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Alta Via 2 Main
Hiking the Alta Via 2
Alta Via 2 Rifugio
AV2 Hike
AV2 Dolomites
 

Iconic Sights of the Dolomites

 

Rifugio to Rifugio Hiking

 

Culinary Highlight

 

Challenging Terrain

 

Rugged Landscape

 

World War I Historical Sites

The Alta Via 2 Hiker’s Route leads hikers through iconic corners of the Italian Dolomites, including a crossing of the famous Sella Group (mostly famous for the Sella Ronda ski circuit), winding around (but not on) the glaciated slopes of the Marmolada and traversing the expansive terrain of the otherworldly Pale di San Martino Natural Park. Our twist on the classic Alta Via 2 itinerary avoids some of the most technical terrain, making it accessible, although still challenging, for experienced and sure-footed hikers who are free from vertigo and who do not have a fear of heights.

Along the way, hikers immerse themselves in a full Dolomites hiking adventure, enjoying excellent Italian hospitality, consuming heaps of delicious Italian food, and sleeping in authentic and comfortable mountain huts, called rifugios.

Note: The Alta Via 2 is recommended in many forums as a less busy alternative to the Alta Via 1, which is the easiest multi-day hike in the Dolomites. However, we consider this some of the worst, and most dangerous, advice the internet has to offer on trekking in the Dolomites. The pure Alta Via 2 route is a true alpine challenge, with multiple via ferrata sections, exposed terrain for hours on end, and some very long days. Our version of the Alta Via 2, the Alta Via 2 Hiker’s Route (self-guided hike), avoids the most technical and intense sections of the Alta Via 2 while preserving the highlights and experience of the classic trail, exiting at Val Canali before the route gets unbearably exposed for most hikers. The routing used for the Alta Via 2 Hiker’s Route does make the Alta Via 2 more reasonable and enjoyable for strong hikers with experience and confidence in alpine terrain, but even with these modifications, there is still some exposure and challenging terrain on this route, making it the most technical hut-to-hut hiking itinerary that we offer in the Dolomites. This route does not require any specialized via ferrata or climbing gear.

For a less challenging experience, check out our other Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Hiking itineraries:
Alta Via 1 (easiest, but not easy)
Best of the Dolomites Trek (challenging, but not as challenging)

The terrain in the Dolomites is rugged. Every year, we have customers who are surprised and unprepared for the challenges presented by this rugged terrain. Read our Blog post on Trekking in the Dolomites for more information to help you decide if trekking in the Dolomites is right for you. 


 

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Location

Dolomites, Italy

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Airport

Venice, Italy

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Season

mid-July to mid-September

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Responsible Travel Score

1
13
15
Responsible Travel Leader

GO Hike the Alta Via 2 Hiker's Route

Alta Via 2 Hiker's Route 
Self-guided Itineraries

8 days
The 8-day itinerary of the full Alta Via 2 Hiker's Route follows a challenging pace that is reasonable for fit hikers. It covers the full Alta Via 2 Hiker's Route, which begins at the Plose Gondola near Brixen-Bressanone and ends in Val Canali. Hikers who take a Rest Day (optional Add-on) at Malga Ciapela will have the opportunity to take the gondola up the Marmolada (not included)
Location
Start:
Plose Gondola, Brixen-Bressanone
End:
Val Canali
Packages
Ultralight • Classic 
Physical
Condition

Technical
Difficulty

From:
€1410
Tax Included
Accepting bookings for 2026
5 days
The northern section of the Alta Via 2 Hiker's Route is challenging. Beginning at the Plose Gondola near Brixen-Bressanone, and continuing through the moon-like landscape of the Puez-Geisler-Group before crossing the rugged Sella Massif, this itinerary ends at the base of the Marmolada in Malga Ciapela. The most technical day on the Alta Via 2 Hiker's Route is included in this itinerary. Accommodation is more simple along this stretch
Location
Start:
Plose Gondola, Brixen-Bressanone
End:
Malga Ciapela
Packages
Ultralight
Physical
Condition

Technical
Difficulty

From:
€730
Tax Included
Accepting bookings for 2026
4 days
The southern section of the Alta Via 2 Hiker's Route is the least technical. Beginning in Malga Ciapela at the base of the Marmolada, this itinerary first crosses Passo San Pellegrino and then traverses the surreal landscape of the Pale di San Martino Natural Park. Accommodation is more comfortable on this stretch
Location
Start:
Malga Ciapela
End:
Val Canali
Packages
Ultralight • Classic 
Physical
Condition

Technical
Difficulty
From:
€620
Tax Included
Accepting Booking for 2026

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