The Truth about the Alta Via 1 - 8 things I wished I knew before going

[@cravetheplanet]

Have you hiked the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites or are you dreaming of it?

[@BerlinTravelTips]

Completely agree about packing light! Travel in general is less stressful when you're carrying less stuff, so definitely for a long hike, you don't want a heavy bag.

[@michelebullock9867]

I just did the AV1 in early September 2-14 and I agree with your video points. It is the "easiest", but should be taken seriously, with some risks. Well worth it and in general an arduous but safe time. It has a few serious switchbacks that are very steep and crumbly rock which requires focus and good knees, but at the same time you have trail runners zooming up and down the same stretch like it's no big deal e.g. descending to Lake from Forcella di Lech. We also encountered an unforecasted snow storm at Refugio Tissi. Hikers were at first drenched with rain then it turned to snow. One solo hiker missed her intended Refugio and ended up at our's by mistake because she couldn't see. Later we heard a Canadian woman perished from exposure (ale de Suisse area I think) and two others broke wrists and another broke her back (AV1). For the most part it is a a great hike but there are moments to keep your wits about you. I agree to do July and Aug. which we tried but we had to shift to early Sept due to Refugio availability (we started reservation process in February and it was late). We brought micro spikes to Italy then ditched them before starting on advice of others who didn't see that storm coming. If you hike shoulder months I would advise carry them. We did stay an extra night at Refugio Tissi when it stormed, but others hiked out next day anyway as a group. We decided to quit the AV1 after this snow event as we were anxious. It's a lot of individual risk management and comfort level. We had a DIY guide service and they were excellent and really came through when the weather turned and we had to make alternate plans and see what options were available. I would use a service again. We used Tabacco map app (and paper) for tracking and it was pretty good, but at some points was off a bit. Also used Gaia GPS as a backup and it was pretty accurate. Knew about Komoot, but with Tabacco, Gaia, All Trails, didn't want another app, but it does look good. Cell service was often tough at times and we didn't care much unless we were wanting weather info. during the snowstorm. No kids just senior gals who had a blast. We are all seasoned hikers in Washington state and definitely trained for this and did some hikes in the western Dolomites before (e.g Alpe de Suisse). I'd definitely like to go back and make up the 3 lost to snow days to finish at Belluno from Refugio Capanna Treist, but would do it in August or start no later than Sept 1! Everyday held incredible vistas. It was busy enough (but not horrible) in September so can't imagine how crowded summer is. Solo hikers can always find people around. More than pack weight, I focused on pack comfort and the right boots. A heavy pack can be carried comfortably with the right fit. You should be below 45L capacity for hut to hut and my weight was 25lbs with 2L water and that's what I trained with. Your site is excellent and a great service.

[@cravetheplanet]

@@michelebullock9867 thanks so much for the feedback. This year has been a little wild with the weather, but apparently it’s not common but it’s does happen which is why if you’re traveling all the way here if you somehow can manage July and August, it’s your best bet we have stayed in a Rifugio overnight and night as well due to August blizzard. I’m sure we could’ve gotten down but I just didn’t want to and it was easy enough to stay at the refuge. The owner was so kind and helped us get follow on reservations moved for us, but we were not on the Villa one we were on the Rosengarten, which is less traveled. I think anywhere other than the Altavia one you can move reservations lot easier.

[@cravetheplanet]

@@michelebullock9867 I also will use a service around the Altavia one in the future. We had good results with Burg experience and Alpenventures. I love them because they’re both small businesses that are owned and operated by women.

[@cravetheplanet]

@@michelebullock9867 Rifugio Tissi has the best views did the weather clear so you could see the lake?

[@michelebullock9867]

@@cravetheplanet the weather did clear the next day and it was blue bird skies.

[@michelebullock9867]

@@cravetheplanet yup

[@wanderingermany]

I've always wanted to do hikes and stay in the huts, but always assumed that you've got to be super hard core or a REALLY good/ technical hiker to even get to them. Is that not true?

[@cravetheplanet]

@@wanderingermany it’s definitely not hard core. It’s not easy but the trails and huts make it so much easier than anything backcountry. This is definitely a beginners trail. Unless there is really bad weather with a lot of snow and or lightning- then it could be dangerous. But with moderate or good weather it’s the perfect beginner high mountain trek.