Treks in the Dolomites: Alta Vie 1 and 2

Alta Via 1 and 2 are the finest long distance trails through the Dolomites. Alta Via 1 is 120km long and requires up to 10 days; Alta Via 2 is 150km long, is generally higher and needs about 2? weeks. Running north/south through the heart of the Dolomites, they connect the Tyrolean Val Pusteria with the fringes of the Venetian plain and pass through a wide variety of landscape, from alpine meadows and foothills, to the rugged heights of the central Dolomites.Almost everywhere the terrain is stern. The walking varies from level strolling to via Ferrata-style scrambling on fixed metal ropes, from ambling ascents in forests to steep traverses on snow and scree. Heights are generally between 2-2500 metres, with occasional descents to lower roads.The hut system in the Dolomites is perhaps the finest in the alps, so accommodation is plentiful, good food generally available, and there is always a welcome at the day's end.