Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 7 hours ago
Hiking Day 1 of the Alta Via 1 – Italian Dolomites 🇮🇹
The journey begins. On this first day of Italy’s iconic Alta Via 1 trail, I hike from the famous Lago di Braies through stunning alpine landscapes to Rifugio Biella. It’s a long day, filled with steep climbs, breathtaking views, peaceful silence — and the excitement of finally hitting the trail.
Complete Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-complete-guide
📍 Route: Lago di Braies → Croda del Becco viewpoint → Rifugio Biella
🥾 Distance: ~8km
⛰ Elevation gain: ~850m
🕒 Duration: ~3-4 hours
🎬 About the Series
This is Day 1 of my multi-day trek along the Alta Via 1, one of the most scenic long-distance trails in the Dolomites. I’m capturing every step — the highs, the challenges, the food, the people, and the places. Join me each day as I document the full experience.
Packing List Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-packing-list
📍 Route: Lago di Braies → Rifugio Biella
📅 Day 1 Distance: ~8km | ⬆️ 950m ascent
🏔️ Trail: Alta Via 1 – Dolomites, Italy
🔔 Subscribe to follow the full Alta Via 1 series
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction & Trail Overview
00:00:34 - Starting at Lake Braies (Lago di Braies)
00:00:55 - Entering the Forest Trail
00:03:51 - First Ascent: Gaining Elevation
00:04:35 - Stunning Views Open Up
00:05:49 - Final Push to the Summit
00:07:55 - Descending to Rifugio Biella
00:08:11 - Arriving at Rifugio Biella
00:09:33 - Reflections on Day 1
📸 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)
✨ Full Alta Via 1 trail guide coming soon on my website
Hiking Day 1 of the Alta Via 1 – Italian Dolomites 🇮🇹
The journey begins. On this first day of Italy’s iconic Alta Via 1 trail, I hike from the famous Lago di Braies through stunning alpine landscapes to Rifugio Biella. It’s a long day, filled with steep climbs, breathtaking views, peaceful silence — and the excitement of finally hitting the trail.
Complete Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-complete-guide
📍 Route: Lago di Braies → Croda del Becco viewpoint → Rifugio Biella
🥾 Distance: ~8km
⛰ Elevation gain: ~850m
🕒 Duration: ~3-4 hours
🎬 About the Series
This is Day 1 of my multi-day trek along the Alta Via 1, one of the most scenic long-distance trails in the Dolomites. I’m capturing every step — the highs, the challenges, the food, the people, and the places. Join me each day as I document the full experience.
Packing List Guide: hikingwithlee.com/alta-via-1-packing-list
📍 Route: Lago di Braies → Rifugio Biella
📅 Day 1 Distance: ~8km | ⬆️ 950m ascent
🏔️ Trail: Alta Via 1 – Dolomites, Italy
🔔 Subscribe to follow the full Alta Via 1 series
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction & Trail Overview
00:00:34 - Starting at Lake Braies (Lago di Braies)
00:00:55 - Entering the Forest Trail
00:03:51 - First Ascent: Gaining Elevation
00:04:35 - Stunning Views Open Up
00:05:49 - Final Push to the Summit
00:07:55 - Descending to Rifugio Biella
00:08:11 - Arriving at Rifugio Biella
00:09:33 - Reflections on Day 1
📸 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)
✨ Full Alta Via 1 trail guide coming soon on my website
