Solo Hiking the Stunning Alta Via 1 & 2 with Bookatrekking
If you’re dreaming of hiking the Alta Via 1 and 2 in the Dolomites but feel overwhelmed by the logistics, you’re not alone. These epic Italian hiking trails are on many adventurers’ bucket lists, offering breathtaking alpine views and an unforgettable experience. However, organizing the details—especially booking stays at the rifugios (mountain huts)—can be a challenge for first-timers.
That’s where Bookatrekking.com comes in.
Thanks to bookatrekking.com I was able to enjoy 4 days on the Alta Via 2 and 4 Days on the Alta Via 1 in 2024. You all know I am a budget girly and sometimes I do things last minute, which I don’t advise if you want to hike the Alta Via 1 and 2.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how Bookatrekking made my journey easier, from booking rifugios to planning my hike in the Dolomites stress-free.
This post is not sponsored by Bookatrekking, I paid for everything on my own. I want to clarify that. This post is to help others who might be confused about the whole booking process, and introduce them to other options that are available.
Why the Alta Via 1 and 2 Should Be on Your Hiking Bucket List
The Alta Via 1 (AV1) and Alta Via 2 (AV2) are two of the most renowned long-distance hikes in the Dolomites. I set out to make doing a hut-to-hut trek on the AV1 and AV2 a reality. Whether you’re looking for dramatic mountain peaks, lush valleys, or unforgettable sunsets, these trails have it all.
- Alta Via 1: A 120-kilometer route, it’s considered the easiest of the two, perfect for hikers looking for challenging but manageable terrain.
- Alta Via 2: Slightly longer and more demanding, the AV2 offers rugged paths with stunning alpine landscapes and more challenging sections. Many hikers do both to experience the full spectrum of the Dolomites.
The trails are marked and well-maintained, making them accessible for most hikers. Even for the most navigationally challenged folks, aka me, I felt like I could figure this out from the signpostings.
Where are the Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2?
For a visual of where the Alta Via 1 and 2 are here are two maps, pulled from Komoot, shout out to Komoot!
Komoot is featured in my blog post as one of the best apps to use while exploring the Dolomites
Difficulty of Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2
- Alta Via 1 (AV1): Known as the “Classic Route,” AV1 is considered the easier and more beginner-friendly of the two.
- It features well-marked trails with moderate ascents and descents.
- Some sections require stamina, the route avoids technical climbing or via ferrata (iron paths). It’s ideal for trekkers looking for breathtaking views without advanced mountaineering skills.
- Alta Via 2 (AV2): Referred to as the “High Route of the Strong,” AV2 is more challenging and technical.
- It includes steeper ascents, longer daily hikes, and sections via ferrata.
- While not requiring professional climbing experience, it demands more physical fitness, sure-footedness, and confidence on exposed trails.
- The Alta Via 2 is perfect for experienced hikers seeking adventure.
Beginners should start with AV1, while those with some trekking experience and a love for adrenaline will enjoy the thrill of AV2! However, I had no problem doing the AV2 first, I will tell you that it had longer days assigned to it, and it required more from me
How Bookatrekking Simplified My Alta Via Adventure
Planning long hikes like the Alta Via 1 and 2 demands attention to detail, especially when booking rifugios.
These alpine mountain huts dot the trails, offering cozy overnight stays and hearty meals, making them essential for a successful trek. What to Expect While Staying at Rifugios in the Dolomites
Securing a spot at these rifugios is essential, but it can be time-consuming and tricky, particularly during the high season. However, you don’t want to wait till high season to book.
Enter Bookatrekking.com. I’ve used Bookatrekking for multiple hikes in the Dolomites, and here’s why it’s a game-changer for anyone tackling these famous trails:
- Hassle-Free Booking: I could book my rifugios in advance with just a few clicks. Bookatrekking handles all the communication with the rifugios, so I didn’t have to worry about language barriers or availability.
- Easy Payment: Instead of dealing with complicated payment systems or wires to each rifugio, I made one secure payment for all my stays. A deposit was required and then put toward the total cost.
- Set in Stone Itinerary: Bookatrekking has a solid itinerary system, which helped me plan my daily stages based on my hiking pace, preferences, and available dates.
- Upon signing up for a hike, you get a downloadable guide your advisor sends you. It has a day-by-day guide, with all the trail information needed for a self-guided hike. It even comes with a fitness routine you can follow during your hike.
- Bookatrekking also does a half board for your food at the Rifugios, you’ll have to pay for snacks drinks, and extras, sometimes breakfast or a random meal.
- Koomoot Navigation: Booking with Bookatrekking gives you access to Komoot, along with a free region download and GPX files to save directly to your profile. During the hike, I found this incredibly helpful. Each morning, I used the rifugio’s free Wi-Fi to prepare for the day, pressed start on the app, and set off. With the files already downloaded to my phone, navigating the trails was effortless.
- Support and Assistance: In case I had any issues or needed changes, their customer service responded quickly, providing reassurance throughout my trip.
- One such way was when bad weather hit the Dolomites during my AV1, my advisor messaged me and told me what I could do. It was great because at Rifugio Scotoni there were others in the same boat with Bookatrekking and I ended up making friends with them.
Hotels Before and After the Alta Via 1 and 2
You have the option to book a hotel before and after the Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2 with Bookatrekking
Full Alta Via 2 with Hotel Before and After
Half Alta Via 2 with Hotel Before and After
I had AMEX points available so I did not do the Hotel Before and After option
I stayed at Hotel Elephant in Bressanone/ Brixen for the start of my Alta Via 2 and then at the end of my 4 Days, I took a bus from Val Gardena to Orteisei via the SudTirol Bus System to B&B Villa Angelino.
For my Alta Via 1, the night before I drove my car up to Cortina, parked at the designated parking spot bookatrekking.com mentions in the AV1 guidebook, and then took the bus to a hotel called Hotel Trenker.
This was 7 minutes by bus from the starting point of the Alta Via 1.
They even have a bus stop outside the hotel! You can read more about the hotels I chose to stay at here
Transportation to and from the Starting Point
It is easy to get to the Dolomites from major airports like Venice, Innsbruck and Milano. I’ve included links to car rental agencies below, you can fill in the details for your specific airport and go from there.
Car Rental
By Bus
VENICE MARCO POLO TO CORTINA DI’ AMPEZZO BY BUS
VENICE TREVISO TO CORTINA DI’ AMPEZZO BY BUS
MILAN TO CORTINA DI’ AMPEZZO BY BUS
INNSBRUCK TO CORTINA DI AMPEZZO BY BUS
INNSBRUCK TO CORTINA DI AMPEZZO BY TRAIN
Private Transfer to Dolomites
You can also do private transfers, which in my opinion is the more expensive of the options
Hiking the Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2 Solo
This is a self-guided hike through Bookatrekking.com, and I chose to tackle both routes solo. While that might sound intimidating to some, Bookatrekking.com made the entire experience seamless and stress-free.
You have an advisor that stays in touch with you and you can schedule appointments with them. Also, I tagged Bookatrekking in a few posts on Instagram and they checked in on me during my hike
Which was pretty cool. Kudos to them!
I have a great guide to hiking solo for first-timers and how to get out there and do it here!
Highlights of My Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2 Journey in the Dolomites
The Dolomites are nothing short of magical, and hiking the Alta Via 1 and 2 allowed me to immerse myself in their beauty fully. Some of the trip highlights included:
- Scenic Views: From the rugged peaks to the rolling valleys, every step was a new perspective.
- I especially loved the dramatic Puez Odle group and then ending my Alta Via V2 at the iconic Seceda area. That was a stunner and coming up on the back end of that to Rifugio Firenze, was simply amazing!
- Peaceful Nights in Rifugios: The days were long and challenging, but evenings spent in cozy rifugios were a highlight.
- There’s nothing better than relaxing on a sun-drenched terrace, enjoying hearty meals, and soaking in the alpine atmosphere.
- You might think that staying in Rifugios isn’t peaceful, but it is. You can request a private room, if that is something you want.
- Sunset Moments: Whether hiking up to a summit or resting at a rifugio, catching a Dolomites sunset was an unforgettable experience.
- The mountains turn golden in the late afternoon, creating a surreal, cinematic backdrop.
- To add to this Rifugio Genova/SchlĂ¼terhĂ¼tte had the best sunsets, I have never seen a more beautiful pink/purple sunset in my life. I would book another stay here because it gives me goosebumps thinking about it!
- Delicious Mountain Cuisine: One of the perks of staying in the Rifugios is the incredible food. I indulged in hearty mountain fare, like polenta with cheese, speck, and freshly baked bread, making each meal a rewarding part of my adventure.
- The breakfasts I had with new friends were amazing too. The coffee at each rifugio was the perfect pick-me-up, energizing me for the day ahead.
- The breakfasts I had with new friends were amazing too. The coffee at each rifugio was the perfect pick-me-up, energizing me for the day ahead.
- The Hardest Parts: For me, the hardest part was the passes like Forcella Roe and the boulder field on my first day of the AV1
- Forcella Roe nearly knocked me dead, it was such a mind game because as you are hiking up, rocks seem to disappear beneath your feet. I remember feeling so scared. When I made it to the top I was ecstatic.
- You’re Never Really Alone On the Alta Via 1 and 2: To my fellow solo travelers worried about being alone in the mountains, don’t be! I met so many amazing people on the trails and ended up hiking with them along the way.
- On my last night on the Alta Via 1, a severe snowstorm was forecasted for the next morning. While staying at Rifugio Scotoni, I met other hikers booked through Bookatrekking, and we decided to descend the mountainside together. Once we reached the bottom, we caught a bus to Lagazuoi, only to find out that bus services to Cortina had already ended for the season. With the weather worsening, we shared a taxi to the next Rifugio to stay safe.
Tips for Hiking the Alta Via 1 and 2
To make the most of your Alta Via journey, here are some essential tips:
- Book Your Rifugios in Advance: With Bookatrekking, booking rifugios is easier than ever. The best huts fill up quickly, especially in peak summer months, so don’t wait until the last minute.
- Pack Smart: The Dolomites are unpredictable, so pack accordingly. Be sure to bring a good pair of hiking boots, weather-resistant gear, and layers to handle the variable conditions. Don’t forget a first aid kit and plenty of water.
- Start Early: The trails can get crowded, so I recommend starting your hikes early in the day to avoid the rush and fully enjoy the solitude of the mountains.
- Be Prepared for Elevation: The Alta Via trails reach impressive altitudes. If you’re not accustomed to high-elevation hiking, be prepared to pace yourself and take plenty of breaks.
- My biggest hurdle was the Scree field at Forcella Roe on the Alta Via 2, that was terrifying. Note that these hikes are not a walk in the park!
- The most rewarding hike was my first day at Lago Di Braies the elevation on the way up to Seekofel and the amount of movement required, was pretty intense for my short self.
- Embrace the Journey: These trails are challenging but immensely rewarding. Take your time to enjoy the views, the food, and the camaraderie with fellow hikers. The Dolomites will make every step worth it.
Plan Your Trip with Bookatrekking
If you’re planning a hike on the Alta Via 1 or Alta Via 2, I highly recommend using Bookatrekking.com to make your trip as seamless as possible.
Their services take the stress out of rifugio bookings and help you focus on enjoying your adventure in the Dolomites.
Book your Alta Via hike today and get ready for an unforgettable journey through Italy’s most stunning mountain range.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, the Alta Via 1 and 2 offer a truly incredible experience, and Bookatrekking makes planning easier than ever. From booking rifugios to crafting your itinerary, it’s the ultimate way to take the stress out of your Dolomites hiking adventure. Happy hiking!
FAQ: HIKING THE ALTA VIA 1 & 2
Have more questions? Click on a question below to get your answer
Conclusion:
Now that I have told you about planning your hikes with Bookatrekking.com feel free to check out my other blog posts on what to expect when staying at a rifugio, What to Pack for a long trek out in the Dolomites, and you can even save these to your interest!
As we move into the summer months I am so excited to hike more of the Dolomites and I probably will book later than planned and utilize Bookatrekking again, so I can’t wait to share that experience with you, whatever hike it might be.
This hut to hut trek in the dolomites meant a lot to me and I hope you find the courage within you to pursue something that scares you this year and every year!
Disclaimer
The information contained on this website is not to be considered a guide, instead, it is available so that you may have a general idea of what to expect on the hikes listed on this site. I, KimberlyKephartTravels.com, take no responsibility nor assume liability for any information’s inaccuracies, errors, omission, or incompleteness. Please note that the included GPS tracks are also provided only as general guides, and you should not rely on their accuracy, as GPS readings are subject to error and may provide inaccurate directions.
KimberlyKepharttravels.com, its sponsors, its advertisers, and/or anyone contributing information to this site shall not be held liable for any inconvenience, accidents, rescues, injuries or loss of life should you undertake any of the hikes listed on this website.
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