Dolomites for Women: Alta Via N.1 Hike

Day 1: Cortina d'Ampezzo Upon arrival
in Cortina d'Ampezzo, self-presentation at the hotel. Check-in and accommodation for 1 night, with breakfast.

Cortina d'Ampezzo is a charming Alpine city surrounded by impressive peaks. Home of the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina has an excellent reputation for skiing during the winter. In summer, it attracts hikers and climbers who challenge the rocky faces of nearby mountains. This Venetian city offers many social events throughout the year, as well as shopping and dining options.

In the afternoon, a meeting with a representative of the Dolomite Mountains who will provide travel guidance, as well as maps and everything necessary for a self-guided adventure.

Depending on the time of arrival, it is possible to take a walk to explore Cortina d'Ampezzo's pedestrian walkway, the Corso Italia, filled with restaurants and cafés, antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques.


Day 2: CORTINA D'AMPEZZO - Sennes Nature Reserve In
the morning, transfer to Malga Ra Stua, 1,688 meters high, a cozy dairy farm located in a valley between the Dolomita Croda Rossa (northeast) and Lavinores (west) groups, at the entrance of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Reserve.

The Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Reserve comprises an area of approximately 25,453 hectares. It is filled with old farms called viles, which are a typical feature of Ladin-speaking valleys. These small communities were once self-sustaining, with community-shared dependencies and ovens. The Fanes plateau is a popular area for hiking and walking with a typical karst limestone landscape, characterized by caves, fissures, underground streams and small lakes. Rugged rocks eroded by wind and weather rise in all directions.

Hiking for about 5 hours covering 12 km, with 920 m of ascent and 630 m of descent in the Sennes section of the Nature Reserve, along Alta Via 1. The trail passes through Campo Croce, Lago di Fosses and Rifugio Biella before passing through Rifugio Sennes and the Fodara Vedla area, reaching the panoramic summit with views of Croda del Becco, Croda Rossa and Cristallo.

Arrival of accommodation at the refuge, with breakfast and dinner.


Day 3: Altopiano di Fanes
Leaving the accommodation in the morning, descend towards Rifugio Pederu (1,548 m). The trail runs along a steep dirt road for 40 minutes. From Rifugio Pederu, climb towards Lago di Limo. Upon arrival at Lake Lé Piciodel, walk through an enchanting landscape filled with small lakes and rounded ridges along the Ru d'Al Plan river. Located just below the Limo Pass, from the refuge there is a beautiful view of the Tofane mountains. Hiking time: about 4 hours, covering 7.4 km, 700 m of ascent and 599 m of descent.


Day 4: Cime di Fanis & Lagazuoi Massif
Hike through the Fanes Plateau to the Lagazuoi Massif. Along the way, beautiful panoramas of the Western Dolomites and the Marmolada Massif, the “Queen of the Dolomites”.

Starting from the refuge, Alta Via N.1 continues through beautiful tall countryside and karst formations, climbing up to the Forcella del Lago, a dramatic narrow cleft in the mountain with a descent down steep trails on the south side. At the base of the slope is Lago di Lagazuoi, whose green waters are framed by pine trees, against the backdrop of the rugged walls of Cima del Lago and Cima Scotoni.

From the lake, the long and constant climb begins to the refuge, one of the highest in all the Dolomites, with incredible 360-degree views. Stepping into open, rocky terrain, are ruins from the First World War. Hike for about 6 hours, covering 12.4 km, with 1,397 m of ascent and 705 m of descent.


Day 5: Cinque Torri
This stage is of great interest both for the spectacular surrounding mountains and for the abundance of memories from the terrible years of the First World War, due to the proximity of the former border between the Habsburg Empire and Italy.

Memorable crossing below the impressive Tofana di Rozes, climbing Forcella Lagazuoi (2,573m), Forcella Travenanzes (2,507m) and Forcella Col dei Bos (2,331m), gradually descending along the line of trenches. Cross the main road that goes from Cortina to Passo Falzarego and climb through the forests to the fascinating and famous Cinque Torri area. From there, incredible views all around, including the Pale di San Martino, Civetta, Monti del Sole, and Marmolada with its shrinking glacier. Time to relax and, in the afternoon, descend south to Passo Giau (2,236m) from where the shuttle back to Cortina leaves.

This day includes about 6 to 7 hours of hiking, covering 17.7 km, 1,103 m of ascent and 1,541 m of descent.

Hotel accommodation in Cortina d'Ampezzo, with breakfast.


Day 6: Cortina d'Ampezzo
Breakfast and departure on your own.