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Alta via 1

Alta via 1 — the trail guide

The Alta via 1 is a 117.8 km trek in Italy, typically walked in 7+ days, with 8803 m of total ascent. It rates Extreme on our published rubric (75 m of gain per km, topping out at 2570 m).

Alta Via 1 is the most popular of the Dolomites' high routes, traversing from Lago di Braies to Belluno through iconic pinnacles and towers. Rifugios (mountain huts) offer meals and accommodation, making it possible to trek light. Summer crowds on this spectacular route are significant - consider shoulder seasons for more solitude.

Quick facts

Distance117.8 km
Total ascent8803 m
Typical duration7+ days
Difficulty (computed)Extreme
Steepness75 m gain per km
High point2570 m
CountryItaly
RegionItaly

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Extreme" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 384 m · high point 2570 m · 8803 m total ascent over 117.8 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 1498 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan-1°-10°50 mm
Feb-7°55 mm
Mar-5°57 mm
Apr-2°77 mm
May13°133 mm
Jun19°120 mm
Jul21°120 mm
Aug21°129 mm
Sep16°95 mm
Oct11°100 mm
Nov-4°93 mm
Dec-8°66 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Alta via 1?

The Alta via 1 is 117.8 km, and most hikers complete it in 7+ days. Total elevation gain is 8803 m.

How difficult is the Alta via 1?

It rates Extreme on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 75 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 2570 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the Alta via 1 is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the Alta via 1?

In Italy. The route starts near 46.698, 12.084 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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