Alta Via 1: 11 stages and when to book
A high traverse of the Dolomites from the turquoise water of Lago di Braies south to the Belluno valley, linking rifugi across limestone plateaux, war-scarred ridges and the great walls of the Civetta and Moiazza. Graded EEA in the Italian system: the walking is mostly non-technical, but a few short protected passages and one knife-edge crossing demand a steady head.
Start: Lago di Braies. Finish: La Pissa (bus stop).
The 11 stages
| Day | Stage | Distance | Climb |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lago di Braies → Rifugio Biella | 6 km | 887 m |
| 2 | Rifugio Biella → Rifugio Fanes | 13.1 km | 528 m |
| 3 | Rifugio Fanes → Rifugio Lagazuoi | 12.3 km | 994 m |
| 4 | Rifugio Lagazuoi → Rifugio Nuvolau | 14 km | 937 m |
| 5 | Rifugio Nuvolau → Rifugio Città di Fiume | 13.5 km | 364 m |
| 6 | Rifugio Città di Fiume → Rifugio Coldai | 10.4 km | 562 m |
| 7 | Rifugio Coldai → Rifugio Vazzoler | 8.6 km | 223 m |
| 8 | Rifugio Vazzoler → Rifugio Carestiato | 8.7 km | 574 m |
| 9 | Rifugio Carestiato → Rifugio Pramperet | 12.7 km | 637 m |
| 10 | Rifugio Pramperet → Rifugio Pian de Fontana | 5.6 km | 513 m |
| 11 | Rifugio Pian de Fontana → La Pissa (bus stop) | 11.8 km | 311 m |
The line is the provincial trail authorities’ own geometry, cut at the canonical rifugi. Elevation comes from a terrain model and times are computed, so treat the figures as close rather than exact.
Book these first
Italian rifugi usually take bookings by phone or email rather than a booking site.
- Rifugio Lagazuoi
- Rifugio Nuvolau
- Rifugio Coldai
- Rifugio Pian de Fontana
Half board is standard and often the only food available up high.
Rifugio Nuvolau is tiny and perched on a summit, it books out first every year.
When to go
Rifugi open around the third week of June and start closing from mid-September.
- JanuaryWinter, the route does not exist
- FebruaryWinter, the route does not exist
- MarchStill winter up high
- AprilThaw, the worst of both
- MayToo early
- JuneLate June opens up, early June does not
- JulyPeak season
- AugustPeak season, watch the afternoons
- SeptemberThe connoisseur’s month
- OctoberRifugi closed, first snows
- NovemberWinter returning
- DecemberWinter, the route does not exist
Alta Via 1 in Treksup
Alta Via 1 is a paid route in Treksup: its full plan, with every stage, water, where to sleep and weekly trail conditions, comes with the paid tier. 7 routes are open in full for free.
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Page updated 30 September 2026.