Alta Via 1 is a famous through hike in the Dolomites in Italy. Typically done in 7 to 10 days, it is about 75 miles long with many mountain Rifugios (refuges) along the way. We hiked it all in 7 days, here are some of our tips!

We planned this trek just THREE weeks before we left! We got very lucky getting the Rifugios we wanted based on our timeline. It probably helped that we were doing this at the end of the season as some huts were already closed or closing. Everything worked out and we were blessed with PERFECT weather. It did not rain on us once! Can’t think of a better way to experience the Dolomites than to hike through it.

7 days
75 miles
23,000 ft elev gain
20 pounds of pasta and cheese

Takeaways:

DO book your huts in advanced. Some got turned away. This gave us peace of mind knowing we had a secure place to sleep each night.

DO bring cash as some places don’t accept cards.

DO download a gpx of the trail/have a map. It is pretty well signed throughout but always best to have this handy.

DO learn some basic Italian & German. We were surprised at how many spoke German more so in the northern half of the trail.

DO stay at Lago di Braies the night before the trek. It’s a little spendy but it was worth it since the trail started right there! Plus I mean we’ve all seen views of the lake, it’s beautiful.

DONT bring a lot of snacks, we didn’t eat one protein bar. Unless you have a specific diet to follow, there are Rifugios sprinkled along the trail to stop at for food.

DONT overpack, you can wash & rewear clothes.

DONT forget to pack a sleeping bag liner, hut sandals & ear plugs

DONT rush. Take your time, soak it all in. Talk with other people at the huts and on the trail.

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