Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Day 6 of the Alta Via 1 had it all — a surprise reunion, a tough detour, and one of the most beautiful rifugios we stayed at.
What was meant to be a short day turned into a full-on mountain adventure. I left Rifugio Vazzoler under clear skies, took an off-the-beaten-path trail to meet someone very special (who flew in just for this), and together we tackled rocky paths, technical sections, and brutal heat on our way to Rifugio San Sebastiano.
The trail tested our navigation, soaked our clothes (sweat, not rain), and pushed our legs, but rewarded us with jaw-dropping views, cold drinks, and the rare luxury of a private room with a bathroom in a mountain hut.
And yes — the dinner? Let's just say it was... forgettable. But the company, the terrace, and the view? Unbeatable.
Come along as the trail gets more personal — and a bit sweatier.
Complete Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-complete-guide
Full packing list: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-packing-list
📌 Distance: ~15km
📈 Elevation Gain: ~1,000m
⏱️ Time: 7 hours
🎒 Route: Rifugio Vazzoler → remote detour → Rifugio San Sebastiano
Chapters:
00:00:00 – A Day That Was Supposed to Be Easy
00:00:32 – Leaving Rifugio Vazzoler
00:01:45 – Reunion
00:02:04 – Back on the Main Trail
00:02:51 – Navigation Games and Blazing Sun
00:04:44 – Rifugio Carestiato: Cold Drinks & Chill Vibes
00:05:03 – Final 3km Stroll with Stunning Views
00:05:48 – Arrival at Rifugio San Sebastiano
00:06:51 – Reflections from the Terrace
00:08:22 – Final Thoughts (and Tomorrow’s Big Climb)
🟨 Trail Tip: Many end their AV1 at this point (Passo Duran), but continuing on unlocks some of the most remote and rewarding parts of the trail.
📸 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)
Day 6 of the Alta Via 1 had it all — a surprise reunion, a tough detour, and one of the most beautiful rifugios we stayed at.
What was meant to be a short day turned into a full-on mountain adventure. I left Rifugio Vazzoler under clear skies, took an off-the-beaten-path trail to meet someone very special (who flew in just for this), and together we tackled rocky paths, technical sections, and brutal heat on our way to Rifugio San Sebastiano.
The trail tested our navigation, soaked our clothes (sweat, not rain), and pushed our legs, but rewarded us with jaw-dropping views, cold drinks, and the rare luxury of a private room with a bathroom in a mountain hut.
And yes — the dinner? Let's just say it was... forgettable. But the company, the terrace, and the view? Unbeatable.
Come along as the trail gets more personal — and a bit sweatier.
Complete Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-complete-guide
Full packing list: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-packing-list
📌 Distance: ~15km
📈 Elevation Gain: ~1,000m
⏱️ Time: 7 hours
🎒 Route: Rifugio Vazzoler → remote detour → Rifugio San Sebastiano
Chapters:
00:00:00 – A Day That Was Supposed to Be Easy
00:00:32 – Leaving Rifugio Vazzoler
00:01:45 – Reunion
00:02:04 – Back on the Main Trail
00:02:51 – Navigation Games and Blazing Sun
00:04:44 – Rifugio Carestiato: Cold Drinks & Chill Vibes
00:05:03 – Final 3km Stroll with Stunning Views
00:05:48 – Arrival at Rifugio San Sebastiano
00:06:51 – Reflections from the Terrace
00:08:22 – Final Thoughts (and Tomorrow’s Big Climb)
🟨 Trail Tip: Many end their AV1 at this point (Passo Duran), but continuing on unlocks some of the most remote and rewarding parts of the trail.
📸 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)
