Alta Via 1 Dolomites: Complete Solo Female Hiking Guide
If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking through jagged limestone peaks, alpine meadows, and storybook villages—all while staying in cozy mountain huts—the Alta Via 1 in Italy’s Dolomites belongs on your bucket list. Stretching about 75 miles (120 km) from Lago di Braies to Belluno, this hut-to-hut trek is one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance trails.
This summer, I took on the Alta Via 1 solo as a female traveler, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Along the way, I discovered that while the trail is breathtaking, it can also be humbling—even for seasoned hikers. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I wish I had known: how to plan, where to stay, what to expect, and tips to make your own trek unforgettable.
Planning with the Hiking Club
I can’t speak highly enough of The Hiking Club! As a solo female traveler with little experience doing thru-hikes — and hiking in a foreign country for the first time — I couldn’t have asked for a better companion on this journey.
If you purchase their planning package, it includes a 30-minute call with one of their experts. During the call, they’ll walk you through your trip and help map out the best itinerary for your pace, goals, and timeframe. Once your itinerary is confirmed, you’ll receive GPS files so you can access your route at all times while on the trail.
One thing to note: they don’t book the Rifugios for you — you’ll need to handle that part yourself. However, they do help you stay on top of booking windows by letting you know when each Rifugio opens, so you don’t miss out on your preferred spots.
Even if you don’t purchase a package, The Hiking Club has an amazing social media presence. They also have Hiking Ambassadors (I was one this year!), so you can follow along as others hike the trail ahead of you — a great way to get real-time insight into what your trek might be like.
Rifugio Information
As of the 2025 season, most rifugios open reservations as early as December for the following summer, and spots can fill quickly—especially in the more popular huts. Be sure to purchase a Alta Via 1 Passport at one of your first Rifugio’s so you can collect stamps along the way!
Here’s a recap of the rifugios I stayed at during my trek, along with my personal notes:
- Rifugio Fodara Vedla – Secluded location with amazing food and amenities; felt more like a boutique hotel than a mountain hut.
- Rifugio Scotoni – The most intimate rifugio I stayed at, with limited beds and a cozy atmosphere. Perfect place to enjoy a cocktail on the patio after a long day.
- Rifugio Nuvolau – Absolutely the best spot on the trek to catch both sunrise and sunset.
- Rifugio Città di Fiume – Stunning peak views and the constant sound of cowbells—an experience you won’t forget.
- Rifugio Attilio Tissi – My favorite rifugio of the entire trek. The views are truly life-changing, and the warm, welcoming staff made it feel like staying at Grandma’s house.
- Rifugio Bruto Carestiato – Great vibes with a spacious deck to relax and recharge after a full day of hiking.
- Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperét – A smaller, secluded hut run by a lovely young family. Simple, peaceful, and charming.
Getting to Cortina d’Ampezzo
It’s recommended to fly into Venice and then make your way to Cortina d’Ampezzo. I suggest giving yourself at least one full day in Italy before starting the trail. I didn’t do this—I landed in Venice in the late afternoon and began hiking the next morning. (Do not recommend! 🙂)
The bus ride from Venice Airport to Cortina d’Ampezzo takes just under 3 hours. It’s best to purchase your bus ticket in advance, as buses often sell out during peak hiking season.
Cortina d’Ampezzo will host the 2026 Winter Olympics, but in summer it transforms into a lively mountain village. If you’re planning to trek in June or July, be aware that large races and events can make the town extra busy.
Top places to stay in Cortina:
Getting to the Trailhead
From Cortina d’Ampezzo, you’ll take the 445 bus to Dobbiaco, then transfer to the 442 bus. The full journey takes about an hour. I recommend catching the first bus of the day to avoid heavy traffic and long waits for a seat.
If you have the time, consider staying at the Hotel Lago di Braies, located right at Lago di Braies. Spending a night here allows you to literally roll out of bed and start your trek at the trailhead.
Leaving the Trail at the End
The trail ends at the La Pissa Bus Stop, where you can either purchase tickets online in advance or pay a small extra fee on the bus. From La Pissa, it’s about a 30-minute bus ride to Belluno. Depending on your schedule, Belluno is worth spending at least one night in before heading to your next destination. During the summer months, the bus and train stations in town provide multiple options for onward travel.
Before leaving Belluno, be sure to visit the Information Center in the town center. Show them your trail passport to receive your trail pin and have your hike logged in the official trail book. If you don’t have a passport—or if it’s lost—they’ll accept photos of each rifugio you stayed at as proof of completion.
Alta Via 1 FAQs
Even the most seasoned outdoorsman has something new to learn on this trail. The Dolomites have a way of humbling even the strongest hikers, so preparation is key.
What is the hardest part of the Alta Via 1 hike?
In my opinion, the first and last days of the hike were the most challenging. Day one comes with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain from Lago di Braise, much of it exposed with sections of scrambling. The final day is also demanding summiting Forcella De Zita Sud, with steep climbs and narrow paths—if you’re afraid of heights, I don’t recommend tackling this section solo.
Can you hike the Alta Via 1 solo?
Absolutely! The Alta Via 1 is well-marked and fairly busy, so you’re never truly alone on the trail. I found myself leapfrogging with new trail friends each day, unintentionally keeping pace with others heading to and from the same rifugios.
What shoes are best for hiking the Alta Via 1?
Like anything in life, this is subject to personal preference. I was very happy with my Oboze trail runners but some of my trail friends swore by their higher ankle boots. Either way make sure your boots are broken in and you have camp sandals to slip into at the end of each day!
How many days do you need to hike the Alta Via 1?
It really depends on your fitness level and how much time you have, but to fully enjoy the Alta Via 1, I recommend allowing at least 8 days on the trail. If your schedule allows, stretch it to 10 days so you can slow down the pace or spend an extra night at a favorite Rifugio.
Can you camp along the Alta Via 1 trail?
Technically, no—wild camping is not permitted within the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage area. That said, some hikers do camp in designated spots along the way, though options are limited. Keep in mind there is a strict no-fire law, and regulations are heavily enforced, so be sure to do thorough research before deciding if camping is the right choice for your trek.
Should you pack snacks for the Alta Via 1?
It’s never a bad idea to bring a few of your favorite snacks, just in case. That said, the meals at the rifugios are generous—dinners typically include three hearty courses, and breakfasts are loaded with breads, cheeses, and spreads. I often used my breakfast leftovers to pack a simple lunch for the next day, which worked out perfectly.
How many hours a day do you hike on the Alta Via 1?
Plan to be on the trail for at least 5 hours a day. The earlier you start, the better—you’ll avoid the midday heat, have more flexibility with breaks, afternoon storms and get to relax and enjoy the next Rifugio without feeling rushed.
When is the best time to hike the Alta Via 1?
I hiked at the end of June in 2025. The upside was that the trail was completely free of snow, but the downside was hiking during one of Europe’s worst heat waves in years. Generally, experts recommend July through early August for the most reliable weather—though this also means bigger crowds on the trail and at the rifugios.
September can also be a great option: temperatures are cooler, crowds are smaller, and the trails are still accessible, but the days are shorter and some Rifugios may begin to close for the season.
Final Thoughts
Hiking the Alta Via 1 is a journey that blends challenge and beauty in equal measure. The days are long, the climbs are steep, and the Dolomites will test you—but they’ll also reward you with sunrises above the clouds, shared dinners with strangers-turned-friends, and moments of solitude you’ll carry with you long after the trek ends.
If you’ve been dreaming about a European hut-to-hut hike, know that this trail is absolutely achievable—even solo. With a bit of planning, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to be humbled by the mountains, the Alta Via 1 will give you one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.
So pack your boots, book those Rifugios, and get ready—the Dolomites are waiting.
Now it’s time to start planning your own adventure, Cheers!
