Backpacking the Dolomites With Kids, How to Pack for the Alta Via 1 Trail
Experience the Magic of the Mountains Without Having to Rough It.
Stillness from a Hike, Connected to Family
You’ve been dreaming of hiking in Europe with your family in the stillness and splendor of the Dolomite mountains of northern Italy. A quiet place filled with rocky spires, green meadows and occasional sound of cowbells tinkling on the necks of alpine cows nibbling on wild grasses at high altitude.
You’ll be proud of your kids ages 11 and up for completing this 4–5 day “Northern Half” of the Alta Via 1.
Originally published on CraveThePlanet.com
Hut-to-Hut Hiking: Thru Hiking Without All the Gear
The Dolomites UNESCO world heritage site is filled with views that take your breath away around every bend. Cozy mountain huts (hütten in German or rifugios in Italian) built directly on the trail serve warm 3 course Italian dinners and provide delicious local wines.
You’ll hike “hut to hut” avoiding the monotony of having to hike a day loop or out and back each night to the same hotel.
But a heavy pack may make you or your kids want to turn back because you’ll carry your clothing and water in a backpack each day on the Alta Via 1.
You’ll be able to traverse north to south on the same trails WW1 soldiers, refugees, and alpinists throughout the centuries have used to cross these amazing mountains and avoid carrying tents, cooking equipment, and survival gear by staying in the high elevation huts.
It’s really an excellent beginning multi-day long distance hike for beginners in the Alps. We love that it’s especially tasty each night at the incredible huts.
No Special Equipment
So whether you’re smiling in the 72 degree sun or warming up your hands during a chilly summer rain storm, a summer hike on the Alta Via 1 (AV1) doesn’t require special equipment and is not especially technical.
Download Free Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Guide
There are options to make it more adventurous, taxing and gritty — but the main route is considered level 1 or 2 out of 3 and great for family hiking. Especially families that love good food served at each Hütte (hut).
Best Time for Alta Via 1: July & August
The best part of the Dolomites hiking season runs July and August where there is little to no snow left near the trail and rain storms pass quickly. So book a flight to Venice or drive to the trailhead near Cortina d’Ampezzo and get your gear ready!
Carry Less, Enjoy More European Hut-to-Hut Hiking
The secret many pro backpackers know, but us normal working stiffs might not be aware of is the ability to quickly wash quick dry shirts/pants at the huts each night. You’ll arrive at the mountaintop hut and see people’s cleaned shirts drying on a line next to the hut or strung over railings.
That way we only need to bring one set of “hiking clothes” and one set of “dinner” clothes and almost everyone wears the same set each day. Pro tip: don’t try to wash your undies or socks, they won’t get dry in time.
Alta Via 1 Packing List: Clothing
- 1 Lightweight, quick drying pants or convertible pants.
- 2 lightweight, quick drying t-shirts (1 extra in case of soaking rain)
- 2–3 pairs of good walking socks
- 2 pairs thin socks to prevent blisters by wearing under hiking socks
- 1 pair cozy socks for night
- 1 lightweight fleece or technical fabric warm layer
- 1 pack away lightweight waterproof jacket
- 1 pack away lightweight thermal jacket (We didn’t need to use this when walking, but I found it very comforting to have it in the mountain huts once it cooled down in the evenings)
- Lightweight pants or leggings and t-shirt to wear in the huts in the evenings.
- Sports bra, evening bra (for the ladies),
- enough undies for the entire trip unless you have quick dry undies which are pretty intense to have.
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- 1 pair of good quality walking boots (low or medium top)
- 1 pair of slides for wearing in the huts — Boots ARE NOT ALLOWED inside restaurant/bedroom area
Alta Via 1 Packing List: Equipment
- Quality backpack 36L for men, 32L for women, 18L for kids is all that’s needed.
- Waterproof cover for pack
- Walking poles — Not strictly needed unless you have a hard time with the downhills, which there are MANY!
- 1.5 litre water reservoir plus a canteen or two
- A few non perishable snacks
- Safety Whistle
- First aid kit including athletic tape, scissors, bandaids, neosporin, NSAIDs & sunscreen
- Limited toiletries — small tube of toothpaste, toothbrush, small bottle of shampoo, hairbrush, lotion, chapstick
- Phone/chargers/adapters to 220V Italian plug
- Guide book in your language
- Earplugs
- Travel documents in waterproof ziplock or drybag
- Credit cards. Most places accept but some euros in reserve for tips
If you chose dorm level accommodations vs private rooms you’ll need this also:
- Sleeping bag liner
- Travel towel
Caveat: People with very fair skin or high risk skin cancer
You’ll want to bring a thin long sleeve shirt to hike during the sunny daytimes. It gets hot ascending through Forcella del Lago Notch, so quick dry works best to dissipate the heat but still provide better sun protection than merely sunscreen alone.
Caveat: Chronically cold people
During the downhills or rest stops at yummy mountain cafes for a steaming cup of hot chocolate topped with the freshest whipped cream you can imagine you may consider bringing a knit hat for your ears, a neck gator, soft hand gloves, thin leggings to wear under your hiking pants and a long sleeve quick dry shirt.
The Bare Minimum
However, For 80% of us the bare minimum is plenty and a light pack is greatly appreciated. We’ve never needed more than a quality rainjacket and thin technical warm long sleeve layer for sitting on the decks at night playing games or watching the stars.
I’ve pulled hoodies from my daughter’s bags and left them in the car multiple times and they were grateful for a light pack, despite their very strong desire to wear hoodies. Do all tweens love hoodies?
If in doubt, don’t bring it.
You’ll probably want some extra room in your backpack anyways, just in case your kids want you to feel important by carrying some of their stuff or you want to buy a souvenir t-shirt from one of the mountain huts.
More Fun Journeys & Stories for Foodie Family Hikers
- Watch: See these adorable animals interrupting a photo shoot!
- Explore: 5 Things You Need To Know About Impact Investing to learn more about avoiding mistakes and building wealth so you can hike more.
- Find Your Way: Get an idea of what the planning is like to Hike in the Italian Dolomites.
From your friends here at Crave the Planet who understand it’s all about the connection!
Until Next Time, Climb Your Mountains!
💖Crave the Planet
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Author profile: Morgan Fielder is an evangelist for play. Join her eating, playing, and loving on Nature around Europe exploring sustainability & husky powered odysseys. She is living in Germany raising two gorgeous girls, wife of a rebel, serial expat, and is actively involved in the German community and sustainable projects through several organizations. Visit her community projects at Cornhole Europa and Sustainable Investors Group.
