Hi fellow hiker,

Today’s email provides some information on mountain safety and a preview of the more exposed sections of the Alta Via 1.

It's impossible to fit everything regarding mountain safety into one email, which is why we've answered a few of the more frequently asked questions below.

Best regards,

Pygmy Elephant

EMERGENCIES

The police, fire service, ambulance, or mountain rescue can be reached in an emergency by dialing 112. There are mountain and cave rescue teams operating in the regions covered by the Alta Via 1; for these and other health-related emergencies, dial 118.

Provide accurate details of the incident and location (grid references are very useful) – if you are in a remote location with difficult access it is important to emphasize this.

The police will assess the situation and send help. This may include a Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) or other medical support, depending on the region.

TICKS

Tick bites themselves are not dangerous to humans, but ticks can sometimes carry disease that they pass on to their host. In Italy, the three most common diseases spread by ticks are Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and Rickettsiosis. We advise you to cover exposed skin as much as possible, and consider using insect repellents, like those containing DEET. At the end of the day, check thoroughly for ticks and remove them. The safest way to remove a tick is to use fine-tipped tweezers or tick removal tool and to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upwards slowly and firmly, as mouthparts left in the skin can cause a local infection.

ALTERNATES

While hiking the Alta Via 1, you will get to witness some incredible sights high on the mountainside. Make sure to pay close attention to your GAIA route, and look closely at the signs where paths deviate.

Below, we will give a little more detail on some of the routes that you will want to handle with care, and will give detail on alternatives that you can take along this trek when possible. Please keep in mind that hikers should always exercise caution and avoid hiking in bad weather.

The hike from Averau to Nuvolau is only needed if you are staying at Rifugio Nuvolau. It is rocky and uneven and exposed to the elements. If the weather is rough, wait for the storm to pass before taking this trek.

If you are staying at Rifugio Nuvolau, when you depart the following morning our route will have you retrace your hike, using the trail from the day before, which is located north of the rifugio. The trail to the south is not recommended (page 81 of the Knife Edge guidebook), as it is very steep and requires equipment to traverse. For more information, reference the last section of this email titled "Nuvolau to Passo Giau".

After Pramperet, there is a section of the trail that the guidebook considers to be a knife-edge ridge. Though it should always be traversed with care, the ridge is fairly wide. After this, there is also a steep and slightly exposed section of hiking on the descent to Rifugio Pian de Fontana. Use caution on this path, but be sure to enjoy the incredible views of the valley when you are stopped and your feet are planted safely on the ground. Do not take this path in poor weather.

Alta Via 1 - Pramperet to Rifugio Pian de Fontana - Knife-Edge Route (Cropped)

Along the main route, the stage of Pederu to Lagazoui will include a twisting path on a very steep decline. It is a beautiful location with an incredible open sight line leading to a glistening lake below. Though there is not much exposure on this portion of the trail, it can be a bit of a feat for those with a fear of heights. There is an alternate route that can be used to take you around into the valley earlier in the hike.

Alta Via 1 - Pederu to Lagazoui - Steep Decline

Tunnels at Lagazuoi

For this optional route, you will have the opportunity to traverse historical tunnels used in World War 1. There are beautiful views of the mountainside peaking through alcoves and embrasures installed in the tunnel's walls. There are informational plaques along the Lagazuoi tunnel's winding paths that give you a glimpse into the history packed within these caves.

If this historical landmark interests you, we recommend taking the cable car down into the valley first. There, at the bottom, you will find the cable car office where you can rent a helmet, headlamp, and harness. Then you'll take the cable car back up to the top to enter into the tunnels. After donning your gear, you will be able to explore the tunnels, read the history, and experience the beautiful views.

This trail is considered a lower-level via ferrata. While the majority of the footpaths have been made into stairs for easier traversing, please keep in mind that the caves are damp, and the steps are not always uniform, so you will need to watch your step and hold on to the metal cable that runs alongside the cave walls. Keep your eyes up and be aware of the ceiling as it dips in certain areas.

Alta Via 1 - Lagazuoi Tunnel YouTube Screenshot

Nuvolau to Passo Giau

A via ferrata is defined as a hiking path that requires a bit of scrambling and uses a harness to clip in to a safety line. It is considered a lower-level rock climbing activity. Though the guidebook does not consider the trail to the south of the rifugio to be a via ferrata, there is no mistaking that the trail fits the description. This trail is not recommended, and should be avoided by backtracking to Averau and using the route laid out by our GAIA maps.

For inquiries regarding your specific itinerary, please contact your group leader or key travel builder. If you have any questions about the content of this email, feel free to reply here.