Alta Via 1 (Dolomites)

Alta Via 1 is a primary long-distance mountain trail in the Italian Dolomites, extending from Lago di Braies in the north to Belluno in the south. The trek traverses significant limestone massifs including the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park, the Tofane, Pelmo, and Civetta. Far from the more technical via ferrata-heavy routes in the range, the standard Alta Via 1 (High Route 1) is an established high-altitude hiking path accessible to fit hikers without technical climbing equipment. The route stays predominantly on high-alpine balconies and plateaus, offering a comprehensive transect of the Central Dolomites.

Following the historic path used by the Army of the Andes in 1817, this 6-day trans-Andean expedition traverses the central cordillera from Mendoza, Argentina, to the Cajón del Maipo in Chile. The route crosses two significant high-altitude barriers—Portillo Argentino (4,330m) and Paso Piuquenes (4,030m). Hikers move through a high desert landscape of volcanic rock, vast glacial valleys, and the powerful Tunuyán River. The terrain consists primarily of rocky mountain paths, loose scree on the steeper pass approaches, and high-altitude plateaus where exposure to wind and sun is constant.