Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 17 hours ago
Day 5 on the Alta Via 1 was supposed to be easier… but my legs were fried, the sun was relentless, and the uphill just wouldn’t quit. 19km of heat, sweat, and stunning views—this stage pushed me to my limits. But then… I saw it. Lago Coldai. A surreal alpine lake that looked like a slice of paradise in the middle of a brutal climb. Was it worth it? Absolutely. But I nearly didn’t make it.
In this video, I hike from Rifugio Staulanza to Rifugio Vazzoler, tackle some of the most exposed sections of the trail, visit the incredible Rifugio Coldai, and discover one of the most beautiful lakes I’ve ever seen.
Complete Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-complete-guide
Full packing list: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-packing-list
➤ Expect honest storytelling, trail tips, incredible views, lots of sweat, and maybe… just maybe… a tiramisu.
Chapters:
00:00:00 – The Heat is On (Intro & Hook)
00:00:39 – Leaving Staulanza with Shaky Legs
00:02:06 – Coke Break at Rifugio Palafavera
00:02:33 – Exposed Climb Begins (and Sheep Dodge Bonus)
00:03:21 – Arrival at Rifugio Coldai (Elevation 2132m)
00:05:14 – The Surprise of Lago Coldai
00:07:18 – From Lake to Snow – Trail Gets Real
00:09:36 – Final Push to Rifugio Vazzoler
00:12:17 – Reflection: Tough Day, Big Reward
📍 Route: Staulanza ➝ Palafavera ➝ Rifugio Coldai ➝ Lago Coldai ➝ Rifugio Vazzoler
📏 Distance: ~19km
⬆️ Elevation Gain: ~1100m
🌤️ Conditions: Hot. Exposed. Brutal.
📸 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.
(*PS some of these links are affiliate links, with no cost to you but I might get a small commission if you decide to purchase one of these products)
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more cinematic hiking films and honest trail stories from Europe and beyond.
#AltaVia1 #Dolomites #HikingItaly #LagoColdai #TMB #HikingDocumentary #MountainAdventure
Day 5 on the Alta Via 1 was supposed to be easier… but my legs were fried, the sun was relentless, and the uphill just wouldn’t quit. 19km of heat, sweat, and stunning views—this stage pushed me to my limits. But then… I saw it. Lago Coldai. A surreal alpine lake that looked like a slice of paradise in the middle of a brutal climb. Was it worth it? Absolutely. But I nearly didn’t make it.
In this video, I hike from Rifugio Staulanza to Rifugio Vazzoler, tackle some of the most exposed sections of the trail, visit the incredible Rifugio Coldai, and discover one of the most beautiful lakes I’ve ever seen.
Complete Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-complete-guide
Full packing list: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-packing-list
➤ Expect honest storytelling, trail tips, incredible views, lots of sweat, and maybe… just maybe… a tiramisu.
Chapters:
00:00:00 – The Heat is On (Intro & Hook)
00:00:39 – Leaving Staulanza with Shaky Legs
00:02:06 – Coke Break at Rifugio Palafavera
00:02:33 – Exposed Climb Begins (and Sheep Dodge Bonus)
00:03:21 – Arrival at Rifugio Coldai (Elevation 2132m)
00:05:14 – The Surprise of Lago Coldai
00:07:18 – From Lake to Snow – Trail Gets Real
00:09:36 – Final Push to Rifugio Vazzoler
00:12:17 – Reflection: Tough Day, Big Reward
📍 Route: Staulanza ➝ Palafavera ➝ Rifugio Coldai ➝ Lago Coldai ➝ Rifugio Vazzoler
📏 Distance: ~19km
⬆️ Elevation Gain: ~1100m
🌤️ Conditions: Hot. Exposed. Brutal.
📸 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.
(*PS some of these links are affiliate links, with no cost to you but I might get a small commission if you decide to purchase one of these products)
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more cinematic hiking films and honest trail stories from Europe and beyond.
#AltaVia1 #Dolomites #HikingItaly #LagoColdai #TMB #HikingDocumentary #MountainAdventure
![A Day in Chamonix: Setting the Stage for the TMB Trek [2023]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/c0N06_azZEA/mqdefault.jpg "A Day in Chamonix: Setting the Stage for the TMB Trek [2023]
Delve into the charming alpine town of Chamonix as we savor the moments before embarking on the famed Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB). Nestled in the shadows of the mighty Mont Blanc massif, Chamonix isnt just a starting point; its a world of wonder unto itself.
From bustling streets lined with quaint cafes and rustic mountain boutiques to the tranquil ambiance of its panoramic viewpoints, Chamonix offers a vibrant blend of culture, nature, and alpine magic. Whether its our final preparations for the TMB, or simply soaking in the mesmerizing views with the excitement of the journey ahead, this video captures the essence of anticipation, adventure, and the timeless allure of Chamonix.
Join us for this pre-TMB day, as we set the stage for an epic trek and pay homage to the legendary mountain town that has inspired countless adventurers. #ChamonixDiaries #TMBPrelude #JoeyJourneys.")
