Self-guided hiking tour in the Dolomites: Alta Via 1 South

Alta Via 1 is one of the most fascinating treks in the Alps and in particular in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The southern part of the Alta Via 1 in particular is less crowded and allows mountaineers to enjoy breathtaking landscapes immersed in the silence that only mountains can offer.

The southern itinerary is characterized by the presence of small, fascinating alpine lakes and the majestic blocks of dolomite of the Ampezzo Dolomites. On days of good weather, the elements of water and rock merge with the great peaks mirrored in the characteristic lakes.

The majesty of the Cinque Torri and the one-of-a-kind landscape of Croda da Lago, the unspoiled and silent nature of Monte Pelmo and the Monte Civetta group and the wild Dolomites of Moiazza, where the hiker still manages to experience a sense of adventure and exploration of the mountain, are the factors that make the southern part of Alta Via 1 unique and suitable for all mountaineers.

Program details:

• Day 1
  Arrival in Cortina d'Ampezzo and check-in in 3* hotel. 

• Day 2 - CINQUE TORRI AND LIMIDES LAKE
  Ascent: +740m. Descent: -0m. Distance: 11km. Hiking time: 5h
  From Cortina d’Ampezzo we move by public transport to Passo Falzarego. The first stage of the trek begins from the Pass, where we face a not too demanding height difference between the sparse vegetation of the mid-mountain. Immediately we meet the fascinating Lake Limedes with its bucolic postcard landscape. Continuing slightly uphill we meet the Averau and Nuvolao forks, a prelude to the encounter with one of the most famous Dolomite profiles in the world: the so-called “Cinque Torri”. We continue along the gentle ups and downs of the path admiring the landscape of alpine meadows. Dinner and overnight stay in hut (2,046 m).

• Day 3 - CRODA DA LAGO AND MONTE PELMO
  Ascent: +440m. Descent: -710m. Distance: 10km. Hiking time: 5h
  The day begins immediately with the spectacle of Croda da Lago. Lake Federa here merges itself with the surrounding landscape and brings new emotions from every angle. Following the slightly uphill path, the contrasts between the green alpine clearings and the Dolomite peaks become harsher and more frequent with the suggestive profile of the Becco di Mezzodì and the Col della Puina, where the path continues downhill with a progressively lower altitude and below 2,000 meters above sea level. The trek continues on a slight descent with the imposing 3,000 meters of the majestic Monte Pelmo on the left. Dinner and overnight stay in hut (1,783 m).

• Day 4 - MONTE CIVETTA AND LAKE COLDAI
  Ascent: +950m. Descent: -470m. Distance: 11km. Hiking time: 4h
  The fourth day route is characterized by a slight uphill alternating with short ups and downs with very limited height differences. The first part of the hike is immersed in alpine vegetation, but this becomes increasingly sparser as you approach Mount Coldai. Here we find the fantastic Lake Coldai, which takes on an unmistakable turquoise color on days of good weather. Passing through the Forcelle Coldai and Col Negro, the trek continues gently and we walk with the mountain group on our left. The latter is dominated by the 3,200 meters above sea level of Monte Civetta, the last suggestive landscape of the day. Dinner and overnight in hut (2,250 m).

• Day 5 - MOIAZZA DOLOMITES
  Ascent: +60m. Descent: -1640m. Distance: 14km. Hiking time: 5h
  The last day of the trek sees us continue downhill in the most unexplored part of our tour: the Moiazza Dolomites. We leave keeping the Civetta group on the left, which accompanies us along our path with a succession of peaks between 2,500 and 3,000 meters above sea level. Walking towards gradually gentler landscapes, we enter the vegetation in the direction of the Mario Vazzoler Hut, surrounded by the fascinating botanical garden dedicated to Antonio Segni. Then, we continue crossing the Val delle Mede and following the path along a series of hairpin bends that lead to the Capanna Trieste Hut. The day ends by reaching the small town of Listolade, from where we move to the city of Belluno by public transport. Overnight and dinner at the hotel.

• Day 6
  Departure

Additional clarifications

The program could be changed at discretion of the Campo Base Team / Mountain Guide - UIAGM based on weather conditions and forecasts, mantaining however inalterate the basic structure and the aims of the proposal.

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