Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
Day 4 on the Alta Via 1 was meant to be scenic and straightforward. Instead, it turned into the longest, wildest, and most unpredictable day of the trek so far. Over 26km of Dolomite beauty—past Cinque Torri, Rifugio Averau, Passo Giau, and toward Rifugio Staulanza—pushed me beyond my limits.
With thunder threatening from above and exhaustion creeping in from below, I had to dig deep. But this day? It might just be the one that changed everything.
🎥 In this episode:
Stunning drone footage of Cinque Torri and Averau
Unexpected challenges across rocky ridgelines
A looming storm that nearly changed the day’s ending
Personal highs, low sugar crashes, and stubborn grit
Rifugio highlights + food, facilities, and vibe
📍 Distance: 26km
⛰️ Route: Rifugio Dibona → Rifugio Averau → Passo Giau → Rifugio Staulanza
🌩️ Highlights: The most dramatic scenery… and the biggest test of willpower yet.
Complete Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-complete-guide
Full packing list: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-packing-list
Chapters:
00:00:00 – The Longest Day Begins
00:00:49 – Leaving Rifugio Dibona
00:05:23 – Scenic Climb Toward Cinque Torri
00:06:20 – Rifugio Cinque Torri
00:08:18 – Epic Ridgeline to Rifugio Averau
00:09:58 – Dramatic Descent to Passo Giau
00:13:17 – Thunderclouds Start Gathering…
00:15:36 – Arriving at Rifugio Staulanza (Finally!)
00:17:38 – Reflections From the Bunk Bed
💬 Have you ever pushed yourself further than you thought possible? Let me know in the comments – and if you’ve hiked the Alta Via 1, tell me your toughest day!
📸 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 like, subscribe, and hit the bell if you want to follow the full Alta Via 1 journey across all 8 days.
#AltaVia1 #HikingItaly #CinqueTorri #Dolomites #AdventureVlog #HikingWithLee
Day 4 on the Alta Via 1 was meant to be scenic and straightforward. Instead, it turned into the longest, wildest, and most unpredictable day of the trek so far. Over 26km of Dolomite beauty—past Cinque Torri, Rifugio Averau, Passo Giau, and toward Rifugio Staulanza—pushed me beyond my limits.
With thunder threatening from above and exhaustion creeping in from below, I had to dig deep. But this day? It might just be the one that changed everything.
🎥 In this episode:
Stunning drone footage of Cinque Torri and Averau
Unexpected challenges across rocky ridgelines
A looming storm that nearly changed the day’s ending
Personal highs, low sugar crashes, and stubborn grit
Rifugio highlights + food, facilities, and vibe
📍 Distance: 26km
⛰️ Route: Rifugio Dibona → Rifugio Averau → Passo Giau → Rifugio Staulanza
🌩️ Highlights: The most dramatic scenery… and the biggest test of willpower yet.
Complete Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-complete-guide
Full packing list: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-packing-list
Chapters:
00:00:00 – The Longest Day Begins
00:00:49 – Leaving Rifugio Dibona
00:05:23 – Scenic Climb Toward Cinque Torri
00:06:20 – Rifugio Cinque Torri
00:08:18 – Epic Ridgeline to Rifugio Averau
00:09:58 – Dramatic Descent to Passo Giau
00:13:17 – Thunderclouds Start Gathering…
00:15:36 – Arriving at Rifugio Staulanza (Finally!)
00:17:38 – Reflections From the Bunk Bed
💬 Have you ever pushed yourself further than you thought possible? Let me know in the comments – and if you’ve hiked the Alta Via 1, tell me your toughest day!
📸 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 like, subscribe, and hit the bell if you want to follow the full Alta Via 1 journey across all 8 days.
#AltaVia1 #HikingItaly #CinqueTorri #Dolomites #AdventureVlog #HikingWithLee
