Alta Via n. 1 Quick Getaway Experience

Manuela,

My wife and I had a wonderful trek.  To start, transportation from Venice to Cortina was easy and smooth.  The Umbra was very comfortable and the staff was great. Meeting with your staff and transportation to Lago di Braies was easy. 

The trekking, maps and daily routes were very clear and we had no problem.  I thought the daily distances and time estimates were on target.  As a comparison to the Tour du Mount Blanc, the Dolomite trail quality was better and the daily hiking effort was a little easier.  As a comparison to other huts and rifugios we have stayed in from all over the world, including the  Andes, Alps, Julian Alps, Pindos, Pyrenees, Rocky Mountains, etc., these were the best.  Cleanest, best food and friendliest staffs. 

We started out in a little snow from the night before, but that just made the scenery better.  We had one day of rain, wind and fog going up Mount Lagazoui so we descended the mountain through the WWI galleries.  The descent through the tunnels was worth it and really gives you an appreciation of the ingenuity, toughness and bravery of the WWI Italian soldiers.  The history along the trek added a new dimension to our hike that we really enjoyed. 

Pick-up and transportation back to Cortina was excellent with the driver being there and waiting for us when we arrived.

The  mid September timing was good. Temperatures were very comfortable and things never seemed crowded.  Overall a great experience and a must do for people who enjoy hut to hut hiking, big mountains, great food and physical exertion.  Dolomite Mountains gets an A+.

Dan