Staying fuelled and hydrated is key to any mountain adventure. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful list of places where you can fill up a water bottle or stop for some food.
While we’ve tried to include as much as possible, things change on the trek on a daily basis. Water fountains are shut off and refuges stop serving lunch so always prepare to go most of the day with the food and water in your back pack.
Enjoy and remember, take it easy on the cheese, wine and pizza if you’ve still got a big climb to do!
What to expect?
On the Alta Via 1, the refuges (rifugio) serve a variety of hearty, traditional meals that reflect the local cuisine of the Dolomites, blending Italian and Tyrolean flavors. Here’s what you can generally expect:
Breakfast is usually simple and may include:
- Fresh bread
- Butter and jam
- Cheese or cold cuts (in some huts)
- Yogurt and cereals
- Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
- Sometimes, pastries like croissants
Packed lunches at a refuges may include:
- Panini or sandwiches, often with local cheese, ham, or speck (smoked ham)
- Salads (especially in summer)
- Snacks like cakes, energy bars, crisps, fruit or local cheese
Dinner is typically the highlight in the refuges, and it usually includes:
- Pasta dishes (e.g., tagliatelle with mushrooms, lasagna, or ravioli)
- Gnocchi (potato dumplings often served with a rich sauce, like gorgonzola or butter and sage)
- Meat dishes, such as spezzatino (stew), roast pork, or venison
- Polenta, often served as a side or with meat or cheese
- Risotto, with flavors like mushroom or saffron
- Vegetable side dishes (seasonal vegetables, potatoes, or salads)
- Desserts: Tiramisu, apple strudel, or cakes are common.
Vegetarian options are usually available in most huts, such as pasta, gnocchi, and polenta dishes with vegetables or cheese. However, vegan, gluten-free, or other specific dietary needs might be harder to accommodate consistently, so it’s worth notifying the huts ahead of time or packing some additional snacks.
The food is typically filling and rustic, perfect for refuelling after long hikes. Meals are often communal, creating a great opportunity to relax and connect with fellow hikers.
11 Day
Lago di Braies – Rifugio Biella
Lunch stop: Rifugio Biella
Rifugio Biella – Rifugio Fanes
Lunch stop: Rifugio Sennes, Rifugio Fodara Vedla, Rifugio Pederü
Rifugio Fanes – Rifugio Lagazoui
Lunch stop: N/A take a picnic
Rifugio Lagazoui – Rifugio Nuvolau
Lunch stop: Rifugio Scoiattoli, Rifugio Cinque Torri (require detour)
Rifugio Nuvolau – Rifugio Citta di Fiume
Lunch stop: Albergo Passo Giau
Rifugio Citta di Fiume – Rifugio Coldai
Lunch stop: Rifugio Passo Staulanza
Rifugio Coldai – Rifugio Vazzoler
Lunch stop: Rifugio Tissi (requires short detour)
Rifugio Vazzoler – Rifugio Carestiato
Lunch stop: Rifugio Tomé Passo Duran, Rifugio San Sebastiano
Rifugio Carestiato – Rifugio Pramperet
Lunch stop: N/A take a picnic
Rifugio Pramperet – Rifugio Pian de Fontana
Lunch stop: N/A take a picnic
Rifugio Pain de Fontana – La Pissa bus stop
Lunch stop: Rifugio Bianchet
9 Day
Lago di Braies – Rifugio Sennes
Lunch stop: Rifugio Biella
Rifugio Sennes – Rifugio Fanes
Lunch stop: Rifugio Pederü
Rifugio Fanes – Rifugio Lagazoui
Lunch stop: N/A take a picnic
Rifugio Lagazoui – Rifugio Nuvolau
Lunch stop: Rifugio Scoiattoli, Rifugio Cinque Torri (require detour)
Rifugio Nuvolau – Rifugio Passo Staulanza
Lunch stop:Albergo Passo Giau, Rifugio Città di Fiume
Rifugio Passo Staulanza – Rifugio Vazzoler
Lunch stop: Rifugio Coldai, Rifugio Tissi (requires short detour)
Rifugio Vazzoler – Rifugio Passo Duran
Lunch stop: Rifugio Carestiato
Rifugio Passo Duran – Rifugio Pian De Fontana
Lunch stop:Rifugio Pramperet
Rifugio Pain de Fontana – La Pissa bus stop
Lunch stop:Rifugio Bianchet
7 Day
Lago di Braies – Rifugio Fanes
Lunch stop: Rifugio Biella, Rifugio Sennes, Rifugio Fodara Vedla, Rifugio Pederü
Rifugio Fanes – Rifugio Lagazoui
Lunch stop: N/A take a picnic
Rifugio Lagazoui – Rifugio Nuvolau
Lunch stop: Rifugio Scoiattoli, Rifugio Cinque Torri (require detour), Rifugio Averau
Rifugio Nuvolau – Rifugio Coldai
Lunch stop: Rifugio Città di Fiume, Rifugio Passo Staulanza
Rifugio Coldai – Rifugio Carestiato
Lunch stop: Rifugio Tissi (requires detour), Rifugio Vazzoler
Rifugio Carestiato – Rifugio Pian de Fontana
Lunch stop: Rifugio Tomé Passo Duran, Rifugio San Sebastiano, Rifugio Pramperet
Rifugio Pian de Fontana – La Pissa bus stop
Lunch stop: Rifugio Bianchet
4 Day
Lago di Braies – Rifugio Sennes
Lunch stop:Rifugio Biella
Rifugio Sennes – Rifugio Fanes
Lunch stop:Rifugio Pederü
Rifugio Fanes – Rifugio Lagazoui
Lunch stop: N/A take a picnic
Rifugio Lagazoui – Cortina
Lunch stop: N/A take a picnic