugio Citta’ di Fiume and Rifugio Coldai, giving two fairly even stages of 9km each. To make the trip even longer, add a night at Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet, between Passo Duran and Rifugio Pian de Fontana. All these options work well, so please do ask us for more details if interested in taking a slower pace to allow you to savour the scenery of the Southern Dolomites for a little longer.
If you are interested in a longer trip to the Dolomites but don't want to shorten your days on the trail, why not consider hiking the full 9-stage Alta Via 1 from Lago di Braies to La Pissa?
Hike with a guide
Hike with confidence in the company of our fully qualified International Mountain Leaders (IMLs), with the navigation, accommodation and arrangements taken care of. If your group would like a guide for your trip, please get in touch for more details or view our scheduled guided trips along the full trail.
2026 Prices
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Alta Via 1 South 15 July to 17 Sept 2026 |
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| Dormitory | Private rooms | ||
| Self-guided | |||
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6 stages (7 nights) |
GBP 1,270 Singles 190 |
GBP 1,370 Singles 190 Main Trip |
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8 stages (9 nights) |
GBP 1,410 Singles 190 |
GBP 1,500 Singles 190 |
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| Options | |||
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Baggage transfer |
Please ask us | ||
Accommodation
Where we stay
Our Classic mix of accommodation gives a fantastic taste of hut-to-hut hiking in the Italian Dolomites, and includes 5 nights in charming mountain huts plus 2 nights in 3 or 4* hotels in Cortina and Belluno.
Private rooms
Our classic price is based on booking private rooms at 4 of the 5 huts. We'll book these if there's availability however the private rooms fill up fast. If we aren't able to book the private rooms we'll reduce your price on a per night basis. If you'd prefer us to book dormitory places at all the huts, please do let us know.
The final hut on all of our itineraries, Rifugio Pian de Fontana, only offers dormitory accommodation; this is the most remote area of the trail, and the peaceful setting and friendly welcome will make up for it! If you'd prefer to avoid this hut, you could finish your trip at Passo Duran, giving a 4-stage (5 night) trip.
Dormitory Accommodation
If you prefer to stay in shared rooms and dormitories in all the huts please book our dormitory accommodation option. We use the same 3 and 4* hotels in Dobbiaco and Belluno.
Hotel Upgrade
For a touch of luxury at the end of your trip we can upgrade your hotel in Belluno to a 4* hotel. Please note this comes with a GBP 30 supplement per person.
Solo Travel
We do not take bookings for solo walkers on self-guided trips. We can offer guided Alta Via 1 trips for single travelers.
Route
Our Alta Via 1 South trip gives a complete journey on foot from Pian de Menis, near Cortina, to La Pissa, near Belluno. The Alta Via 1 is a well-established route and our routecards follow the main trail with a few optional variants. Where the route splits, our route generally takes the easier option, with harder alternatives also described in your routecards. This means that on most days you can choose your route dependent on how you feel and the level of challenge you wish to take on.
The Terrain
The Dolomites are characterised by dramatic limestone pinnacles which rise up from lush valleys. As such, the trail is also excitingly varied, with rocky paths winding up and over the mountain passes in addition to wide well-trodden paths and tracks in the valley bottoms. In some places, chains and handrails aid progress, however these are not normally a problem for confident mountain walkers. There are also some sections, mainly on the optional variants, where the paths are particularly steep and loose, for example on the descent from some of the higher passes requiring a good sense of balance and steady foot placements.
Is it for me?
The Alta Via 1 South is quieter than its Northern counterpart, with wilder terrain and more basic huts. It’s the perfect trip for those who like to hike in relative peace. Although basic, the huts are welcoming, sociable, and provide excellent dinners. There are also plenty of other huts along the trail allowing for numerous coffee stops throughout the day!
The Alta Via 1 South would be manageable for fit mountain walkers who are happy to walk for up to 8 hours a day over rocky and sometimes exposed ground. If you are fit and active in your day-to-day life, then the Alta Via 1 South can also be suitable for those new to multi-day trekking in the Alps. The paths are generally well waymarked and we provide all of the maps needed, along with our detailed routecards and lots of notes. Although well waymarked, in poor weather, the ability to navigate using a map and compass is essential.
A level of self-sufficiency on the AV1 is necessary, as bags can only be transferred to Passo Duran and to Belluno at the end. On the other nights, you’ll need to carry with you everything you need for the hike; there’s not much to carry and it makes for a simple way of life. The huts on the route are well stocked with great food, so it isn’t necessary to carry food for the entire trip.
Difficulty
It’s important to remember that the Alta Via 1 is first and foremost a walk and that there are no glacier crossings, via ferrata or rock climbing. There are sections of steep and rocky ground which require steady foot placement, and an ability to cope with walking along some narrow and possibly exposed paths. One such section is the narrow ridge between Passo Duran and Pian de Fontana with drops on both sides (stage 5), as well as the steep ascent to Coll del Orso (stage 4). Please let us know if you'd like more information or photos of these sections.
We miss out the difficult via ferrata on the Schiara, the mountain at the end of the trek above Belluno instead opting for a variant to La Pissa, for the local bus to Belluno. We also miss out the Monte Pelmo circuit (this is a widely underestimated variant) due to its exceptional difficulty and exposure, more than that of the Walker's Haute Route.
Alta Via 1 Walking Guide - more about the route itself
Fly toVenice (VCE)
Or fly to Innsbruck (INN) or Munich (MUC)
2h bus then 45m bus
Alta Via 1 South StartCortina
Alta Via 1 South EndBelluno
2h train
Fly fromVenice (VCE)
Or fly from Treviso (TSF)
How to get there
Your holiday starts in the resort town of Cortina and ends in the large valley town of Belluno. The most convenient airport is Venice with several transfer options available by coach or by train plus bus. For the end, Venice is a still good option.
Travel to and from the trip is not included in the holiday price. We take care to give the most useful notes possible about all the travel options. We supply these both on booking and in your info pack, and we offer personalised tips at any point. The aim is that our trekkers arrange their travel by the simplest and most scenic means as suits their plan.
Included
- Bespoke accommodation itinerary - tailored to suit your particular requirements
- Breakfast every morning
- Dinner at the huts (on 5 nights for our main trip)
- Detailed Routecards AVU4-9 of the Exploratory system, printed on waterproof paper
- Topographical maps needed
- Downloadable GPX Tracks covering the route
- Expert advice and local information
- A comprehensive 'Season Update' following our pre-season recce
- Full support during your trip from the Alpine Exploratory team (9am until 9pm in the Alps)
Not included
- Travel to and from your trip
- Transport to reach off-route accommodation (unless otherwise specified)
- Any other local transport taken whilst on the trip
- Travel insurance
- Lunches, snacks, drinks and evening meals in the towns (this would be 2 nights on our main trip)
- Baggage transfers (available as an extra)
Baggage transfer
We offer a partial baggage transfer service on the Alta Via 1 South as an optional extra. We are able to transfer your bags from Cortina to Belluno via Passo Duran and Passo Staulanza (3 drops in total). Unfortunately, on our main schedule, we are unable to drop your bags at any other huts due to their remote nature. On these nights your bag will travel on ahead to the next hotel and be waiting for you there. Please do contact us for more information on baggage transfer and for costs.
Questions about the Alta Via 1 South?
Feel free to ask any questions about your planning. Ben, Eve, Ione, Katy, Lucy, Rob, Simon, Skylar or Steph will reply with expert advice. We spend a lot of time hiking our routes (and trails around the world) so please ask us anything.
 
Enquiry Form
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If you prefer, please feel welcome to email or call us. Thanks!
| Contact Alpine Exploratory | |
| info@alpineexploratory.com | |
| Phone | +44 (0)131 214 1144 |
| Our times |
9am to 5pm UK time, Monday to Friday |
| Our national-rate numbers. Please use for a cheaper call to our Edinburgh office |
From the USA: 646-757-1102 From Canada: 416-628-3473 From Australia: 02 8319 2266 From New Zealand: 04 889 4515 |
Open to the world
Since Alpine Exploratory started in 2005 we have loved getting to know our clients from around the world. Our best-represented countries are the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The view from Rifugio Citta di Fiume
Alpine Exploratory
