Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
What was supposed to be a short and “easy” day turned into one of the most underrated highlights of the entire AV1.
We left civilization behind and entered one of the quietest, most remote sections of the trail. With only 11.5km and 700m of elevation gain on paper, we thought it would be chill… but between the blazing sun, technical rocky sections, and zero shade, it tested us more than expected.
But the reward? Reaching Rifugio Pramperet — a peaceful gem nestled deep in the Dolomites. No roads. No noise. Just stunning views, ice-cold drinks (no actual ice), and one of the best sunsets on the trail. It felt like we’d entered a hiker’s secret hideaway.
This day had it all:
✔️ Quiet forest trails
✔️ Epic mountain views
✔️ Unexpected difficulty
✔️ A drink on one of the best rifugio terraces of the AV1
✔️ And… a €3 shower that lasted 2 minutes 😅
Come along as I find out why skipping this section would’ve been a massive mistake.
📍 TRAIL STATS
• Distance: ~11.5km
• Elevation Gain: ~700m
• Duration: ~6.5 hours
• Route: Rifugio San Sebastiano → Rifugio Pramperet
📸 GEAR I USE
🎥 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)
🧭 COMPLETE TRAIL RESOURCES
🌐 AV1 Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-complete-guide
🎒 Packing List: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-packing-list
⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00:00 – Why Do People Skip This Section?
00:00:30 – Morning Start from San Sebastiano
00:01:07 – The Quiet Road Walk
00:02:02 – Gentle Forest, Cool Breeze
00:03:38 – Rocky Terrain & Navigation Fun
00:05:37 – Quick Lunch & Water Refill
00:08:00 – The Final Push to Pramperet
00:10:05 – Arriving at Rifugio Pramperet
00:11:08 – Life at a Remote Rifugio
00:13:17 – Final Thoughts & Tomorrow’s Grand Finale
💬 LET’S CHAT
Have you hiked this part of the AV1? Or were you one of the people who ended at Passo Duran?
Drop a comment and let me know — I read every one!
👍 Like if this trail section surprised you too
🔔 Subscribe for Day 8 – the epic finale
#AltaVia1 #DolomitesHiking #AV1 #ItalyHiking #RifugioLife #HikingWithLee #BackpackingEurope
What was supposed to be a short and “easy” day turned into one of the most underrated highlights of the entire AV1.
We left civilization behind and entered one of the quietest, most remote sections of the trail. With only 11.5km and 700m of elevation gain on paper, we thought it would be chill… but between the blazing sun, technical rocky sections, and zero shade, it tested us more than expected.
But the reward? Reaching Rifugio Pramperet — a peaceful gem nestled deep in the Dolomites. No roads. No noise. Just stunning views, ice-cold drinks (no actual ice), and one of the best sunsets on the trail. It felt like we’d entered a hiker’s secret hideaway.
This day had it all:
✔️ Quiet forest trails
✔️ Epic mountain views
✔️ Unexpected difficulty
✔️ A drink on one of the best rifugio terraces of the AV1
✔️ And… a €3 shower that lasted 2 minutes 😅
Come along as I find out why skipping this section would’ve been a massive mistake.
📍 TRAIL STATS
• Distance: ~11.5km
• Elevation Gain: ~700m
• Duration: ~6.5 hours
• Route: Rifugio San Sebastiano → Rifugio Pramperet
📸 GEAR I USE
🎥 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)
🧭 COMPLETE TRAIL RESOURCES
🌐 AV1 Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-complete-guide
🎒 Packing List: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-packing-list
⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00:00 – Why Do People Skip This Section?
00:00:30 – Morning Start from San Sebastiano
00:01:07 – The Quiet Road Walk
00:02:02 – Gentle Forest, Cool Breeze
00:03:38 – Rocky Terrain & Navigation Fun
00:05:37 – Quick Lunch & Water Refill
00:08:00 – The Final Push to Pramperet
00:10:05 – Arriving at Rifugio Pramperet
00:11:08 – Life at a Remote Rifugio
00:13:17 – Final Thoughts & Tomorrow’s Grand Finale
💬 LET’S CHAT
Have you hiked this part of the AV1? Or were you one of the people who ended at Passo Duran?
Drop a comment and let me know — I read every one!
👍 Like if this trail section surprised you too
🔔 Subscribe for Day 8 – the epic finale
#AltaVia1 #DolomitesHiking #AV1 #ItalyHiking #RifugioLife #HikingWithLee #BackpackingEurope
