Run through the clouds – Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites
Running Collection by Bryan | Exploro Ergo Sum
5 routes
23:09 h
121 km
7,160 m
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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Activities
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
04:16
19.6km
13:06/km
1,470m
900m
ExpertExpert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Your adventure starts from Lake Braies, an iconic place that needs no introduction. I have made the first stage especially short to allow you to have ample time to reach the lake and arrive comfortably at the Fanes Hut.
The route begins with an easy run along the shores of the turquoise Lago di Braies
Translated by Google •
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
03:50
19.4km
11:53/km
1,330m
1,010m
ExpertExpert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.The second stage of your run on the Alta Via delle Dolomiti 1 is still easy: very similar to the previous one. The first five kilometers are covered with ease, while the rest of the route has some technical sections that don't always allow you to run.
The day begins with a gentle climb to the beautiful
Translated by Google •
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- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
07:47
41.8km
11:11/km
2,400m
3,100m
ExpertExpert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.The intermediate stage is the most demanding, both in terms of length and elevation gain. However, this one will leave you breathless with its beauty. I recommend that you start your day early to make sure you arrive at the refuge in time for dinner.
The route begins with a long descent to an altitude
Translated by Google •
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
06:25
32.9km
11:43/km
1,930m
2,380m
ExpertExpert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.The penultimate stage of the Alta Via delle Dolomiti 1 is easier than the previous one. While your muscles may be feeling a little tired, today's fun terrain and stunning views will pay off the hard work.
The day begins with a descent that takes you to below 1,500 meters of altitude and continues with
Translated by Google •
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
00:50
7.01km
7:07/km
30m
790m
ExpertExpert run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.The final tour of this Collection is very short and easy, so you will be able to reach Belluno rather soon. This way, you'll have ample time to relax, explore the city, and return home. This stage is actually a variant of the last two official stages of the Alta Via delle Dolomiti 1, which include a
Translated by Google •
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Collection Stats
- Activities5
- Distance121 km
- Duration23:09 h
- Elevation7,160 m
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