(Simon writes:) In September 2011 I walked further sections of the Alta Via 1, the trek in the Dolomites that we are offering for the first time in 2012, to prepare for the season ahead. My focus was the Southern end of the trek towards Belluno. I began with a 3-day hut tour starting at Passo Palafavera:


Lago Coldai around the back of Monte Civetta


At Rifugio Pian de Fontana


Wood piled up outside Rifugio Bianchet

Moving up to the Monte Pelmo area, it was a pleasure to walk the classic circuit of this famous Dolomitic peak: the Giro Classico di Monte Pelmo no less. This day-long loop forms part of the AV1, by one side or the other. If making the circuit to the Southern side of the peak then the difficulty is increased to far beyond the AV1's norm. We're advising clients about the options here.


At Forcella Val d'Arcia high on Monte Pelmo


Campi So'Pelf, a meadow to the South of Monte Pelmo

Cortina was, as always, a fabulous base to the East of the AV1, with lots going on. A storm brought torrential rain, forcing shoppers to huddle in La Cooperativa which is the department store in town.


Sunset over Cortina, far below in the valley

I set off for Belluno and a last night, staying in the new side of town but having another evening exploration of the old part. While Belluno is less famous than Verona, say, and let alone Venice, it has fine architecture and an Italian buzz in sharp contrast to the rarified atmosphere of the AV1 itself.


Selva di Cadore, a village to the South of the AV1


The modern side to Belluno, which also has a fine old town

Please join us to trek the magnificent AV1 in 2012!

Dolomites Alta Via 1 (Guided)