Women’s Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Trek

July 23-August 1, 2027

let’s trek the alta via 1!

Embark on the journey of a lifetime through the UNESCO World Heritage peaks of Northern Italy. The Alta Via 1 (AV1) is legendary for a reason, it offers the most dramatic scenery in the Alps without requiring technical climbing skills. This women’s only trekking adventure is designed for those who want to challenge their limits, connect with a supportive community of female adventurers, and wake up in remote mountain huts (rifugios) surrounded by limestone giants.

From the emerald waters of Lago di Braies to the jagged spires of the Civetta massif, our route covers the classic highlights and the wilder, remote southern sections of the trail.

Trip Highlights

  • The Iconic Start: Begin your journey at Lago di Braies, often called the most beautiful lake in the world.

  • WWI History: Hike through the "Open Air Museum" of Lagazuoi, exploring the tunnels and trenches of the Great War.

  • Gourmet Refuges: Experience authentic Ladin and Italian hospitality with 3-course mountain dinners at some of the highest-rated rifugios in the Dolomites.

  • The "Wall of Walls": Stand in awe beneath the 1,000-meter vertical face of Monte Civetta.

  • Female Community: Travel in a safe, empowering environment led by expert guides who specialize in women-led adventures.

woman hiker wearing backpack and sitting on ground overlooking lake in dolomites mountains
hiker doing starfish pose through a cave entrance with dolomite mountains
woman backpacker standing in front of dolomites mountains
group of hikers holding flag in dolomites with blue skies
hikers resting on green grass with dolomites in background
group of hikers starting trek in dolomites with low lying clouds
group of women hikers standing in front of mountainous dolomite landscape
women hiking up a trail in the mountains wtih green grass

DAILY ITINERARY

    • Arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and meet the group at our designated 4-star hotel nearby.

    • Take advantage of the provided group shuttle from the airport to the hotel throughout the day.

    • Settle into your room and take some time to rest after your travels.

    • Meet the full group and your guides in the evening for a welcome dinner and a comprehensive trip briefing.

    • Meals: Dinner.

    • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your private driver for the scenic transfer into the heart of the Dolomites.

    • Arrive in the famous mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo and check into the hotel.

    • Gather for a professional gear check with the lead guide to ensure everyone is prepared for the trek.

    • Spend the afternoon exploring the town’s vibrant piazzas, local boutiques, or enjoying a coffee with views of the surrounding peaks.

    • Prepare your trekking pack and leave your extra luggage with the guide for secure storage during the hike.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

    • Take a short morning taxi to the shores of Lago di Braies, the official starting point of the Alta Via 1.

    • Begin the trek with a steady climb toward the high mountain pass at 7,874ft.

    • Stop for a high-altitude lunch at Rifugio Biella while taking in the first panoramic views of the range.

    • Navigate a long downhill stretch followed by a final, steep series of switchbacks down to the valley floor.

    • Reach Rifugio Pederü, tucked deep in the valley, for a hearty mountain dinner and your first night on the trail.

    • Stats: 10 miles | +3,400 ft ascent | -3,300 ft descent.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

    • Start the day with a climb through lush pine forests that open up into the vast Fanes plateau.

    • Traverse the expansive alpine basins and pass the emerald waters of Lago di Limo.

    • Reach the Forcella del Lago, a dramatic, narrow notch in the mountain ridge.

    • Tackle a very steep and technical descent over loose scree and rock down toward the lake below.

    • Stop at Lago Lagazuoi for a rest or a quick alpine dip before finishing the day at the cozy Rifugio Scotoni.

    • Stats: 12 miles | +3,900 ft ascent | -2,400 ft descent.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

    • Ascend through historic World War I terrain, passing through preserved tunnels and old military fortifications.

    • Reach the summit of Lagazuoi for one of the most famous 360-degree views in the entire Dolomite range.

    • Begin a rocky trek across the high plateau, navigating rugged terrain toward the Cinque Torri area.

    • Make a final push up a rocky slope to reach Rifugio Averau, perched high on a ridge with incredible sunset views.

    • Enjoy a high-end dinner at this refuge, known for having some of the best food on the trail.

    • Stats: 7 miles | +2,835 ft ascent | -935 ft descent.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

    • Descend from the ridge and cross the iconic Passo Giau, one of the most photographed passes in Italy.

    • Enter a technical and rocky section of the trail that leads you beneath the massive North Face of Monte Pelmo.

    • Stop for a midday break at Rifugio Città di Fiume, located in a scenic alpine meadow.

    • Continue the traverse through a mix of rocky paths and forested trails.

    • Finish the day at the welcoming Passo Staulanza, located right on the mountain road.

    • Stats: 12 miles | +2,100 ft ascent | -4,367 ft descent.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

    • Trek into the heart of the Civetta massif, passing beneath some of the tallest rock walls in the Alps.

    • Climb up to the stunning Coldai Lake, a bright blue tarn nestled against the limestone cliffs.

    • Hike through the wide, dramatic Val Civetta, surrounded by towering spires.

    • Descend through the forest to reach Rifugio Vazzoler, a remote hut famous for its botanical garden and proximity to the Trieste and Venezia peaks.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

    • Enjoy breakfast and final views from Rifugio Vazzoler before starting the day with a descent along a 4x4 track toward the valley.

    • Transition onto a side path beneath the massive cliffs of the Moiazza mountain range.

    • Navigate a challenging section of steep muddy paths, boulder fields, and loose scree slopes that require extra care.

    • Traverse an exposed section between Forcella Col d’Ors and Forcella del Camp before the trail levels out toward Rifugio Carestiato.

    • Finish with an easier stretch to Passo Duran and arrive at the cozy Rifugio Tomé for the evening.

    • Stats: 6.2 miles | +2,215 ft ascent | -2,592 ft descent.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

    • Enter the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, where the terrain becomes significantly wilder and more remote.

    • Hike through a lush beech forest before breaking out above the tree line to cross open slopes toward Rifugio Pramperet.

    • Tackle the main climb of the day up to the Forcella de Zita Sud pass, keeping a lookout for local wildlife in the high valley.

    • Begin a very steep descent from the pass into a unique, secluded valley.

    • Arrive at Rifugio Pian de Fontana to celebrate your final night on the trail with a drink and panoramic views.

    • Stats: 9.8 miles | +3,717 ft ascent | -4,288 ft descent.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

    • Enjoy a final mountain breakfast before starting the steep descent from the refuge down toward the valley floor.

    • Reach the end of the trail at "La Pissa," where the group will celebrate the official completion of the Alta Via 1.

    • Meet your private driver for a transfer back to the hotel in Venice (or the surrounding area).

    • Check back into your hotel, retrieve your stored luggage, and enjoy a final farewell dinner with the group to celebrate your accomplishments.

    • Stats: 11 miles | +1,400 ft ascent | -4,570 ft descent.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

    • Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel with your fellow trekkers.

    • Utilize the provided group shuttles for transfers to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE).

    • Depart for your flight home or continue your travels in Italy.

    • Meals: Breakfast.

woman hiker standing on rock in front of big mountain
backpackers hiking up rocky stair trail in dolomites
group of women posing with strong arms in dolomites valley
group of hikers in front of italian flag and dolomites mountains and trees behind
group of hikers in front of dolomites landscape with boulders around
hiker with backpack and trekking poles standing in cave entrance overlooking mountains
hikers on rocky trail with steep edge in dolomites itals
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    • 1 night stay in Venice, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Belluno at 3 and 4 star hotels. Double occupancy room with two twin beds.

    • 7 nights stay in mountain huts and rifugios along the trek. You will have your own bed in a shared room with other hikers, and may be a mixed gender room. Blankets and pillows will be provided at each of the accommodations. Hotel rooms along the trail are double occupancy.

    • Group airport transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to and from your hotels in Venice and Belluno.

    • Private, fully guided 8-day 75+ mile trek on the Alta Via 1 trail in the heart of the Italian Alps where you will hike past pristine lakes, villages, insane views and more as you conquer the world’s

    • IML certified, English speaking female guide local to the area

    • Luggage storage for the duration of the trek so you can enjoy the trail only carrying your essentials in your pack for the trek

    • Local in country transportation and transfers to and from the trailheads for the trek

    • Free time in Cortina d’Ampezzo to explore the city’s highlights

    • Welcome and farewell dinners, all breakfasts along with all meals while trekking; in total this includes 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 10 dinners, and water included with all meals

    • Trip checklists, detailed packing list, training guide, and pre-travel support provided in a private Facebook and/or WhatsApp group

    • Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip host and ask any questions

    • WWE Swag to sport on the trial!

    • Small group; maximum of 11 women + your trip host and local female guide

    • International Flights or transportation to/from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

    • Tips and gratuities for guides (at the discretion of the client)

    • Airport transfers outside of designated times and meeting location

    • Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks and meals as noted above; meals not included - 1 lunches and 1 dinner.

    • Trekking poles (available to rent), backpack (35-40L suggested), sleeping bag liner (mandatory), pillowcase, headlamp/flashlight and personal items

    • Any additional excursions or activities not included in the above itinerary

    • Visa if applicable and any pre-travel medical expenses such as immunizations or required Covid-19 testing 

    • Travelers insurance to cover medical expenses while traveling abroad (proof of insurance required)

    • Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.

  • All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.

  • This trip requires a minimum number of ladies to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).

  • Due to the nature of this trip, there is a special cancellation policy in place. The reservation is not changeable or refundable at 10 months out from the trip start date (November 5, 2025).

    If this trip does not reach the minimum number of guests to be confirmed, your deposit and any payments will be 100% refundable or transferable.

    Please see our Terms of Service.

  • Women Who Explore guests will be required to follow the local Covid-19 guidelines and requirements as set forth by the local governing body of the destination being visited.

  • Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.

    For recommended travel insurance providers click here.

  • Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.