Dolomites Hike - Alta Via 1

The AV1 begins at the far side of the lake. Definitely plan to stay here, at Hotel Pragser Wildsee, before the hike. The hotel website says there is a 3 night minimum, but they were happy to accommodate us for two nights pre hike. It was nice to enjoy the quiet lake in the late afternoon after all the day tourists have left.

Day 1 on AV1: 6.6 miles to Rifugio Sennes. The long ascent began at Lago di Braies until finally reaching Rifugio Biella. From there it was rolling grassy hills with covered in wildflowers. We made it to Rifugio Sennes just as the typical afternoon storm rolled in. The Rifugio is very welcoming and cozy, with great Austrian influenced cuisine.

Day 2 on AV1: 6.9 miles to Rifugio Fanes. From Sennes we continued mostly downhill to Rifugio Pedaru. Pedaru is accessible by car so we encountered many day hikers today. After a coffee break we continued uphill to Rifugio Fanes. Fanes was one of my favorite meals on the trail.

Day 3 on AV1: 9.5 miles to Rifugio Lagazuoi. This was a tough day! Started off easy through valleys filled with cows and horses. Then uphill to Forcella di Lech; a steep descent to Lago Lagazuoi; then relentless climb to Rifugio Lagazuoi. The Rifugio is stunning! Sweeping 360 views. Gorgeous sunset and definitely get out of bed to witness sunrise! (And bundle up!)

Day 4 on AV1: to Rifugio Averau We opted to do the variant from Lagazuoi, descending through the WW1 tunnels. Steep, slick, and damp but an incredible piece of history. After crossing through the village we ascended up grassy hills, then rock scrambled, skirtedcaroundcthe bscknof Mount Averau to reach Rifugio Averau. Busy with day visitors but quiet at night. Great food, lovely room, and most welcoming was a washer and dryer. And of course, beautiful sunset views.

Day 5 on AV1: 12.4 miles to Rifugio Staulanza. Brutal day. Our longest mileage day on the trail and we had to seek shelter twice from hail/lightening. Because of the weather, we avoided the via ferrata, doing the variant through Passo Giau; which was stunning. Many different terrains this day. We were absolutely exhausted arriving at Staulanza, but our spirits quickly lifted when we realized there was a spa at the Rifugio! Steam/sauna/soak followed by a delicious dinner and a great nights sleep.

Day 6 on AV1: 7.9 miles to Rifugio Tissi. We were spoiled with constant sweeping 360 views up until this day. About halfway storm clouds rolled in, and the remainder of the day was mostly hiking through clouds with low visibility. Rifugio Tissi was the most spartan on our itinerary.

Day 7 on AV1: 11.5 miles to Rifugio San Sebastiano. Many terrains today: a lot of mud and scree, some rock scrambling and snow crossings. It was longer with more uphill than we anticipated. This was my favorite night on the trail, it was storming out, the Rifugio was cozy and the wine was flowing! The owner is the sweetest man! (Apparently a much better choice than neighboring Rifugio Passo Duran, according to a couple we met on the trail).

Day 8 on AV1: 11.3 miles to Rifugio Pian de Fontana. Possibly my favorite day on the AV1! It began with stretches of forest and scree, then steep uphill, followed by more uphill. STUNNING 360 views. Small stretch of rock scramble up and exposed ridge (not nearly as scary as it looked when approaching it). A mile or two of grassy descent through a beautiful valley. Finally brutal, steep descent to the Rifugio.

Day 9 on AV1: 7.7 miles + bus + train A final ascent to Forcella la Varetta then a long descent to La Pissa bus stop, where we caught up with many hikers we met along the trail. Quick bus ride to Belluno then 1 hour train to Conegliano. We spent two days relaxing in the Prosecco Hills. Beautiful hotel grounds, great food, delicious wines.