Begin your Dolomites adventure and discover the Alta Via 1 (AV1) ? a classic hut-to-hut trek through northeastern Italy's spectacular alpine scenery. Covering 115km from Lago di Braies to Belluno, this long-distance trail offers a perfect introduction to trekking in the Dolomites, suitable for both first-time and experienced trekkers, and typically completed in around two weeks.

This Dolomites hiking guidebook makes planning simple, with stage-by-stage descriptions and expert advice from author Gillian Price. A dedicated map booklet, featuring Kompass 1:25,000 maps with the full route line clearly marked, allows you to navigate the trail with confidence.

• The trek is divided into 11 stages, each between 6 and 14km long, with detailed descriptions of the route, terrain, and key landmarks, so you always know what lies ahead.
• Each stage is paired with a 1:75,000 overview map, while the additional 1:25,000 map booklet offers detailed navigation through the heart of the Dolomites.
• Downloadable GPX files provide an additional digital navigation option, making it simple to use your smartphone or GPS device to track progress between alpine huts, among the immense rock formations unique to the area.
• The guide includes essential details on mountain huts, transport links, what to pack, and the best time to go ? everything you need to plan your trip to Italy.
• Short on time? Alternative paths, exit routes to public transport, and optional side trips to nearby summits are clearly detailed, allowing you to tailor the trek to your schedule and interests.

With comprehensive route descriptions, GPX downloads, and a separate 1:25,000 map booklet, this Alta Via 1 guidebook provides a complete navigation package for hut-to-hut hiking in the Dolomites. Plan your next walking holiday with confidence and experience the breathtaking scale, beauty, and adventure of one of Italy's most iconic long-distance trails.

Gillian Price has trekked throughout Asia and the Himalayas, but now lives in Venice and is exploring the mountains and flatter bits of Italy. Starting in the Italian Dolomites, Gillian has written outstanding Cicerone guides to walking all over Italy as well as Corsica and Corfu. An adamant promoter of public transport to minimise environmental impact, Gillian belongs to Mountain Wilderness and is an active member of the Venice branch of CAI, the Italian Alpine Club. Check her out at www.gillianprice.eu.

The Alta Via 1 is one of Italy's most famous and most popular long-distance routes and is the easiest of six Alta Via routes that traverse the magnificent Dolomites. The hut-to-hut trail extends 115km from Lago di Braies to La Pissa, boasting spectacular alpine vistas. Although it demands a moderate level of fitness, it is well waymarked and follows clear well-trodden paths, making for an ideal introduction to trekking in the Dolomites. Welcoming refuges offer meals and accommodation along the way, though camping is also possible on the middle stages (restrictions apply elsewhere). The route is presented in 11 stages, each with overview statistics, a brief summary of the day's walking and detailed route description illustrated with clear mapping. There are also comprehensive notes on the huts the route passes, with contact details and tips on facilities available. The intro includes advice on transport, accommodation and equipment, plus suggestions for creating shorter itineraries should time be limited, and there are facts about local points of interest and background information on the region's geology, plants and wildlife. A handy map booklet is also included, showing the full route of AV1 on 1:25,000 Kompass mapping, so you don't have to carry paper maps. Famed for their striking jagged peaks and sheer rock faces, the Dolomites also bear stark reminders of the turbulent World War I years in the shape of trenches and barracks. The AV1 is a wonderful way to experience the celebrated scenery: (weather permitting) an estimated 80% of the Dolomites can be seen from the trail, with highlights including fantastic views of the Tofane, Pelmo and Civetta and the iconic Marmolada with its glacier. If this is your first visit to the region, you'll soon see why so many fall under its spell!

Map key Overview map Route summary table Preface to this edition Introduction The Dolomites The route Geology Plants and flowers Wildlife How to get there When to go Shorter itineraries Accommodation Food and drink What to take Maps Languages and place names Dos and don'ts Emergencies Using this guide Alta Via 1 Stage 1 Lago di Braies to Rifugio Biella Stage 2 Rifugio Biella to Rifugio Fanes Stage 3 Rifugio Fanes to Rifugio Lagazuoi Stage 4 Rifugio Lagazuoi to Rifugio Nuvolau Stage 5 Rifugio Nuvolau to Rifugio Città di Fiume Stage 6 Rifugio Città di Fiume to Rifugio Coldai Stage 7 Rifugio Coldai to Rifugio Vazzoler Stage 8 Rifugio Vazzoler to Rifugio Carestiato Stage 9 Rifugio Carestiato to Rifugio Pramperet Stage 10 Rifugio Pramperet to Rifugio Pian de Fontana Stage 11 Rifugio Pian de Fontana to La Pissa bus stop Appendix A Useful contacts Appendix B Italian-English glossary