Trek the Alta Via 2 in the Dolomites
Experience the spectacular Dolomites on our five-day Alta Via 2 trek, a challenging hut-to-hut adventure through one of Europe’s most dramatic mountain landscapes, all in one long weekend. Compared with the better-known Alta Via 1, this route offers a wilder and quieter experience, with rugged mountain passes, towering limestone peaks and beautiful alpine valleys.
Our shortened five-day itinerary covers approximately 65km along the northern section of the Alta Via 2, beginning near Brixen and finishing in the mountain village of Arabba. Along the way, we’ll hike through the beautiful Puez–Odle Nature Park, discover the spectacular Sella massif and experience incredible views from almost 3,000m above sea level.
While our route avoids technical via ferrata climbing, this is still a demanding alpine trek, with hiking days of up to seven hours, significant ascents and descents, and some exposed sections with fixed cables for support. Expect everything from forest trails and alpine meadows to steep scree slopes and rugged mountain paths.
Each evening, we’ll stay in a traditional mountain refuge, enjoying hearty Italian food and the unique atmosphere of life high in the Dolomites. Accompanied throughout by a professional, experienced mountain guide, this is a fantastic next adventure for experienced hikers looking to experience the wild beauty of the Dolomites without committing to a longer expedition.
Alta Via 2 Trek Highlights
An Epic Alpine Adventure in a Long Weekend
Experience the spectacular Italian Dolomites on this five-day adventure. From rugged mountain passes to traditional alpine refuges, we’ve packed an incredible amount of hiking into one long weekend, without needing to take extended time off work.
Prepare for Your Adventure in Wicklow
Join us for our included training weekend in the Wicklow Mountains, where you’ll meet fellow adventurers, build confidence on the trails and get practical advice to help you prepare for the Dolomites.
Small Groups, Big Adventures
With a maximum of 10 participants, you’ll be part of a small, like-minded group sharing the challenges and rewards of the trail. From demanding climbs to relaxed evenings in the refuges, it’s the people you meet along the way that make an Earth’s Edge expedition so memorable.
Dolomites Trek Cost & What’s Included
The total expedition price is shown above.
Just pay a €199 deposit to secure your place. The remaining balance due three months before departure.
You can choose to pay the balance in instalments or in full.
Before you Go
- Pre-departure training weekend in Wicklow, Ireland
- An Earth’s Edge team jacket, buff and cap for you to keep
- Ongoing pre-departure support from the Earth’s Edge team based in Ireland
- Advice on training, equipment and preparing for the trek
In Italy
- Professional, experienced mountain guide throughout the trek
- Five days of guided hiking in the Italian Dolomites
- Cable cars where needed
- Four nights’ accommodation in traditional mountain refuges (shared dormitory-style rooms)
- A pillow and blanket or duvet is provided at the refuges
- Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner whilst trekking
- Private group transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Brixen at the start of the trek
- Private group transfer from Arabba to Venice Marco Polo Airport at the end of the trek
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Additional accommodation before or after the trek
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal gear and expenses
- Tips
Flights and Transfers
Flights are not included in the expedition price.
We’ll outline a recommended flight itinerary to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) which are designed to connect with our complimentary group transfers.
If you’d like to spend time in Venice before or after the trek, you are welcome to choose alternative flights, and meet the group at Venice Airport in the morning of Day 1 in time for our transfer.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Venice, transfer to Brixen (3hrs), trek to Rifugio Plose (2hrs)
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We meet at Venice Marco Polo Airport in the morning for our private transfer to Brixen, approximately three hours away. From here, we begin our trek towards Rifugio Plose, enjoying views of the surrounding Dolomites. Today's short hike provides a good introduction to the terrain ahead.
Day 2
Trek Rifugio Plose to Rifugio Genova (6.5hrs)
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Today we join the Alta Via 2 and enter the Puez–Odle Nature Park. We descend through alpine meadows and forests towards Passo Rodella before climbing through a rocky gully to Forcella della Pùtia. From the pass, we continue across alpine meadows and mountain trails towards Rifugio Genova, with views of the surrounding limestone peaks. Depending on the group's fitness and weather conditions, there may be an opportunity for an optional summit walk to Piccolo Sas de Pùtia (2,813m).
Day 3
Trek Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Firenze (6hrs)
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Leaving Rifugio Genova, we climb towards Forcella de Medalges before continuing up the steeper, rocky trail to Forcella del Róa. This is one of the more challenging sections of the trek, with loose scree and uneven ground underfoot. From the pass, we descend into Val de Róa before leaving the main Alta Via 2 route and continuing towards Rifugio Firenze (2,040m), overlooking Val Gardena.
Day 4
Trek Rifugio Firenze to Rifugio Pisciadù (7hrs)
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Today is likely to be the most physically demanding day of the trek, with approximately 1,300m of ascent. We descend towards Selva di Val Gardena before climbing towards Passo Gardena (2,136m) and entering the Sella massif. The route follows rocky mountain trails beneath large limestone cliffs, with some steep sections equipped with fixed cables for support. These require confidence on exposed terrain, although our route avoids technical via ferrata climbing. Depending on conditions, a mountain lift may be available to reduce some of the ascent. We finish at Rifugio Pisciadù (2,587m), situated beside Lago Pisciadù.
Day 5
Trek Rifugio Pisciadù to Arabba (6hrs), transfer to Venice (3hrs)
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Our final day takes us across the rocky Sella Plateau, approaching 3,000m above sea level, with views across the surrounding Dolomites. We continue towards Forcella d'Antersass and the Sass Pordoi cable car (2,950m), which we take down to Passo Pordoi to avoid the steep scree descent. From here, we continue on foot to Arabba, where our private transfer will collect us for the approximately three-hour journey back to Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Start Planning Your Journey
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Difficult Is the Alta Via 2 Dolomites Trek?
Our five-day Alta Via 2 trek is a challenging alpine hiking adventure, suitable for fit hikers with previous mountain hiking experience.
Although this is a shorter itinerary, the hiking days are demanding, with 60+ km covered over five days and around 4,000m of cumulative ascent.
Unlike gentler alpine walking routes, the Alta Via 2 includes steep mountain passes, rocky paths, loose scree and some exposed sections where fixed cables provide additional support. Day 4 is particularly challenging, with approximately 1,300m of ascent.
Does the Alta Via 2 Trek Involve Via Ferrata?
No. Our route avoids technical via ferrata climbing, but some sections may feel intimidating for anyone uncomfortable with exposure.
There are some steep and exposed mountain trails, including short sections equipped with fixed cables to provide additional support.
What's the Difference Between Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2?
The Dolomites are home to several famous long-distance hiking routes, known as Alta Vie.
Alta Via 1 (AV1) is generally considered the more accessible of the two main routes, with a greater proportion of well-established mountain paths and relatively less demanding terrain.
Alta Via 2 (AV2) offers a more rugged and challenging experience, with steeper mountain passes, rockier trails and more exposed sections.
Both routes offer incredible scenery, traditional mountain refuges and a fantastic opportunity to explore the Dolomites.
Our five-day itinerary follows a carefully selected section of Alta Via 2, avoiding technical via ferrata routes while retaining the challenge and spectacular scenery that make this trek so rewarding.
How Does the Alta Via 2 Compare With the TMB?
Both are spectacular alpine trekking experiences, but they offer different challenges.
The Tour du Mont Blanc follows a well-established circuit around the Mont Blanc massif, passing through beautiful alpine valleys, traditional villages and high mountain passes.
The Alta Via 2 is generally more rugged and exposed, with steeper, rockier trails and more demanding terrain. It also offers a greater sense of remoteness, particularly on the quieter sections away from popular day-hiking routes.
Although our Dolomites itinerary is considerably shorter than our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek, the hiking can be more demanding.
For experienced hikers who've already completed the TMB and are looking for a new challenge, the Alta Via 2 is an excellent next step.
What Is the Accommodation Like on the AV2?
All four nights are spent in traditional mountain refuges, known locally as rifugi. These are welcoming mountain huts situated in spectacular alpine settings, often far from the nearest road or village.
Refuges are comfortable but relatively simple, and facilities vary between locations. Accommodation is generally in shared dormitory-style rooms, with bunk beds and communal facilities.
Do I Need to Carry My Own Luggage?
Yes, you'll need to carry all of your own clothing and personal equipment required for the trek in your backpack. There is no option for luggage transfers on the AV2.
Packing light and choosing a comfortable, well-fitted backpack are important.
What's the Weather Like in the Dolomites?
The main hiking season in the Dolomites runs through the summer months, generally from late June to September. During this period, the valleys can be warm and sunny, while conditions higher in the mountains can be considerably cooler.
However, mountain weather is unpredictable and can change quickly, with rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and occasional snow possible even during summer.
What Should I Pack?
You'll need suitable mountain hiking footwear, waterproof clothing, warm layers, a comfortable hiking backpack and your personal trekking equipment.
Trekking poles are particularly useful on the steep descents and loose scree sections of this route.
As we'll be staying in mountain refuges, your equipment requirements are lighter than for a camping expedition, although you'll still need to carry your own belongings.
Want to be the first to hear about new dates added, or to join the waitlist for an existing date? Contact us on support@earths-edge.com!
