Alta Via 2 – Trekking in the Dolomites

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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. 

Cicerone says: 

Guidebook describing Alta Via 2, a challenging hut-to-hut trek through the Italian Dolomites. Stretching 174km from Bressanone (Brixen) to Feltre, the route involves some aided and exposed sections (although several can be bypassed) calling for a sure foot and a good head for heights. It can be walked in under a fortnight – although it is also possible to walk shorter chunks should you only have limited time, and the guide highlights potential exit routes and transport options. Also included are summaries of Alte Vie 3-6, which are more demanding and include remote terrain and stretches of via ferrata for which climbing experience is essential. On Alte Vie 3-6 some nights will be spent in unmanned bivouac huts, meaning trekkers must carry their own kit, although it is possible to walk shorter hut-to-hut sections. The easiest of the Alta Via routes, Alta Via 1, is covered in a separate Cicerone guide.

An overview diagram is provided for each trek, showing times between huts. Alta Via 2 is presented in 13 stages, each with clear route description illustrated with 1:75,000 mapping. There are overview statistics for each stage and contact details and notes about mountain huts encountered en route. The guide also includes a wealth of information about the region’s geology, plants and wildlife to enhance your appreciation of the landscapes traversed. Useful contacts and an Italian-English glossary can be found in the appendices. A handy pocket-sized map booklet showing the full route of Alta Via 2 on 1:25,000 Kompass maps is included with the guide.

Alta Via 2 visits the Plose massif, the jagged Puez-Odle, fortress-like Sella, the majestic Marmolada, spectacular Pale di San Martino and the rugged Alpi Feltrine group as it journeys from the baroque town of Bressanone to Renaissance-style Feltre. On all of the Alta Via routes you can expect breathtaking mountain vistas and a truly memorable trekking experience.

Our Verdict

For nearly 50 years Cicerone have been producing guidebooks on recognised treks, regions, areas and general tips for hikers.

We have used them countless times and they’ve always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too.

If you’re a gram counter you can easily remove sections of the book to take with you making your own ultra-lightweight guidebook with only the essential sections that you require.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• 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

Specifications

• Weight:
• Edition: Fifth
• Number of pages: 144
• Size: 17.2 x 11.6 x 0.9cm
• Published: 1 June 2022
• Author: Gillian Price

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