COMMUNITY ACTION TREKS LTD
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Email: [email protected] Web: www.catreks.com
ALTA VIA 1:
ITALIAN DOLOMITES TRAVERSE
Grade:
Land-only duration:
Trekking days:
Maximum altitude:
Minimum numbers:
Moderate/ Demanding
11 days
8
2750m
Requires just 4 participants to guarantee these
departures at the advertised price.
Dates and prices: Our latest dates and prices list is available at
www.catreks.com or from the CAT office.
Morning thermal inversion at RIfugio Lagazuoi (All photos: Ann Foulkes)
Registered in England No. 4402182
Directors: Doug Scott CBE, Jeff Frew
UNESCO describes the Dolomites in Northern Italy as “widely regarded as being
among the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world”. In 2009, the
Dolomites were added to the World Heritage List for its outstanding universal value.
Join us on the ultimate multi-day trek along the Alta Via 1 (High Route), the original
and flagship high level route through the Dolomites. The AV1, described in the
outdoor press as “one of the world’s premier treks”, is a north-south traverse of the
Dolomites. This diverse route encompasses flower-filled alpine meadows
underneath the mountainous spires that typify the Dolomites, crashing waterfalls,
clear turquoise lakes, World War 1 heritage sites, and wild remote sections.
Following the northern ⅔ of the AV1, trekking up to 2750m we stay in the excellent
network of mountain refuges along the way, enjoying traditional Italian and Austrian
cuisine.
Monte Pelmo from Borca di Cadore at sunrise (Ann Foulkes)
Typically we can expect between 4 and 7 hours of walking each day and ascents and
descents of on average around 700m. The itinerary allows for a relaxed pace, and on the
shorter days there will be time to explore the locality around the refuge, or to relax and
enjoy the views. Afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon in the Alps. Arriving at the
refuge mid afternoon should reduce the risk of walking in a thunderstorm. The route has
been up-graded slightly to moderate/demanding as we will need to carry enough clothing
each for the trek staying in mountain refuges. However, the amount of equipment we will
need to carry will be little as we do not need to carry sleeping bags or food. Lunches will
be available at refuges en-route or we will take a packed lunch from the previous night’s
refuge. Breakfasts and dinners will all be available at the refuges that we stay at. Including
your water, you should aim to keep your rucsac weight to around 10kg.
Our route allows us to stay in some of the refuges held in the highest regard in one of the
finest refuge networks in the Alps. The refuges vary from basic mountain huts to hotel–
grade accommodation, and our accommodation may be in a mixture of dormitories and
small shared rooms. The area is known both as the Italian Alto-Adige and the Austrian Sud
Tyrol, and it embraces both cultures. Both Italian and German are spoken locally.
The trek is not technical and is accessible to regular walkers. We will have chance to
explore the fascinating WW1 history of the region, and no doubt to also enjoy a wellearned glass of wine on a refuge balcony while watching the sunset turn the Dolomites to
their famous pink colour. Taking just 1½ weeks, why not make the most of Italy’s late
summer sunshine and a cheap flight to Venice?
View from Rifugio Nuvolau of Cinque Torri (mid picture) with Rifugio Scoiattoli to the left, and the pyramid
shape of Tofana de Rozes 3225m behind.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Walking and journey times are approximate
Important Note:
The following itinerary is to be taken as a guide only. Whilst we expect that the trek will run as per the itinerary,
participants should accept that there is a possibility of changes being necessary subject to local conditions. We
do our best to book the named mountain refuges, but the route may change slightly due to availability in the
refuges.
There are several different variations of the Alta Via 1 route, and we may adapt the itinerary shown to suit the
needs of the group.
Day 1
Arrive Venice, travel by train & bus to
Borca di Cadore near Cortina d’Ampezzo.
We will meet at Borca di Cadore near Cortina
d’Ampezzo. (See travel section below). If you
need help with travel arrangements to Borca,
please contact [email protected].
As you approach Borca from the south, views
of the striking ridges of 3168m Monte Pelmo
dominate. We will walk round this impressive
mountain during our trek.
The rest of the day is free, and is the last
opportunity to buy any last minute supplies
that you wish to carry on trek. Alternatively you
may choose to use the local spa facilities
(entrance payable locally).
Overnight self catering apartment.
Marmot
On the path close to Rifugio Sènnes, day 3
Day 2
Day 3
Travel from Borca di Cadore to start of trek
at Lago di Braies, trek to Rifugio Biella.
900m ascent, 60m descent, 6km,
3½ hours walking (B, D)
From Borca di Cadore we take local buses to
the trailhead at the popular lake Lago di Braies
at 1494m. Our trek starts with a climb which
becomes increasingly steep. The views initially
are of 2447m Sasso del Signore, but later the
view to the south is that of 2810m Croda del
Becco. We follow a path along the shore of
the lake before climbing in zig-zags to a
junction above a ravine. Through woodland we
then encounter our first aided section of the
trek, where a cable is provided to add security
across a rocky section should it be needed in
wet conditions. The route then takes us to the
closed upper valley, renowned for its heat
which leads up to Forcella (saddle) Sora
Forno-Ofenscarte, 2388m. From here we
descend to our home for the night at Rifugio
Biella, 2327m. Rifugio Biella was built in 1906
and renovated 20 years later. Owned by CAI
(Club Alpino Italiano), it offers a good level of
service for a mountain refuge. The refuge is
overshadowed by the peculiar peak of Croda
del Becco which is a popular spot for ibex.
Overnight mountain refuge.
Alternative rifugio: Senes
Trek to Rifugio Fanes
565m ascent, 830m descent, 14km
4¾ hours walking (B, D)
After breakfasting at the refuge we set off,
initially along a road but then heading south
west at 2260m across moorland to a crest,
from which we descend to join a track to
Rifugio Sènnes. This route is more scenic than
simply following the road all the way to
Sènnes. Views of Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo,
the Cristallo and the Fànes are all possible
from here.
There is time for a snack or an early lunch at
Rifugio Sènnes before we head along a track
which was once a military road we descend
across Pian della Lasta. A narrow gorge
between the Pici Pareis and the Col di Ru
descends in sharp bends to Rifugio Pederü in
the valley below at 1548m. The next section
up to Rifugio Fànes is alongside a road, and
sadly does not offer the best walking of the
trek, though the lunar landscape and the
colours of the neighbouring peaks offer some
interest. We will stay either in Rifugio La
Varella 2042m, or in nearby Üćia de Fànes
2060m depending on availability, both
privately owned.
Overnight mountain refuge.
Alternative rifugio: La Varella
Edelweiss
Day 4
Trek to Rifugio Lagazuòi
1070m ascent, 375m descent, 11km
5 hours walking (B, D)
The ascent on today’s trek is admirably
rewarded with spectacular scenery, and our
overnight tonight will be the highest point of
the route. Taking a picnic lunch from our
overnight refuge, we set off uphill on the road
from Fanes, we ascend to the lunar landscape
around Lago di Limo, 2159m. A track takes us
to the alpine hut (malga) at Üćia di Gran
Fànes, then to the Forcella del Lago at 2486m.
Trekking poles can be useful as we descend
steep scree to the lovely lake Lago di
Lagazuòi, (also called Lagacio) 2182m
reflecting the images of the huge rock gate of
the Cima Fanis Sud, Cima Scotoni and Torre
del Lago From here we ascend to Forcella
Lagazuòi, 2573m and our overnight stop
beyond that at the privately owned Rifugio
Lagazuòi, 2752m, a steep end to the day up to
our highest point on the trek where we will be
rewarded with striking views of the Dolomites.
Overnight mountain refuge.
Alternative rifugio: Scotoni
Day 5
Trek to Rifugio Nuvolàu
635m ascent, 810m descent, 15km,
5½ hours walking (plus time to explore at
Lagazuòi) (B, D)
We retrace our steps down to the Forcella
Lagazuòi before heading east to Forcella
Travenànzes. Continuing on the northern side
of Cima Falzàrego, one of the most rewarding
sections of the trek reveals itself. This area
was also the site of heavy fighting during the
Great War. If time and enthusiasm allow, there
may be the opportunity to explore WW1
tunnels in this area. Ensure that headtorches
are accessible in case we choose this option.
(Helmets are advisable for exploring the
tunnels – see note * at end of kit list).
Day 7
Trek to Rifugio A Sonino al Coldai
561m ascent, 347m descent, 9km,
4 hours walking (B, D)
The AV1 traverses around the commanding
3168m peak of Monte Pelmo. From Città di
Fiume we follow the path through woodland to
Rifugio Staulanza. From here we head on
initially down the road, then up a track to
Caserà di Pioda 1816m, from where we take
the popular path up to Rifugio Coldai (CAI)
2132m. This rifugio is next to a delightful lake,
with the dark walls of the dominating peak of
Civetta contrasting sharply with the incredible
diversity of alpine flowers in this area.
Overnight mountain refuge.
Alternative rifugi: Staulanza, Pala Favera
Day 8
Trek to Rifugio Vazzoler
431m ascent, 849 m descent, 9km,
4¾ hours walking (B, D)
Walking around the delightful western flowerstrewn shore of Lago Coldai we can
appreciate the reflections of the rock face of
3220m Civetta. From Coldai the path is
relatively easy, and includes close up views of
the impressive wall of Civetta above us. We
ascend to Forcella di Col Reàn 2107m, with
the historic Rifugio Tissi (CAI) 2250m on our
right. It is worth the climb up to Tissi for the
views, and no doubt a snack. We continue
south to Sella di Pelsa 1954m from where
there are views over the needles of Cantoni di
Pelsa. Heading east under the wall of Torre
Venezia we cross woodland before arriving at
our final refuge of the trek - Rifugio Vazzoler
(CAI) 1714m.
Overnight mountain refuge.
Alternative rifugio: Tissi
Day 9
Trek to Passo Duran, transfer to Borca di
Cadore.
550m ascent, 660m descent, 10 km,
4¾ hours walking (B, D)
Our final day of trekking starts with a descent
on road before taking the path steadily uphill
under Castello delle Nevère. Crossing a valley
and screes we finally reach Forcella del Camp
1933m. From here we traverse under the
southern slopes of Mt Moiazza Sud before
gently ascending to Rifugio Bruto Carestiato
1834m.
Another 45 minutes of walking takes us to
Passo Duran, our final destination for the trek.
A private transfer will take us back to our
apartments at Borca di Cadore.
Overnight self catering apartment.
Exploring the WW1 tunnels at Lagazuoi
We continue east under the exquisite rock
face of Tofana di Rozes, enjoying lovely views
along the way. At a path junction we turn south
west to drop down towards the road via
Rozes. Crossing the road, we ascend towards
Rifugio Scoiattoli 2255m near the Cinque Torri
rock formation, a popular training ground for
rock climbers.
Overnight mountain refuge.
Alternative rifugi: Averau, Scoiattoli, Cinque
Torri, Piezza
World War I Officers’ Hut
Day 6
Trek to Rifugio Città di Fiume
320m ascent, 915m descent, 12km,
6½ hours walking (B, D)
After breakfast we ascend the rocky slope to
the spectacular viewpoint at Rifugio Nuvolàu
2575m. Nuvolàu offers one of the best 360º
panoramas in the Dolomites. There is a choice
of routes from Nuvolàu – either via Passo Giau
2236m or to Cinque Torre and via Croda da
Lago C Palmeiri. Our destination for the night
is the CAI-owned Rifugio Città di Fiume
1918m. This part of the trek passes through
delightful meadows, with lovely views.
Overnight mountain refuge.
Alternative rifugio: Staulanza
Day 10 Free day to explore Cortina d’Ampezzo (B)
Today is a free day to rest or to take the local
bus to explore the nearby plush resort town of
Cortina d’Ampezzo which is very popular with
the Italians.
Overnight self catering apartment.
Day 11 Depart Dolomites (B)
Group services end after breakfast. Travel by
bus and train back to Venice for your
international flights. You could extend your
time in Italy by visiting the enchanting city of
Venice.
The Price Includes:
Journeys by bus between our accommodation in Borca di Cadore and the trail head.
Journey by private transfer between the end of the trail at Passo Duran and Borca di Cadore.
Accommodation for 3 nights in Borca di Cadore in self catering apartment with shower and wc and inclusive of
breakfast.
Accommodation in mountain refuges in shared rooms / dormitories for 7 nights, including 7 breakfasts and 7
dinners.
Participation in the trek as per itinerary with a qualified English leader.
Not Included:
International flights
Travel between airport and Borca di Cadore
2 lunches and 2 dinners in Borca di Cadore
7 lunches at mountain refuges on trek
Drinks including drinking water at mountain refuges
Showers at mountain refuges
Travel Insurance
Tips
Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls and souvenirs
Allow approximately €200 - €250 spending money for meals / drinks / showers in refuges.
Options:
You could extend your trip by spending some time in the enchanting city of Venice.
View from path above Passo Giau towards Camp Federa Antelao 2364m
Lastoi de Formin 2657m & Monte Pelmo 3168m
Travel arrangements: Our base is at Borca di Cadore near to Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites. For help
with the travel arrangements to Borca di Cadore, please contact [email protected]
Flights to Venice:
The easiest method of travel to is to fly to Venice. Venice has 2 airports: Venice Marco Polo and Venice
Treviso. There are several airlines, including some budget airlines which fly to Venice, including Easy Jet,
Ryan Air, Thomson Fly, Jet2, BMI Baby, and BA. The London airports offer the most choice of flight timings,
but regional flights are also possible.
As airline prices are quite variable we do not now include flight prices on our list of dates and prices. You are
welcome to book your own flights, or we can do this for you. If you would like us to secure flights for you, we
will require your name exactly as it appears on your passport, and full payment for the flight at the time of
booking them for you.
Train from airports to Calalzo
From any of these airports, we recommend taking the train (www.trenitalia.com) to Calalzo. If you need help
with this train website, please contact [email protected]
Bus from Calalzo to Borca di Cadore:
From Calalzo there is a regular bus service which connects with the trains to our base at Borca di Cadore
near Cortina. We can send you the bus timetable for this bus route to help you with your planning.
The bus stop at Borca di Cadore is on the main road a few minutes’ walk below our apartment at Borca.
Important note – minimum numbers: Before booking flights, please note that this trip requires a minimum
of 4 trekkers before we can guarantee the departure at the advertised price. Please note that should you
decide to book your own flights, it is essential that you check with the Community Action Treks office to
ensure that the departure is guaranteed before committing financially to any flights or travel arrangements.
Kit list
All items are essential unless marked optional or recommended
The weather in the Dolomites at this time of year should be pleasantly warm, and we hope that shorts and t-shirts
will be the norm. However, the weather can change rapidly, and thunderstorms are a regular threat in the Alps so be
prepared for anything while trying to keep your rucsac weight to around 8kg before adding your drinking water!
Tops
waterproof jacket
2 fleeces
2 long sleeve quick-drying thermal
2 short sleeve/sleeveless tops
Trousers
2 pairs trousers (preferably zip off type so don't need to take shorts as well)
1 pair waterproof overtrousers
gaiters (optional)
Footwear
walking boots – a lightweight, waterproof pair of 3-season boots that you have broken in
approach shoes or trekking sandals (recommended)
Underwear
underwear
walking sox & liner socks
t-shirt/shorts for sleeping in
swimwear (optional)
Extremities
sunhat / buff
fleece hat
thin gloves (optional)
Equipment
rucsac: approx 40 - 45 litres (has to be big enough to carry all your kit on trek)
kit bag for storing spare clothing at base
roll-top waterproof rucsac liner
2 trekking poles (strongly recommended – there are some steep paths)
headtorch
spare batteries for headtorch
sunglasses
camera / memory cards (optional)
water bottles / drinks bladder 2 litres minimum
water purification tablets (recommended)
earplugs (strongly recommended for dormitories)
stuff sack to use as a pillow case (optional)
sheet sleeping bag liner (silk is best)
small lightweight trekkers towel
toiletries - just pack small amounts into travel size bottles
good suncream
antibiotic hand gel (optional)
tissues/toilet paper
resealable plastic bags for packing out toilet tissue
personal 1st aid kit
snacks
resealable plastic bags for carrying lunch
duck tape (small amount)
cash in euros
travel insurance details
passport
BMC reciprocal rights & membership cards if you already have them (not worth buying specifically
for this trek)
change of clothes for traveling – can leave at apartment
240cm (8') sling (see note * below)
2 x HMS Karabiners (see note * below)
climbing helmet (optional - see note ** below)
* 2 HMS Karabiners and a 240cm (8’) sling are required to add security on a couple of paths where there are chains.
These paths are not technical or difficult, but do require a head for heights. If this may present a problem to you, please
speak to Ann on 017687 71890 to discuss the route. These paths are avoidable, so don’t let this put you off booking onto
the trip!
** A climbing helmet is recommended if you think you may wish to explore the World War I tunnels at Lagazuoi. Helmets
can hired in Italy if necessary.
Updated 22.12.2010 AF