Welcome to the second part of my comprehensive guide to Alta Via 2 where I cover:
- Summaries of Days 7 to 13 between Passo San Pellegrino and Feltre including GPS data on distance, elevation gain and the time it takes to complete each stage (not including the breaks)
- A list of all mountain huts along Alta Via 2 including contact details, information on showers and payment possibilities,
- My recommendation on which huts to pick if you would like to complete the trip in 11 days instead of 13,
- Possible late entry or early escape routes on Alta Via 2.
And as always lots and lots of photos!
Day 7: Passo San Pellegrino to Rifugio Volpi Al Mulaz
- Distance: 15.8 km / 9.8 mi
- Walking time: 4h 30min
- Elevation gain: 1130 m / 3707 ft
- Elevation loss: 520 m / 1706 ft
- Path numbers: 658, 751
The first half of day 7 will take you from Passo San Pellegrino to Passo Valles across ski pistes, sometimes hard to navigate across, due to lack of markings. I remember taking out my GPS a few times to double-check if we were on the right path.
After hiking for around 1 hour to your left you will observe Lago di Cavia, a small high alpine lake, and soon after you will reach Forcella di Pradazzo. A beautiful view of the Pale di San Martino range will stretch ahead of you.
From here it’s a downhill hike on a wide track down to Passo Valles, where you should take a longer break and make use of the restaurant at Rifugio Valles before the harder second half of the day.
The hike now continues across the road on Path 751 all the way to Rifugio Mulaz. Albeit difficult, with a few cable-protected sections, this part of Alta Via 2, and the 3 subsequent days are the most spectacular, thanks to the ruggedness of the Pale di San Martino range that you will be crossing.
Night 7: Rifugio Mulaz
Rifugio Mulaz and its beautiful location near Cima del Focobon and Passo del Mulaz is one of my favorite huts in the Dolomites. We were lucky to be treated to flaming Creme Brules during our stay. It’s not an everyday occurrence to receive such fancy dessert at such a high altitude!
Day 8: Rifugio Mulaz to Rifugio Rosetta
- Distance: 8.8 km / 5.5 mi
- Walking time: 4h 30min
- Elevation gain: 930 m / 3060 ft
- Elevation loss: 918 m / 3010 ft
- Path numbers: 703
If you would like to speed up your AV2 traverse you can connect day 8 with day 9. However, you have probably discovered by now that I am all about the extensions hence I’ve decided to break up the distance into 2 days to tackle a couple of additional routes starting near the two subsequent huts: Rifugio Rosetta and Rifugio Pradidali
Similar to the previous day, day 8 also involves some scrambling along cable-protected sections and ladders, where once again the via ferrata gear, which you have hopefully packed on this trip, will come in handy.
The highlight of the day is crossing Passo delle Farangole. circa one hour into the day, but it’s also the biggest challenge as it involves hiking and scrambling on loose scree.
After the descent from Passo delle Farangole, the next couple of hours are spent hiking mostly downhill to the bottom of the Comelle Valley (Val Delle Comelle) and Pian dei Cantoni.
Soon after you will start the uphill push to Rifugio Rosetta and the landscape around you will go from lush green to a lunar-like plateau, upon which the hut was built.
Night 8: Rifugio Rosetta
Thanks to the easy access guaranteed by the two-tiered gondola starting in San Martino di Castrozza, rifugio Rosetta is a busy one. However, as soon as the gondola stops operating for the day and only the overnight guests remain in the hut, the area becomes really quiet.
Many personal photographs documenting the mountaineering accomplishments of the hut’s owner adore the walls of the refuge. Notice the hiking shoe hanging outside, ensuring that the door to the hut stays closed at all times. The need is the mother of invention after all.
Extension: Monte Rosetta
A 40-minute uphill burst from the Rosetta hut will take you to the summit of Monte Rosetta. A great addition to the day which I recommend doing at sunset!
Not only you will most likely have the summit all to yourself, but you will also get an uninterrupted view of some of the Dolomite’s most famous peaks: Antelao, Civetta, Sorapiss, Cristallo, and even Tre Cime! I highly recommend downloading the Peak Finder app and using it at the summit to be able to locate them all!
Day 9: Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Pradidali
- Distance: 6.5 km / 4 mi
- Walking time: 2h
- Elevation gain: 217 m / 712 ft
- Elevation loss: 362 m / 1188 ft
- Path number: 702, 715
A very short day that could be considered a rest day on this long journey, or an opportunity to tackle an awesome Alta Via 2 extension. As mentioned previously, If you don’t plan on hiking the extensions, simply connect day 8 with 9.
Alta Via 2 from Rifugio Rosetta now progresses southward on path no. 702 losing elevation via a series of switchbacks on the western slopes of Crodi di Roda. When the path forks, you’ll leave Path 702 and retain your elevation on Path 715.
Once you reach a very photogenic grassy plateau (pictured above) it means you’re very close to the cabled section of this hike. Though pretty straightforward it certainly requires more attention than a normal hiking path. If you’re surefooted and experienced on rocky terrain, putting on your via ferrata equipment isn’t necessary, but it can’t hurt!
Eventually, you’ll have worked your way up to Passo di Ball, the highest point between Rifugio Rosetta and Rifugio Pradidali. From here it’s a short 20-minute descent to the Pradidali hut on an easy trail.
Night 9: Rifugio Pradidali
Rifiugio Pradidali is a cozy hut with a beautiful terrace view overlooking Primero Valley. Make sure to order a nice cup of hot chocolate and watch the sunset from the hut!
Extension: Via Ferrata Porton And Sentiero Nico Gusela
This excellent 3-4 hour Alta Via 2 extension starts and ends at Rifugio Pradidali and takes you in a circle connecting two via ferratas: Porton and Sentiero Nico Gusela. The total distance and elevation gain of the loop is 10 km (6.2 mi) and 674 meters (2200 feet).
Because of the initial approach on a loose scree slope on path no. 739A leaving from Rifugio Pradidali, it’s safer to do the loop clockwise.
The highlight of this route is the summit of Cima di Val Roda with extensive views of the Pale di San Martino group and down into Val Cismon.
Day 10: Rifugio Pradidali to Rifugio Treviso
- Distance: 12.5 km / 7.8 mi
- Walking time: 4h
- Elevation gain: 650 m / 2132 ft
- Elevation loss: 1250 m / 4100 ft
- Path numbers: 709, 711, 711A
After leaving Rifugio Pradidali, the trail immediately ascends northward into the heart of the Pale di San Martino group on path 709.
Although an easier alternative is possible, through Val Pradidali, the true route of Alta Via 2 now gains 400m of elevation up to Passo delle Lede on path 711.
There are several sections of cables up to the pass which is much more complicated than the protected sections earlier in the day and although they might slow you down, should pose no real difficulty. At a decent pace, it’s just over an hour to pass.
After the pass, you’ll now lose a knee-busting, quad-trembling 1300m of elevation down the steep slopes of Vallon delle Lede.
The scenic Bivacco C. Minazio marks the halfway point of the descent and is a great place for a sandwich break or to hide for a bit from the sun. The route then relentlessly carries on downhill on path 711A until you reach the banks of the river Canali.
The sight, sound, and smell of the river are very refreshing after the long descent battle. After crossing the river the path quickly begins to switch back the last 25 minutes up to Rifugio Treviso.
Night 10: Rifugio Treviso
Tucked away in a forest, rifugio Treviso is a very welcomed sight after the downhill battle from Passo delle Lede. Whilst it wasn’t my favorite refuge along the way, there isn’t an alternative that doesn’t involve descending further down from the path, only to go back the same way the next day.
Day 11: Rifugio Treviso to Rifugio Passo Cereda
- Distance: 11.5 km / 7.15 mi
- Walking time: 4h
- Elevation gain: 790 / 2592 ft
- Elevation loss: 1050 / 3445 ft
- Path number: 718
Much like the previous day the route starts due south from the refuge, this time on path 718 through a scenic sparse forest for around 45 minutes before a left turn quickly turns the trail into a series of switchbacks in an exposed wide gully.
Thankfully it’s west-facing so you won’t be blasted by the morning sun on your ascent. After around 2 hours you’ll reach the highest point of the day, Forcella d’Oltro at almost 2100m and circa 500m higher than Rifugio Treviso.
From here it’s a short steep downhill before the path heads south southwestward undulating over a mixture of grassy and rocky terrain amongst spectacular rocky outcrops.
After roughly maintaining your elevation for around an hour, the route then begins to switch back downhill and you’ll enter the tree line.
This part of the route is tough due to the amount of deadfall that has occurred in recent years. Route finding is at times very difficult and sometimes stressful but always achievable.
Remember heading downhill, on a path or not, will eventually bring you out onto a private road where a right turn will take you down to Passo Cereda and the refuge of the same name.
Rifugio Passo Cereda
Rifugio Passo Cereda is actually more of a hotel than a refuge. Run by an Italian family, it offers great service and food at very affordable prices. Because Passo Cereda can be reached by car, the crowd at the refuge is not limited to hikers only.
Day 12: Rifugio Passo Cereda to Rifugio Boz
- Distance: 17.5 km / 10.87 mi
- Walking time: 5h
- Elevation gain: 1300 m / 4265 ft
- Elevation loss: 980 m / 3215 ft
- Path number: 801
After crossing the Pale di San Martino Range, the end of the Alta Via 2 journey is now in sight! If you made it this far you can make it to the end!
Today you will enter the rugged Dolomiti Bellunesi Park and come face to face with the Cimónega group. Path wise there is only one number left to remember – 801. This is the path you will now follow until the finish line at Passo Croce D’Aune.
The most challenging part of today’s hike will be the ascent to Forcella Comedon, which according to the guidebook I followed, should only be embarked upon during good weather as heavy rain could cause landslides. Around 3/4 of the way up, there is a great rocky outcrop with a jaw-dropping vista of the Sarzana Valley (photo above).
After reaching the Comedon saddle a sharp drop takes you into Val Canzoi, home to the high alpine Bivouac – Feltre Bodo and a great place for a stop and rest.
You will then circle around the southeastern flanks of Sass de Mur and head towards Passo de Mura, from where you will get the first glimpse of Rifugio Boz.
Night 12: Rifugio Boz
Even though it was the start of August, the busiest time of the year in the Dolomites, rifugio Boz was really quiet and we were one of the very few overnight guests. That meant no snorers in our room and a very good rest before our last day of Alta Via 2!
Day 13: Rifugio Boz to Croce D’Aune
- Distance: 24 km / 15 mi
- Walking time: 7h
- Elevation gain: 940 m / 3084 ft
- Elevation loss: 1700 m / 5577 ft
- Path number: 801
After hiking for almost 6 weeks straight including the last two weeks on Alta Via 2 I finally made it to my last day only to run out of luck with the weather. An hour and a half into the hike after leaving Rifugio Boz, we were engulfed in clouds, and soon after a storm and pouring rain.
I guess it had to happen eventually and I shouldn’t really complain, I had a pretty amazing weather streak after all, but deep down I wish I didn’t miss out on the views.
Today’s stretch takes you first up to Passo di Finestra, reached ca. 40 minutes after leaving the hut, then follows precarious ledges, steep zig-zag paths, and boulder fields under Monte Zoccare Alto and along the Sasso di Scarnia ridgeline. Alta Via 2 remains relentless until the very last day!
Those are the toughest sections of today’s stage, and a few cable-aided passages are coming your way, where it might be a good idea to gear up.
Once you reach the path under Monte Ramezza the route easies and for the next couple of hours follows a grassy crest, green slopes, and high alpine pastures. Two more passes are coming your way: Passo Pietana and Passo delle Vette Grandi.
As we were nearing Passo delle Vette the signs became unclear, then we spotted an old farm a couple of hundred meters down from the path, which in heavy rain we mistook for the hut. Rifugio Dal Piaz only comes in view after you cross Passo delle Vette! Don’t make the same mistake as we did.
Rifugio Dal Piaz is the last refuge along Alta Via 2 and only 1,5 hours of a downhill hike away from Passo Croce D’Aune. Longing for a proper bed, shower, and a meal that didn’t consist of pasta or polenta we decided to push on, after drying off a bit in the refuge and getting some lunch.
Lucky for us the skies cleared, the sun came up and suddenly it became very warm.
From Rifugio Dal Piaz the last 90 minutes follow an old military road all the way to Passo Croce D’Aune. From here you can catch the local bus to Feltre, where you can celebrate the completion of Alta Via 2!
A list of all mountain huts along Alta Via 2
If you are planning to hike Alta Via 2 this list of all mountain huts along the route will come in really handy.
If this will be your first time staying in an Italian rifugio make sure to check out my other article about everything you need to know before staying in a mountain hut in the Dolomites. It includes information about alpine club memberships, how to make reservations, the meaning of ‘half-board’, and much more.
| Mountain hut | E-mail/reservation page | Distance from the last hut | Phone Number | CAI/SAT Member | Showers | Credit/Debit cards accepted |
| Rifugio Citta di Bressanonne | info@plosehuette.com | 5 km/3.1 mi | +39 0472 521 222 | Yes | Yes | |
| Rifugio Genova | info@schlueterhuette.com | 16.4 km/10.2 mi | +39 347 266 7694 | Yes | Yes | No |
| Rifugio Puez | info@rifugiopuez.it | 12.7 km/7.9 mi | +39 0474 646 427 | Yes | No | |
| Rifugio Piscadiu | info@rifugiopisciadu.it | 14.8 km/9.2 mi | +39 0471 836 292 | Yes | Yes | |
| Rifugio Boè | rifugio@rifugioboe.it | 5.2 km/3.2 mi | +39 0471 847 303 | Yes | No | |
| Rifugio Castiglioni | info@rifugiomarmolada.it | 17.3 km/10.75 mi | +39 0462 601 117 | No | Yes | |
| Passo San Pellegrino | Hotel Costabella | 24.5 km/15.2 mi | +39 0462 573 326 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rifugio Mulaz | rifugiomulaz@gmail.com | 15.8 km/9.8 mi | +39 047 599 420 | Yes | Yes | |
| Rifugio Rosetta | info@rifugiorosetta.it | 8.8 km/5.5 mi | +39 0439 68 308 | Yes | Yes | |
| Rifugio Pradidali | pradidali@libero.it | 6.5 km/4 mi | +39 0439 64 180 | Yes | ||
| Rifugio Treviso | rifugiotreviso@gmail.com | 12.5 km/7.8 mi | +39 0439 62 311 | Yes | No | |
| Rifugio Passo Cereda | rifugiocereda@gmail.com | 11.5 km/7.2 mi | +39 0439 65 118 or 030 | Yes | Yes | |
| Rifugio Boz | rifugioboz@gmail.com | 17.5 km/10.9 mi | +39 0439 64 448 | Yes | ||
| Rifugio Dal Piaz | info@rifugiodalpiaz.com | 17.5 km/10.9 mi | + 39 329 364 74 28 | Yes | ||
| The end: Passo Croce D’Aune | 6.5 km/4 mi |
Possible late entry or early escape routes on Alta Via 2
Similar to Alta Via 1, there are plenty of possibilities to hike only a part of Alta Via 2. You can either enter the route later or exit earlier at any of these locations. Please note that this isn’t an exhaustive list, but for the purpose of this blog, I decided to only include a few most convenient options. I have also included links to accommodation choices in each town.
Day 3: Passo Gardena
buses run frequently from Passo Gardena to either Corvara in Val Badia or Ortisei in Gardena Valley
Day 5: Passo Pordoi
Buses run frequently to Canazei or Campitello in Fassa Valley or Arabba in Fodom Valley
Day 6: Passo Fedaia
Similar to the previous day, you can catch a local bus to Canazei or Campitello di Fassa.
Day 6 (afternoon) or day 7 (morning) Passo San Pellegrino
Since this is a really long stage you may want to consider staying overnight at a hotel on Passo San Pellegrino before catching a bus to San Martino di Castrozza, Agordino, or Predazzo the next morning.
Day 7: Passo Rolle
Upon reaching Passo Valles instead of continuing to Rifugio Mulaz you can veer off path 751 onto 749 and hike through the spectacular Val Venegia, pass Baita.G.Segantini to Passo Rolle. From here catch a local bus to San Martino di Castrozza.
Day 8: San Martino Di Castrozza
Once you reach Rifugio Rosetta on day 8 take the gondola down to San Martino di Castrozza.
Day 10: Fiera Di Primero
Instead of hiking through Passo delle Lede, when leaving Rifugio Pradidali take path no 709 all the way down to Val Canali. Local bus to Fiera di Primiero leaves from La Ritonda refuge.
Day 11: Passo Cereda
Catch a bus to Fiera di Primiero. The town has frequent buses to Feltre, where you can travel onwards by train to any city or airport in Italy.
Shop my hut-to-hut backpacking gear
Osprey 30+ Liter Backpack
30-40 liter backpack should be more than enough to pack everything you need for a hut-to-hut trip in the Dolomites with plenty of room for water and snacks. If you can’t fit in, it means you are overpacking. I am a huge fan of Osprey backpacks and they have plenty of options in this storage volume range to choose from.
Shop on Osprey Amazon Store / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Sleeping Bag Liner
Sleeping bag liners are required for hut stays. Duvets and blankets aren’t washed after each guest who stays at the hut. Liners ensure that you don’t come in direct contact with the sheets and subsequently, it is more hygienic. Some huts rent or sell them, but it’s better to bring your own.
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Patagonia Insulated Jacket
Even in the middle of the summer season evenings can be quite cold. If you don’t plan on venturing out of the hut in the evenings, you can skip this layer. I personally always bring one with me as I like to take sunset photos outside.
Shop on Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
Merino Wool T-Shirts
Having a couple of Merino Wool T-shirts which you can alternate and then wash at the hut each day will be more than enough to keep body odors at bay. I am personally a big fan of the Icebreaker brand, however these days plenty of other brands have Merino products in their inventory.
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Merino Wool Socks
I always carry 2 pairs of socks in my backpack and one on me during multiday backpacking trails. Merino wool fibers and their unique properties are resistant to odors. Merino wool socks also prevent getting blisters as opposed to cotton socks.
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Peak Design Camera Clip
A must-have for any mountain photography enthusiast who is tired of carrying a camera around their neck. The peak design capture clip allows you to attach your camera to a backpack strap. That way you don’t have to take your backpack off and take your camera out every time you want to take a photo. You will always have it handy.
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Other backpacking trip ideas in the Italian Dolomites
- 3-5-day Rosengarten Traverse
- 3-4- day Tre Cime National Park Traverse
- 2-4-day Pale Di San Martino Traverse
- 3-5-day Adamello Brenta Dolomites Traverse
- 3-4-day Monte Popera Circuit
- Alta Via 1 (11 days)
- Alta Via 4 (6 days)
More travel and hiking resources in the Dolomites
- Photography spots in the Italian Dolomites
- Via ferratas in the Italian Dolomites
- Day hikes in the Italian Dolomites
- Hut-to-hut treks in the Italian Dolomites
Do you plan on hiking Alta Via 2 and have questions regarding the route? Post your questions in the comments below! I have walked it myself and am happy to share my experience and help you out with planning! The only thing I ask of you is that you read the guide in full first!
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If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!
Your whole travel site is amazing. We are going to the dolomites and are going to do Alta Via 2 following your recommendations. We wanted to skip two nights and we were going to skip. Rifugio Boe, but upon reading your notes, maybe it would be more comfortable to stay there than at R. PISCADIU. Would you recommend one Rifugio over the other as far as skipping versus staying?
And I was also wondering if instead of skipping Refugio Rosetta, you thought it might be possible to skip R. Treviso.
That would mean hiking from R. Pradidali to R. Passover Cereda (15 Mile day, but we are very fit). If you could share your thoughts on these two questions on whether this plan would be OK in your mind as far as spots to stay for the night, I would really appreciate it. Thank you so much for all of your insights. We plan on looking at your guide to Iceland as well as we are traveling there this spring.
Hi Laura. Thanks for visiting. Skipping Piscadiu and going straight to Boe is a better option for sure.
As for Skipping Treviso, no I wouldn’t recommend it as both Pradidali-Treviso and Treviso-Cereda are quite demanding days. Connecting those two would mean 1500 meters of elevation gain and a whooping 2300 meters (7500 ft) elevation loss. My knees are hurting just thinking about it 😉 Skipping Rosetta and heading straight for Pradidali is a better option.
Thank you so much for your reply. We actually decided to stay two nights at Pradidali to do some of the extensions but to skip Piscadiu and Rosetta on the way.
Unfortunately, it looks like the hotel and spa CostaBella is full at the time that I’m trying to stay there on June 28. Do you have a suggestion of another spot near there to break up the distance between Castiglioni and Mulaz? Thank you so much for your help.
Hi Marta, you can ignore my previous request as I was wrong about Costabella. I was looking at the May Reservation, Schedule, and they are open during our dates in June.
I did have one more question for you though. We are hiking with our 15 year old son and when I write to the rifugios, they ask if I want a dorm room or three person room. Do you know if the price is a lot higher per person for the three person room? Since we are traveling with our son, it would be a lot more comfortable for us to be in a room just the three of us.
They are not really giving me an idea of that price difference, because their new price lists have not come out yet, but I thought maybe there was a general sense that you had about how steep the increase is per person if you do not stay in the larger dorm room. We will have a CAI family membership which should help the cost in some of the rifugios.
Hi Laura. If the hut belongs to the Italian Alpine Club then the prices are the same whether you book a dorm or a private room. If you are staying in a private hut the prices may be more. I have a list at the end of the post and it tells you which huts belongs to Alpine Club and which doesn’t. So if you have the option I would say go for the 3 person rooms. I stayed in private rooms with my dad on Alta Via 1 almost all the way through and we paid the same price as for dorms (again this only refers to the alpine club huts). It is very easy to register for an Austrian Alpine Club (AAC) online. The discounts are reciprocal meaning you would get discount with the AAC club card in Italian Dolomites and vice versa. It would be worth checking that out. I am a member of the AAC myself.
Hi Marta,
Your guides are incredible! I plan on spending the summer of 2024 in the Dolomites. I want to hike the Alta Via 1 and 2 along with a few shorter hikes. My question is whether people ever hike the Alta Via South to North? As I was planning on hiking the Alta Via 1 first (North to South) would it make more sense to hike the Alta Via 2 South to North or should I take public transportation all the way to Brixon to start?
Hey Dan. Thanks for visiting. Hiking North to South makes more sense because of the position of the sun. With that said it is possible to hike South to North but out of the two Alta Vias if you were to hike one of them South to North then it should be the AV1. AV2 has some via ferratas along the route and it’s better (and safer) to climb up rather than down a via ferrata. AV1 doesn’t have any via ferrata (only ones that can be done as extensions) I hope that helps!
This is super helpful! You provided details that I didn’t even consider! Thank you for replying. This is an amazing website and one that I’ve bookmarked. Looking forward to your Lofoten update as I recently hiked that region.
So glad I could help! The Norway guide is an ongoing process but I already have lots of resources on the Fjords.
Hi Marta, thanks so much for all the wonderful information – was hoping to get your thoughts on whether you think its possible to hike from San Pellegrino to Rif. Mulaz and back in one day? We are hiking the AV2 this september (starting on 13th) and ending in San Pellegrino but still have the day after to explore, before heading back to Val Gardena, so we were thinking of things to do. It would be great to check out Mulaz since your post mentions beautiful views but wondering if that’s too much to take on for a day. We’re also open to other hikes or via ferratas (intermediate) if available.
thanks so much!!
Hey Dan. Sorry for the late reply. I missed your comment. As for hiking from Passo San Pellegrino to Mulaz and back in one day it would be a heck of a day especially after hiking from Passo Fedaia to Passo San Pellegrino on the previous day. For me personally it would be too much. I would probably try and check out something else in the area. Just hike to Col Margharita or across Val Venegia.
Hi Marta!!
Your guides are so incredibly helpful! My friends and I leave next week for our Dolomite adventure. Because of what huts we could get booked, we are doing the exact same last day as you and tour dad did (16mi!). My plan is for us to catch a ride (taxi or bus) to Belluno and then grab the train back to Venice. There seems to be many trains throughout the day. Should I pre-purchase train tickets?? I don’t want to be stuck on a later train if we get done early or miss our train if it takes us longer…. Do the trains ever get full?
Thanks again for all of your amazing information!!
Sarah
Hi Sarah. You should be able to wing it without buying a ticket in advance, but normally they are cheaper when bought in advance so there are pros and cons. We left rifugio Pramperet at 5AM and had breakfast at the next hut. We made it to La Pisa stop at 2PM with two ca. 45-60 mins breaks at Pian De Fontana and Bianchet huts. It was a very hot day that day (40 degrees Celsius). I am glad we had the difficult part behind us in the early morning when it was still relatively cool. This area of the Dolomites feels very different than much further north, more tropical in a way. Anyways I hope that helps. Have a great time and let me know what you thought about the AV1.
Thanks for putting this together! I’m starting the Alta Via 2 in about a week. I wanted to get your opinion on the last two days of hiking (e.g., everything past Rifugio Passo Cereda to Feltre), especially compared to the previous 11 days. Due to unforeseen scheduling changes, I have the following options: 1) hike the full Alta Via trail across the 13 day itinerary you’ve laid out but only have a half day in Milan before I fly back to America or 2) Exit early from Rifugio Passo Cereda and have 2.5 days in Milan before I fly back. I’m intent on hiking the full trail, but I also worry that a half day is not enough recovery time. Are the last two of hiking days worth it?
Thanks again!
Hey Frank. Thanks for stopping by. Here is my suggestion, just book the last two huts and see how you feel, how the weather is etc. If the forecast is terrible just go down to Fiera di Primero, if it is great then keep going. The last two days are beautiful too.
Personally I am not a city person so spending two days in Milan doesn’t sound too exciting for me. The only city where I spent some time in Italy were Verona and Trento. 🙂 I hope that helps
Hi Marta,
Thank you so much for putting these amazing posts together. Your website has been the best source of information for planning our upcoming trip!
My partner and I are planning on doing the AV2 during Sep with an early exit at Passo San Pellegrino, however I’m having trouble working out the best way to get back to Bressanone from there. Do you have any recommendations?
Thanks again for the brilliant info!
Hi Tash. Thanks for the great feedback. Please consider supporting my site! I would really appreciate it. As for the transport i just quickly checked on google maps. from Passo San Pellegrino Bus B123 to Moena (Albergo Trentino stop) then change into bus B104 to Vigo di Fassa Prà De Carolina, then walk 1 minute to bus stop Vigo di Fassa-Strada Neva and catch bus 180 to Bolzano Autostazione then catch a train to Bressanone. The whole journey takes 2h 40 mins. You can zoom onto google maps to see bus stops.
Love the Blog! one question for you Marta: Is there a luggage transfer company to transfer luggage from beginning to the end of Alta Via 2 that you can recommend? We are touring Italy before hiking the Dolomite so we have some extra luggage.
Thanks a lot!
Lie
Hi Lie. Thanks for visiting. Unfortunately I do not know of any luggage transfer companies.What you could do is to ship your luggage to a hotel where you will be staying at the end of AV2 (make prior arrangements with the hotel).
Hey Marta,
I really love your blog. I read all of it and it is super informative and well written.
Thank you for all your effort!
I would like to ask a question:
I am planning to do the AV2 around July, 9, 2023. I would like to remain somewhat flexible and wanted to ask how far into the trail I should book the huts. I noticed you mentioned that you would book all the way to Rosetta, but then again, you also mentioned that after Malga Ciapela it becomes a lot quieter. I wanted to ask if you think booking all the way to Castiglioni + hotel Costabella and booking all the rest as I go might be enough considering it’s July and not August?
Thanks!
Alex.
Hi Alex, thanks for visiting. Both July and August are very busy in the Dolomites. It’s school holiday time around Europe and many people travel during that time. I would book everything in advance until Passo Cereda. After that, the hike was very quiet. The trek between Malga Ciapella to rifugio Mulaz was very quiet, but once you enter the Pale Di San Martino range it gets a little busier again as many people just cross this range instead of the entire AV2. There is also the Palaronda trek which goes in a circuit around Pale di San Martino and includes some of the huts which lie along the AV2.
Booking in advance is better. You can always cancel later. Some huts take deposits, but they are only 10-20 euro max. Worse comes to worst you lose a deposit. Obviously not ideal, but in my opinion it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Hi Marta,
I’ve been going through your website like crazy, it’s so good and you take some great pics!
I’m planning to do 4 days / 3 nights hut to hut in the Dolomites end of June/start of July. The following guide (https://inafarawayland.com/tre-cime-national-park-traverse/) looks amazing but the girl I’m taking may be less excited about the harness, helmet, ropes, etc. than I am, unfortunately.
What would you recommend? We’re both young and fit and keen to explore, not afraid to put in some bigger days but also looking for a good balance as I’m a photographer and planning to make the most of it behind the lens as well.
Thanks,
Chris
Hi Chris,
thanks for visiting and for your awesome feedback. The Tre Cime traverse would be fantastic for you, photography-wise. The alternative start with via ferrata Strada Degli Alpini would be a great option for your friend to get familiar with what a via Ferrata is (and how much fun it is) because it is a beginner route. If not you can just use the normal hiking route. The second day of walking from rifugio Pian Di Ciengia to Locatelli might be a bit short for your friend but photography-wise amazing for you, but at the same time there are plenty of trails to explore around Locatelli before you do the third day.
On the third day, the via Ferrata Bonacossa is again a basic one.
As an alternative, I either recommend that you pick a section of AV1 or AV2. At the end of each guide I have a section where I write late entry/early escape routes which tell you how to shorten the AV1 or AV2 to adjust to your needs. AV1 does not include any via ferrata sections. Photography wise rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Tissi then exiting in Alleghe would probably be best for you.
Hi Marta,
Thanks for this advice! Greatly appreciated.
Just to confirm, the Tre Cime Traverse can be done without any helmets, harnesses, etc. with your guide by doing those paths that are not at ‘intermediate’ level on your guide? Any any extensions you recommend to make that second day longer or just make the most of exploring the area around the rifugio at the end?
If harnesses/helmets are required for the Tre Cime Traverse is there a particular section of AV1 or AV2 you’d recommend which doesn’t require such gear?
I’m also checking out Norway while in Europe and researching your guides there as well, vey luck to have found your site!
Thanks!
Chris
Hi Chris. Your comment was posted twice so I kept just one. To put it in short again, not the Tre Cime traverse should not be done without via ferrata equipment. You can’t skip the VF Bonacossa on the third day. AV2 has short via ferrata sections on most days so I would recommend AV1. Just bear in mind that this is the busiest Alta Via so book ahead! As written in my previous comment “AV1 does not include any via ferrata sections. Photography wise rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Tissi then exiting in Alleghe would probably be best for you” At the end of the second part of my Alta Via 1 guide I have a section where I write late entry/early escape routes which tell you how to shorten the AV1 to your needs and it will explain to your hot to start with rifugio Lagazuoi and end in Alleghe. Let me know if you have more questions! My Norway guide should be mostly done in February. I am working hard on the articles at the moment. There should be around 50 articles in total!
Perfect thank Marta and sorry for the double-up, my computer wasn’t showing it!
Notes taken, I’ll plan accordingly and look forward to the rest of the Norway info.
All good. Comments have to be approved first before they show up, hence you didn’t see it 🙂 In the meantime do let me know if you have any more questions! Happy New Year!
Hi Marta, thank you so much for this incredibly detailed information. It’s so informative and enjoyable to read! My wife and I have done sections of the Alta Via 1 and plan to do the Alta Via 2 this coming summer, but likely only have time for about half of it this time around. Can it be easily split in half so that we do ~6-7 days this coming summer and the remainder the following? Is one half more beautiful, more isolated, more difficult? Or is there a section that you think is the absolute best and should not be missed? We’re trying to maximize, given that we can’t do the whole thing in one go. Any tips welcome! Thanks!
~Liz
Hi Liz! Thanks for your great feedback. I am glad you decided on AV2. It’s an awesome traverse. As for your question. I am not sure if you saw, but at the end of my post I have early escape or late entry possibilities, which basically breaks down for you where you can finish as an alternative (or start for that matter).
What I would recommend for you is either doing the first half and starting in Bressanone and ending on Passo Fedaia. Or the second part which is a lot more quiet and includes the Pale di San Martino traverse, which is fantastic and feels more off the beaten path. If you were to hike the second part then I would recommend starting in Malga Ciapella (The hike between Passo Fedaia and Malga Ciapella follows a paved road, so I would ski that part). Let me know if that helps and if you have any more questions!
Thanks so much, Marta! This guidance is much appreciated and so helpful. What you’re suggesting sounds great. I’m going to review the rest of the details from your post to be sure I don’t miss anything! Thanks again.
No worries! If any questions arise do let me know. I will be happy to help.
Thank you so much for this amazing resource, especially the early escape/late entry options. I’m planning to hike the AV2 with my boyfriend in Sept. We want to do 7-8 days, so similar to the comment above. Right now we’re leaning towards the second half so that it’s more remote, starting in Malga Ciapella. However, I read your description of rifugio Capanna Fassa/Piz Boe, which sounds amazing so I’m feeling reluctant to miss this section of the AV2. I’m wondering if it would be possible to start by staying at rifugio capana Fassa the first night (taking the cable car from Passo Pordoi), and then finishing the rest of AV2 from there. Do you think that’s doable and a good option? Any other partial AV2 suggestions for someone that probably won’t come back to finish the whole thing? Thank you!!
Hi Emma. Thanks for visiting and for your lovely feedback. Staying overnight in rifugio Capanna Fassa is definitely something.
You can start at Passo Gardena and the first day walks to Capanna Fassa. Then day two to Passo Fedaia, day 3 – Passo San Pellegrino, Day 4 Rifugio Mulaz, Day 6 Rifugio Pedrotti (Skipping Rosetta), day 7 Rifugio Treviso Day 8 Passo Cereda then exit to Fiera Di Primero. I hope that helps! Let me know if you have more questions.
Hello Marta,
I finished the TMB route in the past summer vacation and thought I had enough experience on finding refugios and planning the trip. However, there is not that much convinient information for AV2 route, as it is not as popular as TMB route. Thanks for your blogs, which provided so much helpful information. I planned to visit Dolomites during the late half of July next year.
Please keep writing these brilliant blogs. I love them so much!
Hollie
Hi Hollie! Thanks so much for your awesome feedback. I am glad I was able to help. Do let me know if you have any questions regarding the trek.
Hey Marta! Loving your blog. Easy to read, clear info and pictures that make me want to go right away. I’ve used the blog to do the Rosengarten traverse and now the Alta Via II. Both were fantastic!
Though around this time (17-24 September) some passes were really icy. So just a heads up to folks: in June or September it’s wise to bring crampons (or at least trekking poles) for the areas around Piscadiu, Boè, Rosetta and Pradidali.
I hope you keep up these amazing blogs!
Cheers, Tom
Hi Tom! Thanks for stopping by and for your feedback. I am sure others will appreciate it. There was a snowfall early in the season, this snow doesn’t usually linger for very long. It’s mostly gone by now, but carrying extra safety equipment of course can’t hurt.
I am glad you had an amazing time in the Dolomites once again!
Dear Marta,
This is an excellent resource you have made and I must say the best out there on the web.
Do you think it’s possible to do Passo San Pellegrino to Rif. Rosetta in one difficult day (after a rest day)?
We are 2 very fit 30 something guys with quite limited hiking experience.
Fred
Hi Freddie! Thanks for stopping by. I really appreciate your feedback. Now to your question. I presume you are asking it because you cannot get a reservation in rifugio Mulaz? It is absolutely possible. People run 120 km ultramarathons in one day, but whether it will be possible for you, I can’t tell you because I have no idea:) You need to know your limits yourself. I could probably do it, but it wouldn’t be enjoyable. Sorry, I can’t give you a straight answer. let me know if you have any more questions. Another option is to stay at Passo Valez which you cross after Passo San Pellegrino. There is a refuge there too and that would make the hike totally doable as it would put you a lot closer to Rosetta.
Hi!!! Love your site, so much great information and photos, thank you. I did the AV1 before the pandemic began and have been waiting ever since to return to the imposing and mystical Dolomites! My friend and I are considering doing the AV2 probably end of August into the beginning of Sept. Do you think we need to book all of our rifugios ahead? We did on the AV1 since it is so popular, but we are concerned that we may have to be more spontaneous on the AV2 considering things like weather and exhaustion! Will one rifugio call ahead to the next? Thank you again for providing your insights and useful details on this amazing site!!!
Hi Judy. Thanks for stopping by and your lovely feedback. I wouldn’t dare to go to the Dolomites without reservations in August. That’s the busiest month, however, in September things do quiet down a bit so you might be able to do this in September. Particularly the second half of AV2 after Passo Fedaia is when the hiker’s traffic slows down a lot. The last 3 nights we spent on AV2 were extremely quiet and the huts were almost empty at night. I hiked the AV2 in the second half of July 2019. The other issue is that those treks have become increasingly more popular in the last few years as people search for alternative ways to travel during pandemic times. I am sorry I can’t give you a straight-up answer. If it were for me I would prebook the huts for the first half and then wing it on the second half of AV2. Let me know if I can help any further!
Hi Marta,
Thank you for sharing this information–it’s very helpful. My wife and I are considering hiking a section of one of the alte vie. We hope to visit the area in September and will probably only be able to do one multiday rifugio-to-rifugio hike, somewhere between 3-5 days. We are fairly experienced hikers, and in good shape. We would like to do some via ferrata and are planning on carrying the necessary safety gear.
With the amount of time that we have, is there a certain section of an alta via that you especially love or would recommend for us? We are still trying to get a sense for the place, so anything you can share would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Gabriel. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you are not set on AV2. Please check out my Dolomiti Brenta Traverse (5 days and my favourite) or Rosengarten Traverse (3-4 days), Tre Cime NP Traverse (4 days) and Alta Via 4. All have awesome via ferratas in them, some of my favourites too. You can find all links to them here: https://inafarawayland.com/category/dolomites-hut-to-hut-treks/ Let me know if you have any more questions!
Hi Marta,
Thanks for your reply. We’re not set on AV2 at all–still very much trying to figure out where to go and how to spend our time in Sudtirol/Dolomiti generally (there are so many things to see and do in the region that interest us).
To that end, the information and opinions you’ve shared are very helpful and very appreciated. I will take a closer look at your suggested routes. I hope you won’t mind if I might have more questions in the future. Thanks again!
No worries! please do ask away. Always happy to help. Good luck with the planning. If there is one tip I can give you is not to obsess about the ‘highlights’ like Tre Cime, Seceda or Lake Sorapiss. They can become unpleasantly busy.
Hi Marta, great post! Very thorough!!!! In your opinion was it pretty easy booking the huts through the contacts you listed for each hut? Did you pay in advance or when you arrived? Lastly, it looks like you did the trip in 13 days with option for 11 days…..Do you have any recommendations for huts to stay at for completing it in 8 or 9 days? Any info would be greatly appreciated! Keep up the great posts!!!
Hi Murray. Some huts required a deposit payment (usually non-refundable) others none at all. It really depends on a hut to hut basis and how close to your arrival date you are booking. The rest was paid either in the evening prior to check out day or in the morning on the check out day. Yes I did the trip in 13 days. You can connect some days to shorten it for example day 1: rifugio Genova, Day 2 rifugio Jimmy, Day 3 stay on Passo Pordoi, Day 4 Passo Fedaia, Day 5 Passo Dan Pelegrino, Day 6 Rifugio Mulaz, Day 7 Rifugio Pedrotti, Day 8 Rifugio Passo Cereda (that would be a tough day) then from Passo Cereda catch the bus to Fiera di Primero and skip the last two sections. I can’t imagine walking the whole distance in 8 days or 9 days. Take a look at the list of the huts I have at the end of part 2 including elevation gain and loss and consider what’s doable for you.
This is great! Thanks for all the information, we are planning the AV 2 with family(two teenagers) this June and will be using your guide and information. I can’t seem to find your map though. Thanks anyways!!!!
Hi Kevin! Thanks for your feedback. I have recently migrated my site so some pics and maps are still missing but I will be reuploading them this week so stay tuned! In the meantime I am happy to answer any questions you may have! AV2 is awesome. Just make sure you don’t start earlier than the 3rd week of June!
Thanks so much for this very detailed post. It is by far the best AV info I’ve seen. I’m wondering what you, or anyone else reading this, knows about covid protocol for huts/hotels for summer 2022. We had planned to hike the AV 2 in 2020 ,but had to cancel and now are hoping to do a somewhat abbreviated version for 2022. Thanks for any thoughts on this.
Hi there! Thanks for stopping by and your great feedback. During COVID times the huts usually required that people bring their own sleeping bags. Normally it was just sleeping a sleeping bag liner, but since the huts aren’t able to wash the sheets after each guest hence that was the requirement. I stayed in the huts in Austria last year and the requirement was also to have a COVID vaccination certificate, so I would carry that with you just in case. Also wearing a mask in common areas was a requirement. Then again a lot of the rules are established on a hut to hut basis so there isn’t one protocol that fits all. I hope that helps!