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The Alta via n.1 is the "classic" high-altitude trek in the eastern Dolomites: a scenic route of approximately 125 km, from Lake Braies to Belluno, through natural environments of extraordinary beauty.
- Duration: Typically takes 10 to 13 days, averaging about 57 hours of walking.
- Elevation gain: The total ascent is approximately 7,300 meters, and the descent is approximately 8,400 meters.
- Difficulty: Generally considered easy-medium, with some slightly more technical sections; the only section with mountaineering difficulties (grades I–II) is the descent onto the Schiara, but it can be avoided.
- Ideal time: Late June – mid-September, when the refuges are open and the weather conditions are more stable.
The Val di Zoldo section takes place in the central-southern part of the route, and includes stages characterized by wild valleys, iconic mountains (Pelmo, Civetta), and alpine lakes:
•It crosses the Val di Zoldo from approximately stages 6 to 8, passing the Refuge Città di Fiume, Refuge Venezia, Palafavera, Refuge Coldai, Refuge Tissi, and Vazzoler.
•The famous Lake Coldai lies at the foot of the majestic northwest face of Civetta and offers an unmissable panoramic view.
•The Palafavera – Refuge Vazzoler stage (in the Zoldo Valley) is rated challenging: approximately 14.8 km with an elevation gain of 1,081 m, recommended from June to September.
•A shorter variant, designed for experienced hikers, connects Refuge Coldai – Vazzoler: approximately 9 km in 3 hours 25 minutes, considered moderate.
Refuge Palafavera, located at 1,514 m at the foot of Mount Pelmo, is one of the key points on the route through the Zoldo Valley and offers direct views of Mount Pelmo and Civetta. Refuge Venezia (1,947 m) is also located along this section and is one of the oldest refuges in the Dolomites.
Example of a stage in the Zoldo Valley:
•Day 6: from Refuge Città di Fiume (Fiume City Refuge) to Palafavera via Refuge Venezia — approximately 12 km, 580 m of ascent and 990 m of descent, with some equipped sections (EEA) along the Gino Flaibani route.
Logistics information
•Accommodation: During the trek, you'll sleep in mountain huts, many of which are located right along the Alta via n.1 and offer full service (half board or similar).
•Recommendations: It's advisable to plan your itinerary in advance, checking the opening hours of the huts, the weather, and trail conditions.
In summary:
•The Zoldo Valley offers some of the most beautiful sections: Pelmo, Civetta, Lake Coldai, and historic refuges.
•The stages in this area are challenging, but scenic and varied.
•Start or end possible from places like Forno di Zoldo, with routes linked to public transport or shuttles.
Recommended stops in the Zoldo Valley:
- Stage Seven: from Palafavèra to the Coldai Refuge, the Tissi Refuge, and the Vazzolèr Refuge
- Stage Nine: from the Carestiato Refuge to the Sommariva al Pramperèt Refuge
At the end of the route, by collecting the stamps of all the refuges of the Alta via n.1, it is possible to register your name in the hikers' book at the tourist information office in Place Duomo in Belluno and receive a free commemorative pin..
Service pickup car Hotel Maè
This exclusive service (for our guests) is a great convenience for those who want to quickly reach the starting point for their chosen hikes. We're obviously referring to the 6th, 7th, and 9th stages of the Alta Via 1 of our Dolomites. A small example: for those who want to hike to the Coldai Refuge, our shuttle bus will take you to the starting point of the hike, located at the Palafavera Refuge near the Pioda Palafavera chairlift, towards Casera Malga Pioda, and then towards the Coldai Refuge ...
For the Coldai Refuge
Departure from the Pioda Palafavera chairlift
...Heading towards Staulanza Pass, you'll find the large parking lot of the Palafavera Refuge, the base of the Palafavera ski area. There are many ski lifts available, including the convenient Pioda Palafavera chairlift, a "shortcut" to quickly reach Malga Pioda, the starting point of the 7th trail of the Alta via n.1...
(Photo: Palafavera ski area)
We will take you comfortably from our hotel
... to the "32 Le Coste di Pecol" chairlift (which takes you to Palafavera), or to the Pioda Palafavera chairlift
or in other destinations for other excursions
(Pioda Palafavera Chairlift)
Alta via n.1 Dolomites bellunesi
Large green space for breaks and picnics
Stay
Alta via n.1 Dolomites bellunesi
Pramperet Refuge
The ninth stage, the one towards the Sommariva At Pramperet refuge, cannot be excluded among the 3 stages of the Zoldo Valley.
Cosa c'è di più bello quando sei in vacanza, vedere i propri figli giocare spensieratamente e tu che ti godi momenti di serenità e relax con il tuo partner o con gli amici. Gli ampi spazi del nostro giardino offrono comunque l'opportunità a più persone di divertirsi spensieratamente a piacere.
Alta via n.1 Dolomites bellunesi
with the mountain
From the Coldai Refuge towards the Coldai fork, in 15 meters you can reach the lake of the same name, Coldai, located below the peak of Civetta...