Guided Trail Running: Dolomites Alta Via 1 in 7 Days

We highly recommend planning your inbound travel so that you arrive in Cortina by early afternoon. This is especially important if you need to buy any last minute trekking equipment from any local shops. You’ll need time to collect this before the evening briefing, which is essential for a smooth start to your adventure. There is limited time the following morning to buy any items as you will be departing for the mountains straight after breakfast.

You will meet with your guide for a briefing in the evening at approximately 18:00 to go through the plan for the week as well as the current weather and mountain conditions. Here you will have a chance to go through your kit under the experienced eye of your guide and can ask any questions that you may have. There is a group dinner included which will follow the briefing and then it's time for a good night sleep!

We start the day with a taxi ride from Cortina to the start point of the trek at Lago di Braies.

The adventure begins at the stunning Lago di Braies, where the sparkling waters set the scene for an unforgettable trip. The trail gradually climbs through a mix of open scree and shady woodland, leading up to the Forcella Sora Forno pass at 2,389 m. Just beyond the pass, Rifugio Biella (Seekofelhütte) offers a well-earned rest with breathtaking mountain views. From Rifugio Biella, the route continues along a scenic 4x4 track. The path climbs gently at first, then descends steeply towards Rifugio Sennes.

From Rifugio Sennes, the trail continues along gentle tracks through the valley, passing Rifugio Fodara Vedla and Rifugio Pederü. Along the way, you’ll cross a stream, run past Lago Piciodel, and move through open farmland before entering the woods for a steady climb. The route eventually leads to Rifugio Fanes, your destination for the night.

Some parts of the trail are exposed, but metal handrails provide extra safety. Keep in mind that day one can feel surprisingly challenging—your legs are just getting used to the movement, and with the sun beating down in spots without shade, it’s easy to tire.

19kms / 1600m up / 1000m down

Leaving Rifugio Fanes, the trail climbs steadily onto a wide plateau and continues across open meadows toward Ütia de Gran Fanes. From here, the route stays mostly level before reaching the junction where your guide will choose between the main trail and an easier variant that passes Rifugio Scotoni depending on the level of the group. The variant via Rifugio Scotoni offers a more gradual route that is less exposed and a good choice in bad weather.

The main route is one of the tougher sections of the Alta Via 1. The climb to Forcella del Lago at 2,486 m is steep, with short rocky sections, and the descent to Lago Lagazuoi is narrow and loose underfoot, requiring caution. After the lake, the trail climbs again to Forcella Lagazuoi before ascending in a series of zigzags to Rifugio Lagazuoi.

There are a few options for the descent which again will be decided by the guide and group preferences. You can continue on the trail down to Passo Falzarego, explore the historic World War I Tunnel route, or take the gondola down from Lagazuoi.

The World War I Tunnels offer a memorable and historic descent. The route passes through hand-carved wartime tunnels used by Italian soldiers during the war. It’s steep and uneven underfoot, and sections can be dark, wet, and slippery—so a headlamp, and gloves are recommended. Metal handrails line much of the route, and interpretive signs along the way share the history of the area. The tunnels eventually rejoin the main trail leading down to Passo Falzarego.

We’ll then take a taxi to Cortina and return to the same hotel, where you can settle in, relax, and enjoy a well-earned dinner. Tomorrow is a rest day, giving you the chance to recover properly, explore Cortina at your own pace, and get ready for the next stage of the adventure.

15kms / 1000m up / 1000m down

A well-earned rest day in Cortina d’Ampezzo gives you the perfect chance to slow things down and enjoy one of the Dolomites’ most iconic mountain towns. After a few big days on the trail, today is all about recovery, good food, and soaking up the scenery at your own pace.

Wander through the charming streets, grab a coffee in the town square, or simply relax at the hotel and let your legs recover. If you’re feeling more active, there are plenty of easy walks and short viewpoints nearby, or you can head out for a gentle explore of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

It’s a chance to recharge, refuel, and enjoy a more relaxed side of the Dolomites before heading back into the mountains for the next stage of your journey.

We start the day with a taxi back to Passo Falzarego where you left off on Day 3.

From Passo Falzarego we start the ascent towards Lago Limedes, then continuing on to steeper and rockier terrain to Forcella Averau. From here traverse below the steep face of Averau to reach Forcella Nuvolau and the Rifugio Averau.

Leaving Rifugio Averau, the trail descends steeply before winding toward Passo Giau, one of the most scenic points on the Alta Via 1. From the pass, the route climbs again to Forcella Giau and crosses the wide Mondeval plateau, an open high-altitude area known for its archaeological finds and panoramic views. Continuing below Becco di Mezzodì, the path passes a series of saddles before descending to Rifugio Città di Fiume at the foot of Monte Pelmo.

From here, the trail leads through forest and across scree slopes beneath the towering walls of Pelmo before reaching Rifugio Passo Staulanza. The route then continues downhill along the road for a short stretch before turning onto a steeper path that climbs past Casera Vescovà and Casera di Pioda. The final ascent follows a rocky trail up to Rifugio Sonino al Coldai, overlooking Lago Coldai and the surrounding peaks.

26kms / 1300m up / 1300m down

From Rifugio Sonino al Coldai, the trail continues over the nearby pass and descends to the turquoise waters of Lago Coldai.

Beyond the lake, the route follows rocky terrain across undulating ground toward Forcella di Col Reàn. The trail continues across open ground to Sella di Pelsa before descending through forest to reach Rifugio Vazzoler.

From the refuge, the trail follows the main 4x4 track, descending to trail junction. From here, the route climbs to Forcella dell’Orso over exposed but manageable terrain, then continues across to Forcella del Camp. The path runs below the walls of Moiazza, leading steadily to Rifugio Carestiato. From Rifugio Carestiato wemfollow the 4x4 track and run all the way to Passo Duran.

Tonight, your bag will be delivered to you on the trail, giving you the chance to freshen up before the final stages of your trip.

20kms / 1000m up / 1500m down

Today we depart from Rifugio Passo Duran and make our way towards Rifugio Pramperet. From Passo Duran we follow the main road down to the junction with path, where the ascent begins through woodland to Forcella Dagarei. We continue along the same trail, contouring through alpine terrain to reach Malga Moschesin and Forcella Moschesin, before descending to Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet.

After two demanding days on the trail, this is a shorter and more relaxed stage, giving you a chance to ease the pace a little while still enjoying some great scenery along the way. The route takes you through lush meadows and peaceful forests, offering a welcome contrast to the more rugged, rocky landscapes of previous days and showcasing the Dolomites’ varied terrain.

Once you arrive at Rifugio Pramperet, it’s time to relax, enjoy some good food, and settle in for a well-earned night’s rest.

11km / 600m up / 400m down

From Rifugio Pramperet, the trail rises steeply and becomes more exposed as it climbs to Forcella de Zita Nord and Sud, including a short scramble near the top. The route then descends to Rifugio Pian de Fontana, situated below the surrounding rock faces.

From Rifugio Pian de Fontana, the trail climbs to Forcella la Varéta, offering views across the surrounding valleys. The path then descends steeply toward Rifugio Bianchet, passing a few exposed sections that require careful footing.

Leaving Rifugio Bianchet, a broad 4x4 track leads down to the main road La Pissa which is the end of the trail! From here we will get a taxi back to Cortina for the final night of the trip.

18km / 800m up / 2100m down

After one hearty breakfast, it's time to check out at 10am and go on your onward journey.