Running Collection by Bryan | Exploro Ergo Sum
Run through the clouds – Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites
5 routes
23:09
121km
7,160m
The Alta Via delle Dolomiti is made up of eight hiking routes – 850 kilometres (528 mi) of UNESCO World Heritage peaks. One of these hikes, the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites, stretches 125 kilometres (410 ft) from the famous Lago di Braies to Belluno, between Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto.
This adventure offers the best of both worlds: an endurance and mountain running challenge and the feel of a hiking experience. You’ll need to be fit, as the stages are challenging and traverse alpine terrain. I chose to avoid the via ferrata to keep the trail as technically simple as possible.
The route passes through places that played an important role in mountaineering and history. You’ll come across trenches and tunnels dug during World War I and follow the tracks of great mountaineering expeditions that revolutionised the way we experience the mountains.
This Alta Via leads to some of the most famous places in the Dolomites, such as Lago di Braies, Cinque Torri and Lagazuoi, as well as small, remote corners such as Van de Zità. You spend each day in the peaceful mountains.
To minimise the weight you carry, each stage ends at a refuge along the way. In addition to hot meals and simple but energising breakfasts, you'll find a shower and a bed to rest your tired muscles each evening. It’s important to book all overnight stays well in advance, as places are limited. You’ll pass several refuges during each stage where you can take a break and enjoy a light snack or lunch. It’s also easy to find drinking water.
A grippy pair of trail shoes is essential, as there are some technical sections. I highly recommend warm, waterproof layers to cope with the ever-changing mountain weather.
The best time to do this trail is from late June to mid-September, when the refuges are open. If you go earlier or later, you may encounter snow, which makes the trail difficult and dangerous.
I’ve made the first and last stages shorter to allow you to start and finish the Alta Via in comfort. To reach Lago di Braies, I recommend using the shuttle service that leaves from Monguelfo or Dobbiaco. The two towns are connected by rail to Bolzano. The route ends at the bus stop with connections to Belluno, which has a train station.
So stop dreaming about this adventure and get moving. Happy running!
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Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites
121km
7,030m
8,060m
Last updated: November 7, 2024
Do it yourself!
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Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
Activities
19.6km
04:16
1,470m
900m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
19.4km
03:50
1,330m
1,010m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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41.8km
07:47
2,400m
3,100m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
32.9km
06:25
1,930m
2,380m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
7.01km
00:50
30m
790m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Collection Stats
Activities
5
Distance
121 km
Duration
23:09 h
Elevation
7,160 m
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