As I began the climb up the Alta Through 1 path from Brais Lake, my physique was anxious with pleasure – the sort of pleasure you get once you begin an epic journey. This was the start of a day of plenty of elevation acquire, I simply hoped that I used to be in adequate form to make it. I used to be nervous, but I used to be excited to enter the world of thru-hiking as soon as once more with a bunch of latest individuals to get to know alongside the way in which.
I knew this was going to be a difficult hike, however I additionally knew that my physique and thoughts wanted this multi-day journey within the mountains greater than ever. What I didn’t know is that it could be THIS extremely lovely.
Likelihood is should you haven’t heard of the Dolomites but – quickly it is going to be a spot in your radar. The 2026 Winter Olympics shall be in Cortina Italy within the coronary heart of the Dolomites. You’ll quickly see the gorgeous Dolomites mountains lined in snow all around the information. Nonetheless, I invite you to beat the crowds there and head there sooner quite than later – in any case – it’s at all times higher to steer than comply with!
The place and What are the Dolomites
The Dolomites, positioned in northeastern Italy, is a mountainous area famend for its gorgeous magnificence and distinctive geological formations. The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps and canopy an space of over 140,000 hectares. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage web site in 2009, because of its distinctive geology and pure magnificence.
Dolomites Historical past
The Dolomites have a wealthy historical past, from their geologic origins to their position in World Struggle I. The Alta Through 1 takes you thru the guts of this historical past, with quite a few struggle memorials and fortifications dotting the panorama. The hike additionally affords an opportunity to be taught concerning the native tradition and traditions of the Ladin individuals, who’ve lived within the Dolomites for hundreds of years.
The mountain vary consists of a novel rock known as dolomite, which was fashioned over 250 million years in the past from the traditional ocean mattress. This rock is characterised by its light-colored, jagged peaks and steep ridges, making a panorama that’s in contrast to some other on the planet.
Alta Through 1 Hike By means of the Dolomites
I used to be there to tackle the Alta Through 1, a multi-day hike traversing by the guts of the Dolomites. It could take anyplace from 8 to 12 days relying in your pace. The trek affords panoramic views of the long-lasting jagged peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and rolling inexperienced meadows that make the Dolomites such a novel and delightful panorama.
The Alta Through 1 hike makes use of the mountain hut system (rifugios) the place you may sleep and eat, making it one of many world’s hottest thru-hikes. ‘Rifugio’ means ‘shelter’ in Italian, however it’s also interchangeable with ‘mountain hut’. Nonetheless, these are not any primary huts…you’ll be properly taken care of and comfy on the rifugios!
Our Alta Through 1 Route Map
3 Methods to Hike the Dolomites Alta Through 1
1. Unbiased Climbing
When you have the time, you may tackle the Alta Through 1 independently – doing all of the planning your self. With roughly 30 rifugios alongside the route, there are lots of methods you may slice and cube your itinerary in case you are doing the Alta Through 1 independently. You’ll be able to tailor it only for you, your mountain climbing health, and your pursuits.
There are tons of sources on the market for the Alta Through 1 unbiased hiker:
Alta Through 1 Rifugios – reserving, particulars, location, and extra!
Maps – Tabacco Dolomite Map
Books/Route Guides – The perfect-loved guide/information map is that this Alta Through 1 Information
Blogs – there are many individuals who have detailed their unbiased mountain climbing journey for the Alta Through 1 the place you may get all of the nitty gritty particulars to plan and hike it your self.
2. Alta Through 1 Self-Guided
A step above unbiased mountain climbing is self-guided. That is the place you rent an organization to arrange all your logistics (rifugios, transfers, meals, baggage motion) and also you hike by yourself in keeping with their itinerary. You don’t have to fret about making your personal reservations or surprise about what path to take – that’s all determined for you.
It is a fashionable solution to do the Dolomites – a bit of dearer than unbiased, however you’ll have all of the planning completed for you – and that’s price rather a lot! One of many corporations I like to recommend for the Alta Through 1 Self-Guided is Slo Methods Journey – an Italian firm that is aware of the area properly.
In this Dolomites self-guided itinerary they supply the rifugio bookings, maps, and 24 hr. telephone assist. Baggage switch and transportation transfers are non-compulsory extras.
Observe: In case you do examine them out, please inform them you realized about it in Ottsworld – I actually respect it.
3. Hike Alta Through 1 With a Group
This was how I tackled the Alta Through 1 hike – with a bunch of 14 individuals – and it made the entire expertise a lot extra rewarding! I knew a few the individuals previous to the hike, however most have been strangers. Nonetheless, I had 8 days to get to know them whereas mountain climbing amongst majestic mountains – I can’t think about a greater social setting for making new mates. I completely liked the camaraderie; it took the hike to a complete different stage of goodness!
I went with Leap Adventures – a tour firm run by my good pal Jackie Nourse. She designs and hosts energetic adventures for many who need to get exterior their consolation zones and have an EPIC expertise with new mates. I joined her 8-night Group Dolomites Climbing Itinerary, and it was the spotlight of my journey 12 months. Not solely was the unimaginable outside expertise mind-blowing (as you’ll see beneath), but it surely was a uncommon social deal with for me to get to do an out of doors journey with so many cool individuals.
Leap Adventures is providing one other probability to do that group hike in September 2023! In case you watched me take it on in 2022, or are a solo traveler that basically desires to go along with a bunch, then please take a look at her superior tour! Plus – should you inform her that you simply realized about it on Ottsworld, I’ll ship you a particular journey present that it is possible for you to to take with you and use on the hike (one thing from my gear listing beneath)! However it’s essential to say that you simply heard about it from Ottsworld once you enroll!
Advantages of a Group Hike on Alta Through 1
In case you nonetheless aren’t on the ‘group mountain climbing’ prepare…let me share among the advantages of mountain climbing with others within the Dolomites.
Let Somebody Else Do the Planning
All logistics are dealt with for you, even your baggage transfers
Make New Friendships
I discover that after 50 it’s kind of arduous to make new mates. Nonetheless, happening a bunch hike is a superb solution to meet individuals who you have already got one thing in widespread with…a love of the outside and mountain climbing. Friendships shall be fashioned…I assure it.
No Extra Worry of Getting Misplaced
You’ll have a information to prepared the ground eliminating these ‘misplaced’ second. Perhaps you lack the boldness to hike a brand new path your self…a bunch hike is the answer!
Information of a Native Information
Climbing with a bunch is kind of like a transferring classroom. An area information can reply any questions concerning the space and historical past in addition to assist with the language barrier. For this specific hike, our native information Laura taught us all concerning the Ladin individuals, who’ve lived within the Dolomites for hundreds of years. The Ladin individuals have their very own language and cultural traditions that we have been uncovered to in the course of the hike.
Construct Confidence
In case you are kind of new to mountain climbing, it’s an effective way to construct up confidence in your outside expertise throughout the security and assist of a bunch. Think about it a stepping stone…a very enjoyable one!
Individuals To Cheer You On
Each hike I’ve ever completed has these moments the place you simply don’t assume you are able to do it – you’re feeling deflated, you may’t take one other step. However nothing beats the second once you hear somebody out of your group yell, “You are able to do it!” or “nice job!” or in my case, “There’s a beer on the prime ready for you!”.
What to Anticipate When Climbing the Dolomites Alta Through 1 Route
I shall be specializing in mountain climbing the Alta Through 1 with a small group since that’s how I did this journey. This implies most all planning is finished for you – all it’s important to do is hike and luxuriate in! Right here’s what you may anticipate once you hike the Alta Through 1 on a bunch tour…trace…anticipate to have an unimaginable time!
Hike Problem
In fact, that is arduous to gauge as a result of everybody charges a hike in a different way based mostly on their very own health stage. For me – I’d rank this a average to arduous hike. We hiked practically 50 miles with common each day elevation features/losses of 2700 ft – this definitely wasn’t straightforward. Nonetheless, I’ve seen some individuals write about it as a simple hike – so to every his/her personal, I suppose.
I discovered it actually difficult. There have been instances we needed to scramble up boulders, there have been plenty of steep switchbacks, and the paths have been rocky generally. You bought as excessive as 8,900 ft so at instances you additionally had altitude to deal with.
In case you are used to mountain climbing within the Alps or locations like Colorado – this could be regular, however for most individuals, it’s essential put together for the Alta Through 1.
Learn how to Practice
I’d recommend that you simply prepare for the up and down as a lot as you may. In case you don’t have mountains round you to apply in, then get on a stair climber and begin to strengthen these muscle mass 4 to six months out.
I like this coaching plan for lengthy hikes (there’s even a downloadable pdf!) that my pal Becki put collectively.
The place Do You Keep Alongside the Alta Through 1 Hike
The Rifugios (mountain huts) have been√ a slice of heaven; a heat place, stuffed with pleasure and friendship, full of a particular feeling of freedom that solely the mountains are capable of provide. I like mountain climbing all day, pushing myself, after which having a comfortable place to remain for the evening. The Dolomites are affected by cute rifugios in gorgeous, distant places – these are your ‘properties’ for the evening. They vary in design and high quality; nevertheless, it’s actually the individuals you might be with in addition to different hikers that make the expertise.
Most Dolomites rifugios supply dorm lodging with anyplace from 4 to 16 individuals in a room. Most that we stayed in have been 4 to a room. They furnish bedding – however chances are you’ll need to deliver a sleep sheet in addition to earplugs (see gear listing beneath). All the rifugios we stayed in have been on the nicer finish (thanks group journey!) and provided unimaginable views, sizzling showers, wifi, widespread areas, and meals/drink. An ideal place to wash up and relaxation after an extended path day!
Meals and Drink
I hike to eat. And there’s no higher nation to eat in than Italy. This makes the Alta Through 1 hike the proper storm for individuals like me! Daily I completed mountain climbing, I’d begin with a drink (beer or wine) to rejoice the top of the mountain climbing day. After which that night would feast on the pasta specialty of the realm that evening. There’s actually no higher place on the planet to carbo-load than Italy.
Most days we ate a continental hearty breakfast on the rifugio, would take a packed lunch from the rifugio and eat alongside the path, after which eat dinner on the hut we arrived at that night.
There have been just a few instances once we have been capable of eat lunch at rifugios due to their location on our hike for the day. I liked these days. It may appear bizarre to eat a giant lunch in the course of a hike…however when it’s selfmade pasta…I don’t care. A few of my greatest recollections have been recent pasta in the course of the mountain climbing day.
Each rifugio additionally provided very fairly priced wine (and it was good!) and native beer. Considered one of our rifugios was even a brewery! Rifugio Lavarella on Day 2 is Europe’s highest altitude brewery and the beer was actually nice – and so was the view!
Plus – on this specific Dolomites group itinerary from Leap Adventures – the meals have been all included which is soooo good. You by no means have to fret about additional spending cash…apart from all of that wine and beer that I drank!
Language Obstacles Alongside the Alta Through 1
It’s true that when you get into distant locations within the Dolomites there may be much less English spoken, however don’t let that deter you – you may get away with English just about all over the place. Granted – it’s at all times good to attempt to be taught a little bit of the native language – however don’t concern that you simply received’t be capable to get round since you don’t know Italian. There are at all times methods to get round a language barrier.
As well as, on a guided Dolomites hike, you’ve gotten an Italian-speaking information that’s with you! So – should you actually are having bother speaking, they might help. Or they will additionally educate you some helpful phrases in Italian!
Baggage Assist
We have been capable of have our baggage moved from rifugio to rifugio on our group hike. It makes that hike a lot extra satisfying once you simply must take a day pack. The bags assist ran like clockwork. Daily once we confirmed up at our endpoint, our baggage could be there ready for us, and we might grow to be comfy footwear and garments!
There have been two huts on our route the place no baggage assist was out there since there have been no roads there. On these days our baggage was moved to the subsequent hut with highway assist, and we simply packed just a few additional issues in our daypack for that evening.
Sauna Experiences within the Dolomites and Therapeutic massage
On the rifugios, you’ll additionally discover some wellness perks. Some have saunas – that are excellent in your aching physique! Since I used to be mountain climbing in mid-September, it was fairly chilly within the evenings, so a sizzling sauna was actually interesting.
I liked this cute little sauna at Rifugio Lavarella – and nothing beats a chilly water dunk after the sauna. I slept SO WELL that evening!
As well as, on my group journey, we have been capable of set up massages once we completed the hike again to our lodge in Cortina. Pure bliss!
Information and Alta Through 1 Path Markings
Our information Laura had been guiding teams by the Dolomites for years and knew a lot concerning the space. She led the way in which and dealt with all of our ‘administrative duties’ – like getting us began off within the morning, selecting out lunch spots, and being our liaison on the huts.
Plus – she was simply darn enjoyable. I realized a lot from her concerning the historical past of the realm in addition to the current-day Italian political panorama, and what the meals specialties have been within the area.
The path was marked fairly properly – nevertheless, there are a number of little offshoot trails that may make it complicated. It was very nice to only depend on Laura for instructions. It’s a perk of a bunch hike to only be capable to comply with and benefit from the second as an alternative of worrying in case you are on the proper path. Holidays ought to be a solution to cut back stress in our on a regular basis lives and remind us to reside within the second – and that’s the advantage of having a information!
Greatest Time of Yr To hike within the Dolomites
I’m biased…however I’m fairly optimistic the perfect time of the 12 months to do the Alta Through 1 hike is in September. And sure, that is once I went. The paths and mountain huts don’t absolutely open up for the summer time till mid-June, they usually keep open till the top of September. That signifies that most individuals hike within the Dolomites in July and August. The rifugios are usually booked up prematurely, and there are fairly just a few individuals utilizing the paths since persons are on college holidays. It’s additionally a lot hotter.
In September, when college is again in session and summer time has been forgotten – that is the time to go! It received’t be empty trails, however it is going to be extra cheap.
September can imply cooler climate to hike in too. Actually – we bumped into snow and ice on just a few of the upper elevations. Nonetheless, when mountain climbing and exerting vitality, I get pleasure from cooler temps – and September is ideal for that. We have been additionally fortunate in that we had solar day by day till the final one once I lastly needed to placed on my rain gear! July and August are typically fairly sizzling and there are frequent afternoon storms. And June generally is a gamble as at larger elevations you may nonetheless have snow and ice.
Bogs
There was solely in the future we didn’t discover a place in the course of the day to make use of a correct lavatory. On a typical mountain climbing day on the Alta Through 1, you’ll encounter loos at rifugios alongside the path. Nonetheless – there are additionally loads of locations to pee in nature…and the views are fairly good! In case you take a hike like this – then I feel you at all times have to be happy with doing your online business in nature. Nonetheless – on this specific group journey – loos have been fairly accessible.
Cash Issues Alongside the Path
On this group journey – you actually don’t must deliver a lot cash as virtually every thing is included. In case you plan to drink alcohol – then plan to pay for that – and possibly just a few additional snacks. You should utilize bank cards at many of the rifugios. I like to recommend bringing one bank card and less than $100 in money for the hike although.
Web Connectivity within the Dolomites
Web is on the market at all the rifugios – even the distant ones. Some are sooner than others after all. Mobile phone protection was additionally out there for me for 80% of the hike. I after all suggest that since you’ve gotten a information and every thing taken care of for you on a bunch hike, then why not simply log out and luxuriate in the truth that you simply must hike?
Alta Through 1 Day by Day Climbing within the Dolomites
Right here’s what I skilled day-to-day on my group hike with Leap Adventures.
Day 1 – Lake Brais to Rifugio Fodara Vedla
7 miles | 3635 ft Elevation Acquire | 1564 ft Elevation Loss | Max Altitude 7805 ft.
The Alta Through 1 begins with a bang! You begin at lovely Lake Brais mountain climbing across the lake, however when you get to the opposite aspect – put together to go up…plenty of up. The primary day within the Dolomites is at all times a problem as you get your legs transferring and get used to the altitude. Fortunately, the surroundings will take your thoughts off your drained legs and heavy respiration! I had heard about Italy’s Dolomites, however I had no thought they have been this lovely. The landscapes have been so various in addition to the fast-changing climate. We had solar and snow all on day 1.
I can’t bear in mind ever being so excited to get to a lunch cease earlier than. However once I lastly bought to the highest of the final large climb and appeared down and noticed the smoke puffs popping out of the chimney at Rifugio Biella, I virtually ran down the path to get there! That they had among the greatest pasta Bolognese that I’ve ever had in my life! I’m positive the truth that I needed to work so arduous for it performed into my love of it. After such a tricky morning of climbing, the steaming pasta and meat sauce was simply what I wanted.
The rest of the day was full of rolling hills and unimaginable surroundings.
Fodara Vedla Rifugio
There’s actually no higher feeling than getting the primary glimpse of your end-of-day rifugio. Created at an outdated WWI navy base location, Fodara has served as a household dwelling and is now a refuge for 100 years! And it’s nonetheless family-run, giving it a particular feeling of coziness. This was in all probability the nicest rifugio we stayed in as among the rooms even had non-public loos! Your complete constructing has been up to date, and every thing was made with lovely blonde-colored wooden. The breakfast unfold within the morning was in all probability among the best we had on your entire journey – yogurt, eggs, recent pastries – Fodara spoiled us!
Day 2 – Fodara Vedla to Lavarella – Fanes Plateau
6 miles | 1991 ft Elevation Acquire | 2221 ft Elevation Loss | Max Altitude 7024 ft.
At this time we had a fairly steep descent after breakfast after which again up, up, as much as the Fanes Plateau. Nonetheless, total, the mountain climbing was fairly average immediately. However the views have been something however average!
We adopted alongside a stream for the second half of the hike. Is there something extra soothing than a trickling stream within the mountains…probably not.
Rifugio Lavarella
We arrived at Rifugio Lavarella (and brewery) early within the afternoon so we had loads of time to essentially get pleasure from our environment. The lodge and little farm buildings lie on the coronary heart of the Fanes Sennes Braies pure park. The beer by no means tasted so good on a sunny day within the Dolomites! The sun-filled patio was stuffed with hikers, bikers, and a jovial air of people that love the outside…my individuals! And we even had time for a foot soak within the close by alpine lake, then it was off to the lovable little sauna.
The meals at Lavarella was simply as scrumptious as their beer. They serve conventional South Tyrol dishes which are hearty and fueling for mountain climbing! This was my first style of canederli, scrumptious giant spherical dumplings produced from a mix of stale bread, flour, eggs, and milk served with a hearty tomato sauce. They even had a basil dumpling. For sure – I slept like a rock that evening after mountain climbing, sauna, and canederli!
Day 3 – Rifugio Lavarella to Rifugio Lagazuoi
7.5 miles | 4307 ft Elevation Acquire | 2175 ft Elevation Loss | Max Altitude 8953 ft.
Let me simply say…this present day was EPIC. The views have been epic, the path was epic, the acquire and loss have been epic, and the rifugio was epic. Nonetheless – you needed to work fairly darn arduous for all of that epic-ness. Our hike began actually nice – and kind of flat, then we began up Forcella del Lago – a saddle go by the sharp mountains. The climb was lovely …after which we bought to the highest.
From the highest, you could possibly see the steep, slender switchbacks that felt like they have been stacked on prime of one another. Method beneath that you could possibly see a inexperienced alpine lake. Laura advised us that was our lunch cease. It felt like a dot within the panorama. Then Laura identified far, far within the distance at a top larger than what we have been presently at, our rifugio we have been attempting to make it to for the evening.
I stared down the switchbacks product of scree and my knees buckled – I hate heights and slender ledges – and this was the proper storm of my mountain climbing fears. Fortunately, I had mountain climbing poles with me to present me a way of safety as I began to traverse the switchbacks ever so slowly.
I made it down ultimately – however was the final one in our group! Lunch on the lake was a deal with, however we couldn’t relaxation lengthy as we had one other lengthy climb as much as Rifugio Lagazuoi which was a speck on prime of the distant hill.
We handed numerous WWI caves, this was an space of fierce preventing. I huffed and puffed my manner again up endless switchbacks…however the view that greeted me on the prime was jaw-dropping.
Rifugio Lagazuoi
Lagazuoi was the best level we’d attain on this hike at practically 9,000 ft. There was a big patio in entrance the place photographers arrange their tripods to get that excellent golden hour picture. This additionally meant it was the proper location for dawn pictures too. Right here we shared a much bigger dorm room that our total group took over – one other good factor about being with a bunch – typically it’s only a large slumber half with mates.
Day 4 – Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Averau
5 miles | 2486 ft Elevation Acquire | 3336 ft Elevation Loss | Max Altitude 8953 ft.
A brief day after our strenuous hike the day earlier than. At this time we had a alternative of taking the Through ferrata down the mountain or the cable automotive. Since I’m not a fan of heights and slender ledges – I opted for the cable automotive. Nonetheless, most of our group did the guided Through ferrata and liked it. I used to be fairly darn glad using the gondola down – and so have been my knees.
After we got here down from Lagazuoi, we began proper again up once more. There was a steep scramble part the place you have to be ready to make use of your arms after which the final kilometer was a slender ledge alongside a mountain with gorgeous views. That little ledge path led us straight to Rifugio Averau
Rifugio Averau
As a result of it was a brief mountain climbing distance day, we arrived at Averau in time for a late lunch. All of us sat out on the sunbathed patio and loved a traditional Hugo cocktail and Bolognese pasta to die for. This was my first Hugo – a prosecco drink with elderflower syrup, mint, and soda water – it received me over with the primary sip! It’s so refreshing after a hike…much more so than a chilly beer. The rifugio had scrumptious meals and a very cute ambiance. The rooms have been a bit packed, with beds however the showers have been heat and the beds comfy.
Day 5 – Rifugio Averau to Rifugio Staulanza
9 miles | 2070 ft Elevation Acquire | 4042 ft Elevation Loss | Max Altitude 7742 ft.
We bought an early begin since this is able to be our longest day overlaying 9 miles. Despite the fact that immediately our stats stated we had twice as a lot down as up, it definitely didn’t really feel prefer it! We descended from the rifugio for an hour after which began again up steep switchbacks once more. Nonetheless these switchbacks didn’t deposit us on a steep summit – however a giant plateau.
After a brief hike on the plateau, we stopped for lunch. Averau supplied us scrumptious packed lunch and we sat on the grass and had a bit of picnic lunch for 40 minutes. It was probably the most memorable lunch cease I can bear in mind; simply take a look at the view.
We continued on over the plateau after which began an extended, lengthy descent in the direction of Rifugio Staulanza. We crossed numerous rock slides and adopted alongside a stream by a wooded space till we noticed indicators of civilization once more.
Rifugio Staulanza
This Rifugio was not perched excessive on a mountain just like the others, it was surrounded by forest! And there was a highway close by – which felt like an odd web site on the time. Staulanza had a complete spa downstairs with steam rooms, water remedy, and a dry sauna. Our total group splurged on this chance to restore our weary our bodies!
Day 6 – Rifugio Staulanza to Rifugio Tissi
7 miles | 2952 ft Elevation Acquire | 1312 ft Elevation Loss | Max Altitude 7680 ft.
Our first cease this morning was mountain climbing to a cheese farm! The family-owned easy farm was located proper alongside the path. Their sheepdogs ran out and welcomed us and we went inside to benefit from the easy setting with a crackling hearth. We after all sampled cheese earlier than we continued onward and upward.
On the prime of the 2nd mountain go was a ravishing little rifugio perched within the saddle. It was surrounded by towering sheer rockface. Right here we had a spectacular and filling lunch of pasta earlier than we set out on our manner once more down the hill to a different alpine lake. We made an extended cease right here so I loved a chilly, chilly foot soak within the solar, whereas others in our group braved the ice-cold water and went for a dip.
We had a ultimate up and down by rocky terrain all with our rifugio shining within the solar within the distance – like a carrot. I feel this was probably the most dramatic panorama I had seen a rifugio perched on but. After I didn’t know if I might make it the ultimate push – the group cheered me on and bought me up the ultimate 200 ft. Jackie even had a glass of wine ready for me on the prime!
Rifugio Tissi
Rifugio Tissi was perched excessive up a mountainside and appeared out on sheer rockface. It was a stunning house for sundown pictures. However much more spectacular, Tissi had a resident cat. I had heard concerning the mysterious cat however was by no means actually capable of finding it.
Tissi’s rooms have been probably the most cramped, but it surely was nonetheless comfy and heat – which is all I actually ask for. The meals was hearty and the ambiance jovial. I used to be exhausted that evening and went to mattress early. Nonetheless, in the course of the evening, the mysterious orange kitty pushed our door open and got here and slept in my mattress! I used to be so excited that she selected me and my mattress.
Day 7 – Rifugio Tissi to Capanna Trieste and Cortina
6 miles | 875 ft Elevation Acquire | 4553 ft Elevation Loss | Max Altitude 7408 ft.
On the final day, I wakened above the clouds. For the primary time in 7 days of mountain climbing, we had a cloudy day, however we have been so excessive up at Rigufio Tissi that we have been above the clouds to start with. I knew immediately’s hike could be a killer for my knees with 4553 ft of descent, mountain climbing poles have been actually needed immediately.
We descended previous the rock slides, by valleys, after which forest. We stopped for a hearty lunch at a rifugio after which completed the previous few miles on a gravel highway that zig-zagged down the mountain.
The second we reached our ending rifugio, little drops of rain began to fall…the timing was excellent. As I hoisted my beer to the Dolomites I used to be thrilled to have completed the Alta Through 1 – it was 50 miles in among the most lovely mountains on the planet! I beamed with pleasure.
Advisable Climbing Gear for Alta Through 1
Since we hiked on the finish of the season – layering was essential when it got here to gear. The temperatures modified fairly a bit all through the day. You’ll need to be ready for any sort of climate.
Try my article on Important Climbing Gear for the fundamentals, and right here is a few needed gear for the Alta Through 1 that you need to be sure to deliver alongside.
Climbing Clothes
- I used mountain climbing tights from Fjallraven most days. I like them as a result of they’ve pockets, and the seat and knees are bolstered which is nice for sitting on rocks and consuming lunch or resting.
- I introduced a technical brief sleeve shirt and an extended sleeve shirt
- Quarter zip fleece or mid layer
- Rain jackets and pants are important (regardless that we didn’t actually have rain!) I caught with GORE-TEX PacLite – the perfect rain gear there may be! Plus – it packs down actually small and barely provides something to your pack. The wonderful thing about GORE-TEX is that’s not solely waterproof but it surely’s nice for wind safety. So regardless that I didn’t use it for rain, I used it for wind practically day by day.
- At the moment of 12 months, I additionally took a puffy jacket – and did put on it a few instances. I discovered it particularly helpful once we stopped for lunch when your physique cools down quickly and it’s essential attempt to preserve in some heat.
- Merino Wool Climbing Socks (Level 6 is my favourite)
Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights Professional
These are nice for fall trekking the place you want a bit of extra heat than shorts. I like the bolstered knees and butt which makes them sturdy sufficient to take a seat on a rock and eat lunch. Plus – I like the aspect pockets and comfy waist band.
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Mountain Hardwear Publicity/2 GORE-TEX PACLITE Jacket
2-layer GORE-TEX PACLITE® waterproof/breathable cloth affords on a regular basis safety in moist climate and is absolutely seam-sealed to lock out moisture. Packs down actually small making it excellent for mountain climbing because it would not take up a lot room in your daypack!
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Title 9 Vibe Tank Prime
I like Title 9’s tanks as a result of they’re tremendous mushy and dry quick. Made from a poly/cotton/spandex mix infused with drirelease®; efficiency wicking that dries 4x sooner than cotton. I can put on this on the mountain climbing path and in addition touring round an city surroundings.
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Fjallraven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie
An excellent prime layer for winter months. Good for snow shoeing and winter journey. Loads of pockets and a fantastic hood with fleece lining that’s mushy in your face.
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05/31/2023 02:32 am GMT
Point6 Important Crew Sock
The comfy merino wool cushioning subsequent to the pores and skin insulates the foot from sizzling spots. Now that includes 37.5 Expertise to maintain you dry within the workplace or on the mountain.
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05/31/2023 12:32 am GMT
Climbing Boots
I used the Lowa Renegade boots for this hike they usually labored nice. Some individuals in my group did put on path trainers – however I actually appreciated correct mountain climbing boots with a stiff soles for the rocks and ankle assist.
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Climbing Boots
Tremendous comfy, light-weight, and GORE-TEX waterproof! Good for a difficult thru-hike. I used these once I hiked the Dolomites Alta Through 1 Hut to Hut hike in Italy. The terrain was ruggid and the Renegades have been at all times comfy.
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Backpack
Since we did a bunch hike the place they moved our baggage, you could possibly fairly simply get away with a lday pack – just like the Osprey Sirrus 24 L. For this journey, I selected one thing a bit bigger since I used to be carrying a bunch of picture gear with me too. I used the Osprey Tempest 30L which was a fantastic measurement to suit what I wanted in and will stuff in additional layers on a chilly day.
There are usually locations to cease and refill water so that you don’t must pack it for your entire day which is nice. However I do suggest utilizing a water bladder/reservoir as you may carry 2 to three Liters of water in it and it’s very easy to entry when you are mountain climbing. I at all times discover that I drink extra once I use a water bladder once I hike.
Osprey Tempest 30L Womens
A girls’s-specific streamlined top-loader. This versatile light-weight pack affords options—like a reservoir sleeve and trekking pole attachment factors which you can get to with out taking off the pack (my favourite function!)
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Favourite
Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir
That is the perfect water reservoir I’ve used. It is large opening makes it straightforward to fill in any sink and straightforward to wash, and I like the tube that is available in two components making it a lot simpler to place out and in of your pack! They’ve actually considered every thing!
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Climbing Poles
Climbing poles are actually useful for this hike, actually, I can’t think about doing it with out them. Nonetheless, I do know it’s a private alternative. There’s a number of up and down on the Alta Through 1 and I discover the mountain climbing poles shield my knees and I’m not as sore on the finish of the day. Listed below are the mountain climbing poles I take advantage of.
Compression Socks/Sleeves
Talking of sore…I extremely suggest
My prime choose
For the Rifugios Don’t Overlook to Carry This
Earplugs – these are good for the bigger dorm rooms you keep in.
Ibuprofen – or no matter ache reliever you employ
Sleeping bag liner – these are at all times good to have for hut journeys like these.
Swimsuit – for saunas!
With its breathtaking surroundings, wealthy historical past, journey, and comfort, this hike is the proper solution to expertise the great thing about the Dolomites and all that this superb area has to supply. And it’s even higher once you go along with a bunch of like-minded individuals who love the outside as a lot as you do
Jackie is operating this Leap Adventures journey once more in 2023 – you’d be loopy to not be part of!
And don’t overlook to say that you simply heard about it in Ottsworld and I’ll ship you some particular gear for the journey as a thanks!
Pack your baggage, lace up your mountain climbing boots, and prepare for an unforgettable journey by some of the lovely and awe-inspiring landscapes on the planet – all whereas making new friendships.
