Trekking guidebook for walking Alta Via routes 1 and 2 across the Italian Dolomites. The 120km AV1 is described over 11 day stages and is ideal for beginners to Alpine long-distance walking, whereas the AV2 covers 160km in 13 days and is more strenuous and technical. The more demanding AV3-6 routes are described in outline.

Northern Italy's famous Alta Via long-distance walking routes are spread across the Dolomites, running roughly north to south and reaching as far as the Austrian border. There are six of these routes, and they increase in difficulty: Alta Via 1 has few exposed sections and is suitable for novice alpine trekkers; AV2 is much more challenging, only suitable for experienced alpine trekkers with a good head for heights, while AVs 3-6 have extended via ferrata sections and considerable exposure.

Both AV 1 and 2 are described in detail in this guidebook, with the demanding AV3-6 routes described in outline. The 120km AV1 is described over 11 day stages;  AV2 covers 160km in 13 days and is more strenuous and technical. Overnight stops are either at mountain huts or at guesthouses. The book is written by an expert in Italian trekking, with information on the fascinating wartime history of the region, plants and wildlife. With advice on practical considerations such as the best time to go, what to take and hut protocol, this guide offers trekkers all the information they need to enjoy the mountains to the full.

Now a World Heritage Site, the Italian Dolomites make a first-rate trekking destination. There is an excellent network of paths dotted with welcoming 'rifugi' (mountain huts) in stunning locations, and efficient public transport serving key trekking points.


Contents

Introduction
The Dolomites
The Alta Via routes
Plants and flowers
Wildlife
Getting there
Local transport
Information
When to go
Accommodation
Food and drink
What to take
Maps
Dos and don’ts
Emergencies
Using this guidebook

ALTA VIA 1
Stage 1 Lago di Braies to Rifugio Biella
Stage 2 Rifugio Biella to Rifugio Fanes
Stage 3 Rifugio Fanes to Rifugio Lagazuoi
Stage 4 Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Nuvolau
Stage 5 Rifugio Nuvolau to Rifugio Città di Fiume
Stage 6 Rifugio Città di Fiume to Rifugio Coldai
Stage 7 Rifugio Coldai to Rifugio Vazzoler
Stage 8 Rifugio Vazzoler to Rifugio Carestiato
Stage 9 Rifugio Carestiato to Rifugio Pramperet
Stage 10 Rifugio Pramperet to Rifugio Pian de Fontana
Stage 11 Rifugio Pian de Fontana to La Pissa bus stop
ALTA VIA 2
Stage 1 Bressanone to Rifugio Città di Bressanone
Stage 2 Rifugio Città di Bressanone to Rifugio Genova
Stage 3 Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Puez
Stage 4 Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Pisciadù
Stage 5 Rifugio Pisciadù to Rifugio Castiglioni
Stage 6 Rifugio Castiglioni to Passo San Pellegrino
Stage 7 Passo San Pellegrino to Rifugio Mulaz
Stage 8 Rifugio Mulaz to Rifugio Rosetta
Stage 9 Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Treviso
Stage 10 Rifugio Treviso to Passo Cereda
Stage 11 Passo Cereda to Rifugio Boz
Stage 12 Rifugio Boz to Rifugio Dal Piaz
Stage 13 Rifugio Dal Piaz to Croce d’Aune
ALTE VIE 3–6
Alta Via 3
Alta Via 4
Alta Via 5
Alta Via 6

Appendix A Glossary
Appendix B Route summary tables