The Alta Via No. 1 is about 125 km long, it has 12 legs and connects Lake Braies (BZ) with Belluno.
Starting from the pretty Lake Braies in Val Pusteria (BZ), the trail climbs up to the Biella, Sennes, Perderü refuges and then on to the Lavarella and Fanes refuges. This stretch of the trail runs through a large lunar plateau and offers breathtaking views of Mount Cristallo and Croda Rossa.
To get to Forcella del Lago from the Fanes refuge, cross the desert-like Limo Pass and, when you get to Lake Limo, walk through Val di Fanes. The next leg starts at the Lagazuoi refuge and takes you to Tofana di Rozes and then to the Dibona refuge, continuing afterwards in the direction of the Cinque Torri mountain group and the Nuvolau refuge, on the scenic top of Mount Nuvolau.
From here, descend as far as the Giau Pass and, heading towards Forcella Ambrizzola, you will reach the Città di Fiume refuge. Along this stretch you will pass under the north wall of the magnificent Mount Pelmo, one of the most spectacular mountain peaks in the Dolomites.
From the refuge you then go down towards Pala Favera, and passing by the Coldai and Tissi refuges, you will find yourself under another great wall in the Dolomites: the northwest face of Mount Civetta. Continue to the Vazzoler refuge and from there first take a mule track to reach the Carestiato refuge on the Moiazza. You will soon reach the Duran Pass and then the Pramperet refuge, flanking the entire west side of the San Sebastiano peak.
After the gentle Ampezzo landscape and the awe-inspiring Pelmo and Civetta peaks, you now enter a wilder and harsher, but no less fascinating, environment: the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park. From the Pramperet refuge, continue to the lovely Van di Città plateau and then to the Pian de Fontana refuge. Follow the same signposts to reach Forcella di Varetta, facing the wall of Mount Schiara.
Climb to Forcella di Marmol between Schiara and Mount Pelf, follow the marked path until you reach the Forcella di Marmol hut and from there take the equipped trail to the VII Alpini refuge. The descent down to Belluno is easy from here.
For more information, visit www.visitdolomitibellunesi.com
