Alta Via 2 (Bressanone → Feltre)

The place

The Alta Via 2 of the Dolomites connects Bressanone (Brixen, South Tyrol) to Feltre (Veneto) over 12 stages covering about 170 km. More demanding than the Alta Via 1, it requires the use of via ferratas and fixed chains at some points (optional, with alternative routes available). The scenery is among the wildest in the Dolomites: the Marmolada massif with its glacier, the Monti del Sole, the Pale di San Martino. The cumulative elevation gain is significant (over 12,000 m of ascent). An extraordinary experience for experienced hikers looking to go beyond the Alta Via 1.

Why go

Marmolada (3,342 m, queen of the Dolomites) and its glacier. Sella and Sassolungo. Minazio bivouac. Pale di San Martino (lunar plateau). Rifugio Rosetta (via ferrata). The contrast between the vertical spires and alpine meadows is unique.

A bit of history

Marked out by the CAI in the 1970s, the Alte Vie 2–6 followed on from the success of the Alta Via 1 to offer alternative routes across the different Dolomite ranges. The Alta Via 2 showcases the central part of the Dolomites, less trodden by mass tourism.

Getting there

Bressanone (Brixen): train from Bolzano/Innsbruck. Feltre: train from Belluno and Venice. Venice airport (2h from Feltre) or Innsbruck (1h from Bressanone).

Recommended gear

Sturdy technical boots. Harness, carabiner and helmet for the equipped sections (optional if following the variants). Trekking poles. Waterproof jacket. Sleeping bag.

Best season

July to September. Lingering snow on some passes until July. Some via ferratas closed out of season. August is ideal but crowded.

Day by day

1. 1
   J01 · Bressanone → Schlüterhütte (Rifugio Genova)14.00 km · +1450 m
2. 2
   J02 · Schlüterhütte → Puez Hütte (Rifugio Puez)18.00 km · +1300 m
3. 3
   J03 · Puez Hütte → Gardenacia Hütte (Rifugio Gardenaccia)13.00 km · +380 m
4. 4
   J04 · Gardenacia Hütte → Rifugio Lavarella (Fanes)15.00 km · +860 m
5. 5
   J05 · Rifugio Lavarella → Ospitale (Cortina d'Ampezzo)21.00 km · +740 m
6. 6
   J06 · Ospitale → Rifugio Nuvolau11.00 km · +1400 m
7. 7
   J07 · Rifugio Nuvolau → Rifugio Tissi (Forcella della Piza)13.00 km · +400 m
8. 8
   J08 · Rifugio Tissi → Rifugio Pramperet14.00 km · +900 m
9. 9
   J09 · Rifugio Pramperet → Rifugio Pian de Fontana12.00 km · +700 m
10. 10
    J10 · Rifugio Pian de Fontana → Rifugio Carestiato10.00 km · +600 m
11. 11
    J11 · Rifugio Carestiato → Rifugio Bianchet13.00 km · +550 m
12. 12
    J12 · Rifugio Bianchet → Rifugio Fonteghi12.00 km · +600 m
13. 13
    J13 · Rifugio Fonteghi → Feltre11.00 km · +100 m