The Practical
| The Alta Via 9 is unique amongst the famous Alta Via trails of the Dolomites in Northern Italy, crossing these mountains from West to East (rather than North to South). For this reason, it’s also known as 'la Trasversale' (The Traverse). Beginning near Bolzano, we cross the Molignon Pass in the Rosengarten group, passing the Sassolungo to traverse the South face of the Sella group, with views of the Marmolada. Cross high meadows and ascend to Rifugio Lagazuoi, traversing hillsides with historic relics from the First World War before dropping to the resort town of Cortina d'Ampezzo. From Cortina continue East around the Monte Cristallo Massif, visiting Lago di Misurina before an epic finale around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Take in awe-inspiring views of the dramatic, rocky peaks of the Dolomites as you soak up the best of Italy's Südtirol. |
Courtesy of Alpine Exploratory
| Day |
To |
Distance |
Time |
Elevation in meters |
| |
|
Km |
Elapsed
Hrs-Mins |
Moving
Hrs-Mins |
Gain |
Loss |
Max |
Min |
| 1 |
Bolzano - Bus to San Cipriano - Up Tschamin Valley past Rechter Leger and Molignon Pass to Rif Alpi di Tires |
11.5 |
|
|
1,570 |
240 |
|
|
| 2 |
From Rif Alpi di Tires to Passo Sella |
13.1 |
|
|
350 |
550 |
|
|
| 3 |
From Passo Sella up Val Lasties to Rifugio Boe |
8.6 |
|
|
995 |
300 |
|
|
| 4 |
From Rif. Boe to Forcella Purdoi and Path 626 to Passo Campolongo (Overnight in Corvara) |
12.5 |
|
|
230 |
1250 |
|
|
| 5 |
From Passon Campolongo to Passo Valparola |
11.9 |
|
|
700 |
370 |
|
|
| 6 |
From Passo Valparola to Falzarego and Forcella Travenzes and on to Rif Dibona |
10.4 |
|
|
550 |
690 |
|
|
| 7 |
Rif Dibona via Rif Pomedes and Lake Ghedina to Cortina d'Amprezzo |
10.8 |
|
|
240 |
1060 |
|
|
| 8 |
From Cortina via Forcella Zumeles to Passo Tre Croce (Rif Sonforea option) |
9.2 |
|
|
910 |
530 |
|
|
| 9 |
Passo Tre Croce via Misurina to Rif Auronzo |
14.1 |
|
|
1,050 |
530 |
|
|
| 10 |
Rif Auronzo to Rif Pian di Cengia and on to Rif Comici |
10.5 |
|
|
510 |
610 |
|
|
| 11 |
From Rif Comici via Val Fiscalina to Sesto...... and bus to San Candido or Dobbiacco |
10.3 |
|
|
30 |
880 |
|
|
| |
Total |
122.9 |
|
|
7,135 |
7,010 |
|
|
Courtesy of Alpine Exploratory
Alta Via 9 West
For a shorter trip, the hike from Bolzano to Cortina works well, giving 7 stages and 8 nights accommodation. This section includes some of the comfier hotels, and some of the hardest walking stages, including the highest portion of the route (around Rifugio Boè). This is a great option for a trip crossing the Dolomites in just over a week.
Alta Via 9 East
The 4 stages after Cortina make a good trip in its own right. Arrive in bustling Cortina in the heart of the mountains, explore the southern slopes of the Monte Cristallo range, and include the epic finale around the Tre Cime. This trip is graded Red 3 - avoiding the hardest sections of the full Alta Via 9. Enjoy a mix of accommodations, with 2 mountain huts and 3 hotels. |
Courtesy of Alpine Exploratory
Alta Via 9 West
Stage 1
Courtesy of Tobacco Maps
Stage 2
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Courtesy of Tobacco Maps
Stage 3
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Stage 4
Courtesy of Tobacco Maps
Short bus ride to overnight in Corvara
Stage 5
Courtesy of Tobacco Maps
Courtesy of Tobacco Maps
Stage 6
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Stage 7
Courtesy of Tobacco Maps
Alta Via 9 East
Stage 8
Courtesy of Tobacco Maps
Stage 9
Courtesy of Tobacco Maps
Courtesy of Tobacco Maps
Stage 10
Courtesy of Tobacco Maps
Stage 11
Courtesy of Tobacco Maps
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