Discover the second section of the Alta Via 1, the Dolomites’ most legendary trail. In seven incredible days, you’ll hike hut-to-hut from the Lagazuoi and Cinque Torri areas to the Pelmo, Civetta, and Moiazza massifs. Join Dolomite360 and our expert guides on this shorter, southern section that threads through some of the range’s most dramatic WWI history and stunning landscape of Italy's most famous trek.
Highlights
- Hike the second part of the iconic Alta Via 1
- Trek hut-to-hut from the Lagazuoi & Cinque Torri to the Pelmo, Civetta & Moiazza massifs.
- Explore WWI history with big-mountain views, and warm hospitality
- Perfect for hikers wanting a guided Alta Via experience
- Enjoy 2 nights in a hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo
- Relax for 4 nights in rifugios (shared dormitories)
Itinerary
The Alta Via 1 is one of Europe's best long-distance treks. This route takes you through the heart of the Dolomites, connecting mountain passes, green valleys, and rifugios from north to south. On this trip, you'll complete the second section over seven guided days from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Passo Duran. You'll hike through World War I tunnels carved into the rock, cross wide alpine meadows, pass turquoise lakes, and hike below the towering walls of Monte Civetta, the legendary "wall of walls". You'll sleep in cozy mountain rifugios where the hospitality is warm and the food is authentic and delicious. Wake up to unbelievable views and repeat!Programma ( 7 )
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Day 1
Arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo (1,224m / 4,016') and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request). Cortina is surrounded by some of the most iconic Dolomite peaks. It was the host of the 1956 Winter Olympics, and it’s set to host the Winter Olympic games again in 2026, so it’s a vibrant base with a lively social scene. You’ll meet your hiking guide tomorrow morning for a trip briefing and equipment check before starting your Alta Via 1 adventure.
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Day 2
Hike Lagazuoi Massif
After breakfast, meet your guide for a trip briefing and gear check. Then a private transfer takes you to the trailhead. You'll hike beneath the towering Tofana di Rozes massif and climb to the summit of Mount Lagazuoi at 2,778m / 9,114'. This peak is an impressive fortress of rock. You'll discover the many spires, turrets, and hidden military forts from World War I. Spend the afternoon exploring the tunnels carved into the mountainside or relaxing at your rifugio, one of the highest mountain huts in the Dolomites. Sit on the panoramic terrace. It feels like being at the edge of the world, with incredible 360° views.
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Day 3
Hiking in the Cinque Torri Area
Today’s hike takes you through some of the most iconic scenery in the Dolomites. From the heights of Lagazuoi, descend through alpine meadows and WWI tunnels to the Cinque Torri area. The views open wide over the valleys and peaks, from the towering Tofane to the Marmolada and Civetta. You’ll hike under towering rock spires, where your guide will bring to life the stories of soldiers who once held these ridges. End your day at a rifugio with sweeping views and a delicious dinner.
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Day 4
Hiking around Pelmo and Civetta Massifs
Today’s long but rewarding hike leads through open meadows, rocky passes, and incredible views of Pelmo (3,168m / 10,394’) — the “Throne of the Gods.” You’ll cross wildflower-filled slopes and ancient shepherd paths before reaching Passo Staulanza (1,783m / 5,850’), where your Dolomite journey concludes.
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Day 5
Hiking around Civetta Massif
Start your day walking through alpine farms and meadows. The air is clean, the views are wide, and you're heading toward something pretty special.You'll join a trail that climbs toward Monte Coldai and Monte Civetta. Civetta rises like a giant trident that looks like organ pipes, sitting between the Cordevole river valley and the pastures of Val Zoldana. Stop for lunch near Lago Coldai. The lake is beautiful, so take your time! After lunch, the trail runs along the immense west face of Monte Civetta. They call it the "wall of walls," and it stretches for more than 6 km / 4 miles. You'll see why the name fits. Midway along this massive wall, a steep climb brings you to tonight's mountain hut at (2250m / 7382'). This is one of those nights you won't forget. -
Day 6
Civetta and Moiazza Massifs
This morning, we'll leave our rifugio and descend through open green meadows into the narrow valley of Val Corpassa. We'll walk just below the towering rock faces of Torre Venezia (2337m / 7667') and Torre Trieste (2458m / 8064'). Both rise nearly 600m (2000') straight up from the valley floor, and if you look up, you might spot climbers on the walls.
Pass another rifugio and climb steeply through dense forest along the southern flank of Monte Moiazza. The trail opens into pastures and light woodland, following a clear gravel track toward your final rifugio. At the end of the hike, a private transfer takes you back to Cortina d'Ampezzo.This is a long day. The terrain is rugged. But it's also one of the most beautiful and varied hikes of the entire trip. -
Day 7
Breakfast and Departure (day 6)
Savor breakfast, soak in the views, and depart whenever you’re ready. Until next time!
More information
Necessary Equipment – Not Provided- Footwear
- Lightweight or mid-weight hiking boots (waterproof, sturdy, with ankle support)
- Trail running shoes (for trail running trips—not road-running shoes)
- Long-sleeved synthetic or cotton shirt
- Short-sleeved synthetic or cotton T-shirts
- Regular underwear (synthetics recommended)
- Medium-weight synthetic jacket
- Quick-drying full-length pants
- Shorts
- Lightweight Gore-Tex or equivalent rain/wind jacket and pants
- Baseball cap or wide-brimmed sun hat
- Bandanna
- Gear
- Daypack (20L for hotel-based trips; 35L for hut-to-hut trips)
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Water bottle (1-1.5 quart) or hydration system
- Trekking poles (recommended for knee support and stability)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit
- Toiletry kit
- Lightweight socks (liner socks and synthetic athletic socks)
- Silk sleeping bag liner (required for rifugio dormitory accommodation)
- Small amount of laundry detergent for handwashing
- Ziploc bags for organization
- Gloves and warm hat (for high-altitude hikes)
- 3/4-finger leather gloves (for via ferrata)
- Ace bandage or brace for knee/ankle support
- Spare prescription glasses or contact lenses
- Camera with extra batteries or charger
- Swimsuit (some hotels have pools and saunas)
- Casual clothes for evenings
More information
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