wandelgids Alta Via 2 - Trekking in the Dolomites

Guidebook to the Alta Via 2 through the Italian Dolomites. Suitable for experienced hikers with a head for heights, the challenging but hugely rewarding hut-to-hut trail covers 160km in 13 days and involves steep and technical terrain and exposed sections. The more demanding AV3-6 routes are described in outline. Includes 1:25K map booklet for AV2.

Seasons
Alpine summer (mid-June to late September) is the time to go as that's when the rifugi huts are open - essential for overnight accommodation and meals. Moreover that's when the snow will have melted off the high-level paths and the colourful alpine wildflowers will be at their brilliant best.

Centres
Bressanone, Passo Gardena, Passo Pordoi, Malga Ciapela, Passo San Pellegrino, San Martino di Castrozza, Fiera di Primiero, Feltre

Difficulty
A challenging 13-stage trek that entails a number of aided and exposed sections (though these do not rate as full-blooded vie ferrate; several can be detoured). A head for heights is essential, and a short rope and karabiner clips are helpful though not compulsory. Alte Vie 3-6 are more demanding, with remote terrain and prolonged and more technical aided sections.

Must See
The Plose, Puez-Odle, Sella, Pale di San Martino and Alpi Feltrine groups, each distinctive and exciting; key mountain passes such as Passo Gardena and Passo Pordoi; optional detours to peaks such as Sass de Putia and Rosetta as well as the glaciated Marmolada with its high-altitude World War 1 fortifications and poignant museum