Alta Via 1 North: Hut-to-Hut Highlights Trek

This itinerary covers the northern half of the classic Alta Via 1, from Lago di Braies to Passo Giau, for hikers who want the trail’s best-known landmarks without the full 110km, 10-12 day trek.

This trek is rated 3/5. Expect consecutive days of 9 – 17 km with ascents of up to 1,130m. No technical climbing skills or equipment are required.

No – the rifugios on this route sit high in the mountains, many with no public road access, so you carry everything you need for the trek in your backpack. Packing light is part of the adventure, and we’ll provide a recommended packing list. Your main luggage will be stored in your valley town hotel for the duration of your hike.

You make your own way to Cortina d’Ampezzo, where the tour begins and ends. The trail runs from Lago di Braies to Passo Giau, with return transport to Cortina on the final day of hiking.

Self-Guided – You reach the trailhead/end by buses from/to Cortina (private transfers available for an extra cost upon request).

Private Guided Tours – include private transfers to and from the trailhead/end.

We provide full transport instructions and timetables for reaching Cortina as well as to the start and from the finish of your hike.

It’s a dedicated group booking for your group only, not a shared departure with others.

Our pricing is based on a minimum of 4 people per group, with a recommended maximum of 7 participants per guide for safety, transport, and accommodation reasons. Larger groups can be accommodated on request.

Yes. Your guide tailors the daily pace, breaks, and commentary to your group’s preferences and abilities.

Accommodation on private guided tours is shared dormitory. Private rooms can be requested, subject to availability, at an additional cost.

Your group has a dedicated local guide with you for the full 3 or 4 hiking days. They know the routes, set the pacing, and help with the trickier sections, as well as deal with weather decisions and the safety of the group.

In addition, they have a wealth of local knowledge from flora to fauna, geology to history, so you can get the most out of your time here.

Yes, the route/itinerary is identical: the same hiking days. The difference is a qualified local guide accompanying you throughout, plus private transfers to and from the trailhead.

Yes. Your guide can lead the tunnel descent on Day 5, and can accompany you on the optional Croda del Becco summit detour on Day 2, if your group has the time and energy for it.

Just for your group only.

Yes. Private transfers to the trailhead at Lago di Braies and back from the trail end to Cortina d’Ampezzo are included.

We strongly recommend comprehensive insurance covering mountain hiking up to 3,200 meters, medical expenses, emergency mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost belongings. Mountain rescue can be extremely costly. Ensure your policy specifically covers trekking and alpine activities at altitude – many standard policies don’t.

Half-board is standard at all rifugios, which includes dinner and breakfast.

Lunches are not included, but most huts offer packed lunches, which you can order the night before, or you can purchase meals at huts you pass during the day.

Hut breakfasts include bread, cheese, cold cuts, yogurt, muslie, and hot beverages.

Dinners are multi-course, communal meals featuring local dishes like polenta, pasta, goulash, soups, cake & strudel. Some huts offer a choice of 2-3 meals per course, others operate à la carte, more like a restaurant.

Vegetarian and vegan options are usually available if requested in advance.

Please communicate any allergies or food intolerances when checking in, and again at meal times.

Most huts can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals, though options may be limited. Inform us of any dietary needs, allergies, or intolerances at booking so we can notify all huts in advance. Huts prepare meals based on bookings with limited storage, so last-minute requests can’t always be fulfilled. For highly specific requirements, consider supplementing with your own provisions.

You can stop at Malga’s (alpine farms) or mountain huts (rifugios) along the way and purchase complete meals, snacks, drinks, etc.

You will also have the option to purchase a packed lunch from most huts. You just need to order it the evening before – check with the hut staff when checking in.

Mobile coverage is generally good but varies by location and can be unreliable in deep valleys or some high ridges. Most huts have a signal, and many offer WiFi (sometimes for a fee). Download offline maps as backup and carry a portable charger. Inform someone at home of your daily itinerary and expected arrival times.

Yes – most huts have outlets available in common areas or rooms. As a precaution, we recommend bringing a compact power bank.

Since you’re staying in mountain huts, pack light. Essential items include: a sleeping bag liner (mandatory in all rifugios), lightweight hut clothes, toiletries, a quick-dry towel, a waterproof jacket and layers, sunscreen and sunglasses, water, snacks, a headlamp, earplugs, flip-flops or sandles for the huts, and cash (most huts don’t accept cards).

We recommend that your total pack weight be around 8 -12kg.

We provide a full pack list upon booking with us.

You can also get a good idea from our Packing List page.

No. Mountain huts provide blankets and pillows, but you must bring your own sleeping bag liner or slip for hygiene purposes. This is mandatory in all rifugios (that do not supply linen). You can purchase cotton, silk, or synthetic liners – they’re lightweight and pack down small.

Hiking poles are highly recommended, especially for steep descents and for stability on rocky sections. They’re particularly helpful on trails when rocks can be slippery and can take alot of pressure off your knees.

Collapsible poles are best so you can stow them when necessary.

Most huts offer showers for an additional fee (€3-8 for a few minutes of hot water), but availability depends on water supply and can be limited during busy periods. Not all huts have showers, and some may turn them off during dry spells. Bring wet wipes just in case, and a quick-dry towel.

Upon booking, we request your arrival airport or the nearest town you will be coming from. We then provide you with transport options, the latest timetable, and directions.

The itinerary has pre-booked accommodations at specific huts each night, so modifications are limited. However, you have options for alternative paths or can shorten stages using cable cars where available. If you need a rest day or must cut the trek short, we can help arrange alternatives. Changes may incur additional costs and are subject to availability.