Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 18 hours ago
I hiked 120km over 8 days across the Dolomites on the legendary Alta Via 1 trail. Blazing sun, brutal climbs, stormy passes, and the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen — this is the full experience.
Starting from Lago di Braies and ending deep in the Belluno Dolomites, this thru-hike tested everything: my endurance, my patience… and sometimes, my knees. But it also gifted me alpine lakes, remote rifugios, unforgettable sunrises, and a deeper love for the mountains.
This full documentary covers:
📍 Every day of the Alta Via 1 in detail (route, highlights, challenges)
💡 Tips on logistics, gear, food, and what I’d do differently
🎥 Stunning visuals from drone, GoPro, and iPhone
👣 Moments of struggle, beauty, reflection, and pure joy
Whether you’re planning your own AV1 trek, reminiscing your hike, or dreaming of adventure — this is for you.
📍 Hike Stats:
Distance: 120 km
Days: 8
Elevation Gain: 7,000+ m
Start: Lago di Braies
End: La Pissa bus stop (Belluno side)
🗺️ Chapters:
00:00:00 – Intro: Why Hike the Alta Via 1?
00:00:56 – Day 1: Lago di Braies → Rifugio Fanes
00:11:26 – Day 2: Rifugio Fanes → Rifugio Dibona
00:25:32 – Day 3: Rifugio Dibona → Rifugio Staulanza
00:38:11 – Day 4: Rifugio Staulanza → Rifugio Vazzoler
00:55:00 – Day 5: Rifugio Vazzoler → Rifugio Coldai → Rifugio Vazzoler
01:06:40 – Day 6: Remote Detour + Reunion → Rifugio San Sebastiano
01:14:28 – Day 7: San Sebastiano → Rifugio Pramperet
01:27:14 – Day 8: Rifugio Pramperet → La Pissa (Finish Line!)
01:39:02 – Reflections: Was it worth it?
🌐 AV1 Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-complete-guide
🎒 Packing List: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-packing-list
💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments. I respond to every one.
And if you're hiking the AV1 soon — enjoy every single step. You're in for something special.
📸 Equipment
(*Note that I value lightweight, compact and budget friendly options because of the type of travels I normally do)
🎥 iPhone 15 Pro Max - amzn.to/3SKEOPR
I have moved over to the iPhone for most of the ground footage - it actually takes amazing videos and my phone is always close by.
🚁 DJI Mini 4 Pro - amzn.to/3W8MVI5
I absolutely love this drone - it’s small, compact and provides amazing footage.
📷 GoPro - amzn.to/3W88ok9
I still use the GoPro for the ‘on the go’ shots. It has great stablization, battery life and video quality.
If you have any questions around my gear please feel free to drop a comment in the video below.
(These are affiliate links — at no extra cost to you)
#AltaVia1 #Dolomites #HikingDocumentary #ItalyHikes #Thruhike
I hiked 120km over 8 days across the Dolomites on the legendary Alta Via 1 trail. Blazing sun, brutal climbs, stormy passes, and the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen — this is the full experience.
Starting from Lago di Braies and ending deep in the Belluno Dolomites, this thru-hike tested everything: my endurance, my patience… and sometimes, my knees. But it also gifted me alpine lakes, remote rifugios, unforgettable sunrises, and a deeper love for the mountains.
This full documentary covers:
📍 Every day of the Alta Via 1 in detail (route, highlights, challenges)
💡 Tips on logistics, gear, food, and what I’d do differently
🎥 Stunning visuals from drone, GoPro, and iPhone
👣 Moments of struggle, beauty, reflection, and pure joy
Whether you’re planning your own AV1 trek, reminiscing your hike, or dreaming of adventure — this is for you.
📍 Hike Stats:
Distance: 120 km
Days: 8
Elevation Gain: 7,000+ m
Start: Lago di Braies
End: La Pissa bus stop (Belluno side)
🗺️ Chapters:
00:00:00 – Intro: Why Hike the Alta Via 1?
00:00:56 – Day 1: Lago di Braies → Rifugio Fanes
00:11:26 – Day 2: Rifugio Fanes → Rifugio Dibona
00:25:32 – Day 3: Rifugio Dibona → Rifugio Staulanza
00:38:11 – Day 4: Rifugio Staulanza → Rifugio Vazzoler
00:55:00 – Day 5: Rifugio Vazzoler → Rifugio Coldai → Rifugio Vazzoler
01:06:40 – Day 6: Remote Detour + Reunion → Rifugio San Sebastiano
01:14:28 – Day 7: San Sebastiano → Rifugio Pramperet
01:27:14 – Day 8: Rifugio Pramperet → La Pissa (Finish Line!)
01:39:02 – Reflections: Was it worth it?
🌐 AV1 Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-complete-guide
🎒 Packing List: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-packing-list
💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments. I respond to every one.
And if you're hiking the AV1 soon — enjoy every single step. You're in for something special.
📸 Equipment
(*Note that I value lightweight, compact and budget friendly options because of the type of travels I normally do)
🎥 iPhone 15 Pro Max - amzn.to/3SKEOPR
I have moved over to the iPhone for most of the ground footage - it actually takes amazing videos and my phone is always close by.
🚁 DJI Mini 4 Pro - amzn.to/3W8MVI5
I absolutely love this drone - it’s small, compact and provides amazing footage.
📷 GoPro - amzn.to/3W88ok9
I still use the GoPro for the ‘on the go’ shots. It has great stablization, battery life and video quality.
If you have any questions around my gear please feel free to drop a comment in the video below.
(These are affiliate links — at no extra cost to you)
#AltaVia1 #Dolomites #HikingDocumentary #ItalyHikes #Thruhike
