The Alta Via 1 Guided Trek: Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the guided trekking package?

• 9 nights accommodation
• 9 Breakfasts
• 8 Picnic Lunches
• 9 Dinners
• Accommodation in Cortina pre and post trek
• All planning and logistics
• Fully qualified trekking guide

Whats not included:

• Flights
• Airport transfers
• Personal snacks and drinks
• Travel Insurance

What is the role of the guide?

Your guide is responsible for:

• Navigating the route
• Ensuring safety on the trail
• Offering support and encouragement
• Providing information about local geography, history, and culture
• Handling any emergencies that arise

Do I need to train beforehand?

It’s recommended to come well prepared, even if you’re moderately active. You should build endurance, strength, and stamina through walking, hiking, or cardio exercises in preparation.

What are the WW1 caves all about?

The area around Cortina d’Ampezzo and Passo Falzarego is where the old border between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire used to be. Lots of battles were fought here during WWI, and both parties were using the mountains at their advantage to protect the front line. In the area of Cinque Torri/Passo Falzarego/Passo Valparola are still visible some of the trenches and tunnels built by the soldiers from both sides during the war, and some of these can be visited by tourists and hikers.

The main tunnel network was dug into the Lagazuoi mountains, just below Rifugio Lagazuoi. If spending the night there, it is possible to descend to passo Falzarego through the tunnels the next morning, before continuing on the AV1. The tunnels, however, are graded as a via ferrata, which means that you will need to have the right equipment (harness, helmet, via ferrata lanyards and a headtorch) in order to go through them safely.

Is there snow on the trails early and late season?

It depends on the amount of snow that accumulates on the ground over the winter. There might still be snow until the first week of July after a very snowy winter. If there’s lots of snow some of the passes, such as Forcella del Lago on the way to Rifugio Lagazuoi on day 2 of the hike, are impassable and alternative plans need to be put in place (alternative routes are possible). On the higher sections of the trek it’s not unusual to encounter snowfall even in the middle of the summer. This, however, doesn’t often cause a problem, but care and the right equipment are needed.

How exposed is it? (Comparatively to the TMB)

The Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites follows established and well maintained paths. It crosses, however, some pretty exposed and steep terrain as well. The Dolomites are full of scree slopes and boulder fields, so it’s not unusual to find these along the way. The AV1 requires some hiking experience, sure footedness and being comfortable with exposure. It is definitely a step up from other treks such as the Tour du Mont Blanc and should not be underestimated.

Do the huts have wifi?

Some of the huts have WiFi but some others don’t, especially those huts that are more remote. Even when WiFi is available, beware that it might not always work, or it might only be switched on for a limited amount of time. If you need to check information such as the weather or the bus timetables just ask the guardians, they’ll be able to help. As for the rest of the time, not having WiFi might be a good opportunity to have a chat with some fellow hikers!

Do they have charging points?

Yes, you will always be able to charge your phone and electronic devices. Sometimes there won’t be charging points in your room, but there will be some in the common room or in the toilets. There might not be many of these, so you will need to take turns at charging your electronics. Some hikers prefer to take a small external power bank with them to charge their stuff. This could be a good idea, but I won’t recommend to take one that’s too big and heavy. A small one that could charge your phone once or twice would be enough, even though is not strictly necessary.

Do the refuges have showers?

Most refuges have showers, but not all of them. Some of the most basic and remote ones do not have shower facilities, or only have cold showers. Some of the showers, when available, work with a token that needs to be purchased directly from the hut. This gives you access to a limited amount of water (normally close to a 3 minutes shower), in order not to waste it.

Water in the high mountains is scarce and a shower is very much a luxury. Most huts use water that has been collected over winter or that comes from a spring. If the previous winter has been particularly dry then the water reserves might be limited and run out in the middle of the summer, or a spring could go dry. If this happens, then, the hut guardians might be forced to stop the use of showers even in those huts that have shower facilities. In this case the limited water available will be used for the toilets and kitchen, which are definitely more needed services than showers.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

Guides are experienced in handling various weather conditions. If the weather becomes unsafe (severe storms, etc.), the guide may alter the route or make adjustments to the itinerary to keep the group safe.

What type of accommodation is provided?

On the trek, the majority of the accommodation on the trip will be in dormitories and / or small shared rooms. Please see here for more information on what to expect from accommodations.

What kind of food 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.