An Important Note on Rifugios: Alta Via 1 Rifugios book out super early. If you’re planning a summer trip, be sure to start your bookings in January (when most huts become available).
The Alta Via 1 is one of the best hut-to-hut hikes in the world. And why wouldn’t it be? The famous hiking route stretches 120 kilometers through the UNESCO-recognized Dolomites. Expect dramatic peaks, alpine meadows, and some pretty cute “rifugios” where you can stay the night and make hiking pals throughout your trip.
As of 2024, there are roughly 24 Alta Via 1 Rifugios hosting hikers and overnight visitors but 10 are part of the official routte. Choosing the right rifugio will depend on your route, personal preferences, and perhaps most importantly, what’s actually available when you go to book. Most mountain huts are booked out for the summer hiking season months in advance (more on that below).
Looking for some help booking your Alta Via 1 Rifugios? Below is a list of all the rifugios along the Alta Via 1, complete with links to their websites where you can find more information and make reservations.
Alta Via 1 Maps
While you can buy a basic Dolomites map at local shops, it’s a good idea to carry a detailed topographical map specifically for the Alta Via 1 that will help you out with navigation and trip planning. The very best resource for this trip is Cicerone’s Alta Via 1 – Trekking in the Dolomites
Guidebook with separate 1:25,000 map booklet to Alta Via 1, a long-distance trail through the heart of the Dolomites in northeastern Italy. With fully waymarked paths, moderately graded terrain, and hut-to-hut accommodation, AV1 is an ideal introduction to trekking in the Dolomites.
Additionally, the Italian Alpine Club (Club Alpino Italiano – CAI) produces maps that are available at local CAI offices or certain rifugios along the route. These maps offer detailed trail information and are an invaluable resource for hikers tackling the Alta Via 1.
AllTrails and other offline maps can also be super useful – download them in advance!
List of Alta Via 1 Rifugios
Below is an (almost) complete list of Rifugios you’ll find along the Alta Via 1 route. While the process gets a little bit better each year, don’t be surprised by broken links, Italian-only websites, or websites with no apparent booking option. Many of the Rifugios don’t use a booking calendar or pull it down between seasons. If you can’t find the information you need on the website, your best option is usually to call or email them for details.
- Rifugio Biella: Book with Rifugio Biella
- Rifugio Sennes: Book with Rifugio Sennes
- Rifugio Fodara Vedla: Book with Rifugio Fodara Vedla
- Rifugio Pederü: Book with Rifugio Pederü
- Rifugio Fanes: Book with Rifugio Fanes
- Rifugio Lavarella: Book with Rifugio Lavarella
- Rifugio Scotoni: Book with Rifugio Scotoni
- Rifugio Lagazuoi: Book with Rifugio Lagazuoi
- Rifugio Dibona: Book with Rifugio Dibona
- Rif 5 Torri: Book with 5 Torri
- Rifugio Averau: Book with Rifugio Averau
- Rifugio Nuvolau: Book with Rifugio Nuvolau
- Passo Giau: Book with Passo Giau
- Rifugio Città di Fiume: Book with Rifugio Città di Fiume
- Rifugio Passo Staulanza: Book with Rifugio Passo Staulanza
- Rifugio Venizia: Book with Rifugio Venizia
- Rifugio Coldai: Book with Rifugio Coldai
- Rifugio Tissi: Book with Rifugio Tissi
- Rifugio Vazzoler: Book with Rifugio Vazzoler
- Rifugio Bruto Carestiato: Book with Rifugio Carestiato
- Rifugio Pramperet: Book with Rifugio Pramperet
- Rifugio Pian de Fontana: Book with Rifugio Pian de Fontana
- Rifugio Bianchet: Book with Rifugio Bianchet
- Rifugio 7° Alpini: Book with Rifugio 7° Alpini
How to Book Your Alta Via 1 Rifugios
Step 1: Choose Your Alta Via 1 Trek
The first step in booking your hut-to-hut trip in the Dolomites is choosing your route. Alta Via 1 gives hikers lots of options – you can just do part of it with itineraries as short as 2-3 days or complete the whole thing in 10-12 days. There are plenty of points to exit along the trail, so you can customize the route based on how much time you have and your fitness level.
While I have some favorite huts, the biggest consideration in booking your Alta Via 1 rifugios is likely what’s available during your dates. Other factors to consider are distance, terrain, and the pace you’d like to go.
Some of the most popular Alta Via 1 itineraries are…
The Short Trip (5 Days): Rifugio Perderu > Rifugio Lagazuoi > Rifugio Nuvolau > Rifugio Città di Fiume > Rifugio Coldai
The Guidebook Experience (11 Days): Rifugio Biella > Rifugio Fanes > Rifugio Lagazuoi > Rifugio Nuvolau > Rifugio Città di Fiume > Rifugio Coldai > Rifugio Vazzoler > Rifugio Carestiato > Rifugio Pramperet > Rifugio Pian de Fontana
Step 2: Join the Italian Alpine Club (Optional)
If you plan to stay in rifugios for multiple nights, consider joining the Italian Alpine Club (Club Alpino Italiano – CAI). Membership offers discounts on hut stays and access to over 1,000 rifugios across Italy and Europe. The annual fee is roughly €45-50, which quickly pays itself if you stay in several rifugios. That said, not all huts are members, so it’s not always beneficial.
Step 3: Book Your Rifugios
As I mentioned at the start of this post, rifugios along the Alta Via 1 book up super fast – especially during peak season (July to September). If you’re planning a summer trip, start your bookings in January. This is when most huts become available and they’ll be full in a matter of weeks if not days. Contact the Rifugios directly via their websites or email to confirm availability.
If your first choices are fully booked, be prepared with alternative dates or rifugios. Most rifugios require a deposit of 20%- 30%, and you’re expected to pay the rest in cash or credit upon arrival.
Step 4: Check it once, twice, three times.
Once you’ve received confirmation from the Rifugios, triple-check all the details against your itinerary!
Make sure that all dates and locations align with your planned route and that your travel routes are realistic. Mistakes in your booking could leave you without a place to stay, so it’s really good to be thorough here.
Step 5: Print or Download Confirmation Emails
Before setting out on the Alta Via 1, print or download all your reservation confirmations. Connectivity in the mountains is limited, and having physical or offline copies will be super important if any issues arise. Keep these documents on you to avoid any complications.
Read More: 23 Best Treks in Europe
FAQs for Alta Via 1 Rifugios
What are the Rifugios like? Rifugios on the Alta Via 1 are mountain huts that range from basic to super comfortable. Most have dormitory-style rooms with shared bunk beds, although some of the bigger places offer private rooms. Facilities also vary – at some rifugios, you can take a hot shower, eat a 3-course meal, and get Wi-Fi, while others are more rustic. That said – the more rustic ones tend to have amazing views and the peace you’re probably looking for! The vibe at the Rifugios is friendly and communal, with hikers eating together and talking about their route.
What’s the difference between accommodation only and half board? When booking your rifugios, you’ll usually see the option to book accommodation only or half board. Accommodation only means just your bed for the night, while half board includes both dinner and breakfast. Unless you’re prepared to lug around all your food, half-board is the way to go! You’ll have a hot meal waiting for you after a long day on the trail, without needing to carry or prepare food yourself.
What do I do if my dates or Rifugios are not available? If your dates or rifugios are not available, your best option is to adjust your itinerary as walk-up reservations aren’t really available. Start by checking alternative rifugios in the same area or nearby – there are usually options within a couple of hours of each other. You can also modify your dates, stay in less popular rifugios, or hike during the shoulder season (late June or September) when the trail is less crowded. Worst case scenario, many of the huts are accessible by cable car and you may be able to travel into town for the night and resume your hike the next day.
At some of the bigger huts like Lagazoui you can expect cancellations in the month or two before your trip. I managed to snag a spot, but I had to check every day for a month! All that said – book as early as you can to get your preferred Alta Via 1 Rifugios!
Is camping allowed on the Alta Via 1? Camping is not allowed along the Alta Via 1 due to strict regulations to preserve the natural environment of the Dolomites. Wild camping is prohibited in most areas, and there are no official campsites along the route.
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