Dolomites Alta Via 1

The Alta Via 1 runs 120km across UNESCO World Heritage terrain from Lago di Braies to Belluno over 8-10 days, hut-to-hut through the most dramatic pale limestone peaks in the Alps — the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lagazuoi, and the Civetta massif. Expect sustained ascents and knee-grinding descents of 800-1000m daily, short via ferrata sections (cables and iron pins on exposed ridges), and rifugios that serve good pasta at altitude. The terrain rewards preparation: eccentric leg strength for the descents, a loaded pack on your back before you go, and the ability to cover 15-18km with 1000m of gain on consecutive days. Around 60% of AV1 walkers are over 50.