Alta Via 1: 2022 Guide to the Best Trek in the Italian Dolomites
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Loading... - Brian Clarke
- 07 Oct 2022
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The Alta Via 1 is an epic long-distance alpine hike through the spectacular Italian Dolomites of the amazing South Tyrol region of northern Italy. Trekkers start out from stunning Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) and spend 8-11 days passing through incredible jagged mountains, dramatic gorges and breathtaking valleys.
There are actually 6 different Alta Vias in Italy, each of which has its own character and highlights. Alta Via 1 is certainly the most popular, partially because it has better infrastructure and partially because many of the others involve traversing some serious “Via Ferrata” routes. These “iron roads” involve assisted climbing apparatuses such as ladders, chains, cables and rungs, some of which hikers/climbers need to clip into.
There are a handful of via ferrata sections on the Alta Via 1 but they are pretty tame in comparison, don’t require any special equipment and other than a couple of short, easy sections between Rifugio Tissi and Rifugio Carestiato, they can be avoided via alternate routes if necessary.
One of the most unique features of the Alta Via 1 is the “enrosadira” (alpenglow), the stunning phenomenon that occurs when the already beautiful peaks of the Alta Via Dolomites glow pink at sunrise and sunset. I have to say, it is almost worth doing this trek just to experience that twice a day (although our sunrises were almost always better than out sunsets thanks to the late day clouds).
Of course, the Alta Vias are more than just a series of beautiful hiking trails. Their history is alternately fascinating and horrifying, dating back to many deadly battles in World War I. During this period the Via Ferrata were put in place to aid troop movement, and some of the more unique features were built, such as the Lagazuoi tunnels and the trenches around Cinque Torri. Read More...
