The Alta Via 1: Does this trail deserve its popularity?

Stephen and Richard Ross from Big Trail Adventures walked the Alta Via 1 in mid-September, one of Europe’s most celebrated high routes across the Dolomites.In this episode, we cover:What the Alta Via 1 actually is — and why it’s known as a “high route”How hard it really is, day to dayPlanning late versus booking far in advanceWhat it’s like staying in Italian mountain refuges (food, showers, dorms, sleep)How busy the trail felt — and when it suddenly didn’tCarrying light: why 5kg made the experience betterManaging long, hot days with big climbsSwimming in lakes and rivers to reset mid-routeWho you meet on the trail — from first-timers to seasoned alpinistsHow the Alta Via compares to more familiar Alpine routesWhether this trip changed how they think about future European trailsThis is an honest conversation about walking in the Dolomites — what surprised them, what worked, and what they’d do differently next time.