Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 59 seconds ago
Day 2 of the Alta Via 1 was everything I love about hiking.
After a peaceful night at Rifugio Biella, I set off early into golden light, hiking through open valleys, rocky landscapes, and steep forest descents. The descent to Pederü was tough but beautiful — and the climb to Rifugio Fanes even more rewarding. I arrived early, enjoyed drinks on the terrace, explored a nearby lake, and ended the day with one of the best dinners of the trip.
Complete Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-complete-guide
💥 Highlights of the day:
• Steep solo descent to Rifugio Pederü (quad destroyer!)
• Ice-cold beer, sweaty shirts, and a plate of carbs
• Grueling uphill slog in the heat to reach Fanes
• One of the best dinners of the entire trek (3 courses!)
• Beautiful valley views, serene lakes, and… more bunk beds with snorers 😅
🏔️ Stats:
Distance: ~15 km | Elevation Gain: ~850m | Duration: ~6.5 hours
📍 More about Alta Via 1:
The Alta Via 1 is a long-distance hiking trail in the Italian Dolomites, stretching ~120km through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe. I'm documenting each day with a mix of drone footage, storytelling, and cinematic edits.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro & Morning Motivation
00:00:43 - Early Morning Solitude
00:04:53 - Approaching Rifugio Sennes
00:07:19 - The Grueling Descent to Pederü
00:10:07 - Exposed Uphill to Fanes Begins
00:11:39 - Arrival at Rifugio Fanes
00:13:46 - Exploring the Nearby Lake (Bug Alert!)
00:14:55 - Reflections on Day 2
📸 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.
Full packing list: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-packing-list
(*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)
If you're planning Alta Via 1 or just love beautiful mountain content, this day is packed with stunning scenery, practical info, and a few laughs from the trail.
🎥 Don’t forget to watch till the end for drone shots and reflections from one of the most rewarding days on the trail.
👉 LIKE + SUBSCRIBE for more days on the Alta Via 1 and cinematic hiking journeys across Europe.
👇 Drop a comment—what’s your favorite mountain meal?
#AltaVia1 #Dolomites #HikingItaly #RifugioFanes #TrekkingEurope #HikingVlog #AltaVia #BackpackingEurope #HikingDocumentary #EpicHikes #TrailLife
Day 2 of the Alta Via 1 was everything I love about hiking.
After a peaceful night at Rifugio Biella, I set off early into golden light, hiking through open valleys, rocky landscapes, and steep forest descents. The descent to Pederü was tough but beautiful — and the climb to Rifugio Fanes even more rewarding. I arrived early, enjoyed drinks on the terrace, explored a nearby lake, and ended the day with one of the best dinners of the trip.
Complete Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-complete-guide
💥 Highlights of the day:
• Steep solo descent to Rifugio Pederü (quad destroyer!)
• Ice-cold beer, sweaty shirts, and a plate of carbs
• Grueling uphill slog in the heat to reach Fanes
• One of the best dinners of the entire trek (3 courses!)
• Beautiful valley views, serene lakes, and… more bunk beds with snorers 😅
🏔️ Stats:
Distance: ~15 km | Elevation Gain: ~850m | Duration: ~6.5 hours
📍 More about Alta Via 1:
The Alta Via 1 is a long-distance hiking trail in the Italian Dolomites, stretching ~120km through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe. I'm documenting each day with a mix of drone footage, storytelling, and cinematic edits.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro & Morning Motivation
00:00:43 - Early Morning Solitude
00:04:53 - Approaching Rifugio Sennes
00:07:19 - The Grueling Descent to Pederü
00:10:07 - Exposed Uphill to Fanes Begins
00:11:39 - Arrival at Rifugio Fanes
00:13:46 - Exploring the Nearby Lake (Bug Alert!)
00:14:55 - Reflections on Day 2
📸 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.
Full packing list: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-packing-list
(*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)
If you're planning Alta Via 1 or just love beautiful mountain content, this day is packed with stunning scenery, practical info, and a few laughs from the trail.
🎥 Don’t forget to watch till the end for drone shots and reflections from one of the most rewarding days on the trail.
👉 LIKE + SUBSCRIBE for more days on the Alta Via 1 and cinematic hiking journeys across Europe.
👇 Drop a comment—what’s your favorite mountain meal?
#AltaVia1 #Dolomites #HikingItaly #RifugioFanes #TrekkingEurope #HikingVlog #AltaVia #BackpackingEurope #HikingDocumentary #EpicHikes #TrailLife



![What to Do in the Dolomites After Hiking the Alta Via 1 – Lakes, Passes & Hidden Gems ⛰️🇮🇹
After finishing the 120 km Alta Via 1, we weren’t quite ready to leave the Dolomites. Instead of heading straight home, we gave ourselves three extra days to slow down, recover, and explore more of this incredible region.
In this video, I’ll take you along as we discover beautiful lakes, mountain passes, charming villages, and even a hidden gorge. If you’re planning to hike the Alta Via 1 (or just traveling through the Dolomites), these are perfect ideas for what to do after your trek:
✨ Our 3-Day Dolomites Itinerary
Day 1 – Digonera & Alleghe: cozy B&B in a quiet mountain village, lake strolls, and proper Italian food.
Day 2 – Passo Giau & Cortina: winding mountain roads, Rifugio Fedare, one of the most scenic passes in the Dolomites, plus a quick stop in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Day 2 – Lago di Sorapis: a turquoise-blue lake that’s one of the most famous hikes in the Dolomites. (Full hike video here 👉 [Sorapis video link])
Day 3 – Rifugio Lagazuoi: the highest rifugio in the area, reached by gondola, with snow, ice, and epic views.
Day 3 – Serrai di Sottoguda Gorge: a hidden gem with waterfalls, chapels, and a beautiful village atmosphere.
👉 Whether you’ve just finished the Alta Via 1 or you’re looking for a Dolomites road trip, these spots are ideal for slower days, recovery, and soaking up the landscapes without committing to another multi-day trek.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00:00 Intro – 3 Days After the Alta Via 1
00:00:35 Day 1: Arrival in Digonera Village
00:01:13 Day 1: Exploring Alleghe Lake Town
00:03:56 Day 2: Mountain Roads & Rifugio Fedare
00:05:45 Day 2: Passo Giau – Epic Views & Crowds
00:06:49 Day 2: Quick Stop in Cortina d’Ampezzo
00:08:02 Day 2: Hiking to Lago di Sorapis
00:10:03 Day 3: Gondola Ride to Rifugio Lagazuoi
00:11:34 Day 3: Serrai di Sottoguda Gorge Walk
00:13:53 Venice – A Quick Stop Before Flying Out
00:15:33 Reflections & Outro – Why We’ll Be Back
📍 Practical Tips
A rental car is the best way to explore these areas.
June–September is perfect for lakes & passes; winter brings skiing and ice climbing.
Balance busy hotspots (like Cortina & Sorapis) with quieter gems (like Digonera & Sottoguda).
🎥 Don’t miss my full Alta Via 1 series for the full 8-day trek 👉 [Playlist link]
📸 GEAR I USE
🎥 iPhone 15 Pro Max - https://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 - https://amzn.to/3W8MVI5
I absolutely love this drone - it’s small, compact and provides amazing footage in 4K.
📷 GoPro - https://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) What to Do in the Dolomites After Hiking the Alta Via 1 – Lakes, Passes & Hidden Gems ⛰️🇮🇹](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/skifj21I91U/mqdefault.jpg)






