Guided Alta Via 1

Arrival day. Your guide meets you at Venice airport for the 2.5-hour transfer to the hotel in Pocol, near Cortina d'Ampezzo. The evening is free for a kit check and orientation briefing before the route begins tomorrow.

First steps on the Alta Via. From Passo Falzarego the trail climbs to Col dei Bos at 2,332 m7,651 ft and then over Averau Pass before dropping to the Cinque Torri Refuge below the famous five rock towers. A strong start with wide views across the Ampezzo basin and toward the Marmolada.

Formin Pass and the secret lake. Leaving the Cinque Torri, the route climbs to Formin Pass at 2,461 m8,074 ft before descending to Lago Federa at the foot of Croda da Lago. The dark, still waters of the lake mirror the pale rock walls above. Overnight at the lakeside refuge.

The throne of the gods. Descend from Lago Federa and cross the high pastures toward Mont Pelmo, the massive isolated tower that was the first major Dolomite peak to be climbed. The trail traverses its western flanks to Staulanza Pass before dropping to Coldai Gap at 2,191 m7,188 ft for the overnight refuge.

The great wall. A traverse along the base of the Civetta northwest wall - over a kilometre of vertical limestone - with Lake Alleghe glinting in the valley far below. The scale of this face is overwhelming and the trail provides ever-changing perspectives as it winds through scree and short sections of fixed cable.

The final stage. From Col Palanzin the trail climbs through Forcella dell'Orso before the long descent to Passo Duran. The pace is relaxed and the views south toward the pre-Alps confirm how far the route has come. A taxi transfer from the pass to Longarone marks the end of the walk.

Departure day. After breakfast at the refuge near Passo Duran, a taxi transfer takes the group to Longarone station for onward connections by train or bus. The Alta Via 1 is complete.