Alta Via 1 (Dolomites)
8–10 days · 72.9 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Alta Via 1 (Dolomites) is known for
The most popular of the Dolomites' high routes, a roughly 120 km point-to-point traverse running north to south from Lago di Braies to the Belluno area in the Italian Alps. It passes beneath dramatic limestone towers and cirques, links a chain of alpine rifugi, and threads terrain marked by World War I trenches and tunnels. Walkers stay in mountain huts rather than carrying camp, making it a classic hut-to-hut trek.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 1,263 ft to 8,373 ft over 72.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 30.4 mi · 42%
- Downhill 35.2 mi · 48%
- Flat 7.3 mi · 10%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Alta Via 1 (Dolomites)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Alta Via 1 (Dolomites) scores 66/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Late June to late September, when the rifugi are open and the high passes are clear of snow; huts generally close by early October.
Permits: No permit is needed to walk it; beds in the rifugi must be reserved ahead, especially in the July-August peak.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Alta Via 1 (Dolomites) take?
Most backpackers take 8–10 days to hike the Alta Via 1 (Dolomites)'s 72.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Alta Via 1 (Dolomites)?
The Alta Via 1 (Dolomites) climbs roughly 27,388 ft total — about 376 ft per mile, topping out near 8,458 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Alta Via 1 (Dolomites)?
Late June to late September, when the rifugi are open and the high passes are clear of snow; huts generally close by early October.
Do you need a permit for the Alta Via 1 (Dolomites)?
No permit is needed to walk it; beds in the rifugi must be reserved ahead, especially in the July-August peak.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.