Hiking Alta Via N.1 – Part I

Arrive in San Vigilio di Marebbe independently (private transfer available on request) and check in to your hotel. The Dolomites, which are often described as the most beautiful creation of nature, surround San Vigilio like a crown. The idyllic mountain village with its 1,500 inhabitants is situated in the green and gentle Marebbe hollow, a branch of Val Badia, at 1,201m (3,940’) above sea level. Lush coniferous forests, high peaks and the soft, hilly alpine pastures model the landscape.

If you are taking a self-guided trip, you will meet with a Dolomite Mountains representative In the afternoon. He or she will provide a trip briefing and orientation, as well as maps and everything necessary for your self-guided adventure.
If you are taking a guided trip, you will meet with your guide tomorrow morning.

In the morning take a short transfer to where your hut to hut trek starts. Today’s rewarding hike constitutes an especially panoramic crossing of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park. New landscapes are revealed every step of the way and there are ample opportunities to see wildlife. Begin to hike uphill in the direction of an alpine lake, passing through a charming landscape studded with little lakes and rounded mountain-tops along the Ru d’Al Plan River. Continue toward your rifugio for tonight. Located just beneath the Limo Pass, you’ll have a splendid view of the Tofane Mountains.
(~3 hours hiking, 5,5 km / 3,4 miles, 570 m / 1,870’ ascent, 50 m / 165’ descent.)

Today is a lovely hike through the Altopiano di Fanes to the Lagazuoi Massif. You'll enjoy beautiful panoramas of the Western Dolomites and the Marmolada Massif, the "Queen of the Dolomites.”
From your rifugio, Alta Via N.1 continues through the beautiful high meadow and karst formations, climbing to a narrow and dramatic gap in the mountain with a trail descent through steep talus on the south side. At the base of the slope is a little lake whose green waters are framed by pines with a backdrop of the sheer walls of the Cima del Lago and the Cima Scotoni. From the lake, the path begins the long, steady climb to your rifugio.  Entering open, rocky terrain, you'll come across ruins from the First World War,  en route to your rifugio, one of the highest in all the Dolomites (2,752m / 9,029'), with incredible 360-degree vistas.
(~6-7 hours hiking, 12,7 km / 7,9 miles, 1,050 m / 3,445' ascent, 390m / 1,280' descent.) 

This stage is of great interest for both the spectacular mountains around and the abundance of reminders of the terrible years of WWI due to the vicinity of the former border between the long-dismantled Hapsburg Empire and Italy. Hike a memorable traverse below the awesome Tofana di Rozes, gradually descend along the line of trenches to Forcella Lagazuoi (2,573m / 8,442') and Forcella Travenanzes (2,507m / 8,225').
Reach the main road that goes from Cortina to Passo Falzarego, cross it, and climb through grassy fields to Forcella Averau, looking over the green pastures of Passo Giau. From here, the incredible vistas surround, including the Pale di San Martino, Civetta, Monti del Sole, and the Marmolada with its shrinking glacier. Take some time to relax and continue your hike below the impressive rocks of Mount Averau onto Rifugio Averau (2,413m / 7,917’), where you can enjoy a delicious lunch with spectacular views. In the afternoon, reach your rifugio for the night.
( ~6.5 hours hiking, 11,2 km / 7,0 miles, 400m / 1,310’ ascent, 870m / 2,875’ descent.)

Today is a long but beautiful day!
The trail entails plenty of ups and downs at first, followed by a 45min ascent on a scree slope. The views of the Tofana and Monte Cavallo are inspiring, not to mention the mountains on display to the south: Monte Fromin, Cernera, Pelmo, and the upswept flank of Monte Mondeval. You'll hike over lush alpine meadows, perhaps spotting some wild edelweiss. An uphill stretch goes through light wood leading to a rifugio, a lovely spot for snacks and refreshments. Then all of a sudden, the Pelmo (3,168m / 10,394') is incredibly close, and at this range, easy to understand why it was dubbed - Throne of the Gods. - The last part of the day leads below the Pelmo's north face to your comfortable mountain rifugio (1,783m / 5,850') for tonight.
(~6 hours hiking, 13 km / 7,8 miles, 410m / 1,345' ascent, 870m / 2,853' descent.)

Breakfast and private transfer to the railway station in Belluno (other destinations available on request).