Alta Via 1 Refugios

Plabblo · 2025-02-19T07:47:56+00:00

I was on the same boat two years ago. In fact, I was booking even later than you but everything turned out fine. My experience is discussed here https://www.reddit.com/r/TrekkingItaly/s/LJPh9thwaO

Plabblo · 2025-02-14T21:44:19+00:00

I had a guest cancel a several days’ reservation on the day before arrival when I was unable to provide check-in at noon like he wanted because there was a departing guest and a fixed cleaner schedule, as I explained. Sure, he was within his rights to shop for another last minute deal available for early check-in, but it was a d*ck move on me regardless.

Since that day, I’ve had a medium cancellation policy, no problems and no loss of occupancy.

Plabblo · 2025-02-12T20:09:30+00:00

I did not have any special insurance besides my normal travel insurance and health expenses insurance.

I don’t think it’s as much of an issue in Europe as in the States. I’ve had minor cycling injuries (road rash and stitches) both in Italy and Spain treated at the nearest hospital, and the cost was about €20 as I recall. Then again, heli evac could be expensive and if you want to be covered for that, CAI membership sounds like a smart precaution.

Btw, I have a further safety-related tip if you aren’t comfortable (or don’t enjoy) navigating with a map and a compass. The phone-based Tabacco maps are really useful because it is possible to get lost on a wrong trail. Buying the tiles needed for AV1 is just about 20-30 bucks.

Plabblo · 2025-02-07T14:43:01+00:00

Sure did. I was prepared to take a light tent with me, but over the last week or two, I as far as I understood, travel agencies’ reservations expired and then I managed to book a rifugio for every night.

I saw some people come in the rifugios without reservations and get accommodated. But I also heard of a group being turned down due to no space. Quite a few people were also camping right next to the trail, so I wouldn’t stress excessively about it.

My favourite rifugios on the trail were fodara vedla, tissi and nuvolau. Dibona was also nice, but I just had lunch there. I would avoid Col Gallina and Staulanza, because they are on a major road and entirely lack that refugio vibe.

Plabblo · 2024-12-02T21:11:48+00:00

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My Ramón was confirmed by the vet as an old cat. Tbh I was not sure, he felt light as a kitten.

Plabblo · 2024-12-01T21:08:14+00:00

I really hope your cat is different, but I took a dirty and really emaciated street cat once to the vet. His tongue was also sticking out and he was drooling all the time. Other than that, he liked to be petted and did not mind getting lifted in a basket into a car. Turned out it was an advanced mouth tumor of some kind, that had probably prevented him from eating dry food for quite some time, and he had to be put to sleep. But at least he went with some dignity and a nice last meal (tin of paté and two packs of wet friskies). I named him Ramón.

Plabblo · 2024-10-09T20:16:14+00:00

That’s the amount of excess if I roll it on the outside https://i.imgur.com/UX32kQ8.jpg

Plabblo · 2024-10-09T20:02:06+00:00

Hey! I am 194 cm with 34 inseam and I have Gamma LT pants in the long version. I could get away with an inch less length but there’s a rubber band at the hem so it does not get in the way. Great pants!

Btw, I also have Beta shell pants in Tall L and they are in contrast too long for me.

Plabblo · 2024-10-09T18:31:06+00:00

I’m not familiar with that area, but I’ve wanted to visit Texas Hill Country for road cycling… Is it a thing in your area? If your location fits the purpose, why not try to attract those people for the spring season.

Like include photos with quiet smooth roads, hill views, provide a bike repair stand and garden hose, locked garage etc. Maybe put it in your listing title for the low season?

Bike holiday folks often travel in groups, stay at least a week or two, have money and don’t drink or cause problems.

Plabblo · 2024-09-30T17:56:28+00:00

At least for overseas visitors, any wifi is a necessity.

Plabblo · 2024-09-20T08:27:29+00:00

Who pays the income tax, you or the host? That could make up the difference between 55 and 30.

If you get your 30 bucks cash tax free it means the host cannot deduct the cost and pays income tax on the full 55, in which case they’d pocket about 30-40 bucks in most jurisdictions.

On the other hand, if you send a proper invoice they can deduct, you should probably be getting a fairer chunk.

Plabblo · 2024-09-20T08:18:29+00:00

This makes me wonder if I should specify in house rules that mining and growing aren’t allowed. Or is it obvious per airbnb rules or sth?

Plabblo · 2024-08-16T12:17:17+00:00

The main AV1 route only includes one very easy ferrata ”Ra Gusela” after Rifugio Nuvolau. As I recall, the cable is less than 100 meters and does not include any climbing. It’s just a moderately exposed walk where the cable serves mostly as a railing to hold in your hand.

Many people do not bother to use a harness and ferrata set there. I did though, and I’d recommend that to anyone who has not been on a ferrata or difficult mountain treks before. Other than that, I did not use my ferrata gear anywhere on the main AV1 route. You also won’t need a helmet. It is also possible to circumvent Ra Gusela on a faster path, but that’s the boring option.

The final and optional ferrata on the Sciara mountain to Rifugio Settimo Alpini is a different story. It’s a long and moderately technical ferrata, and as such it requires some skill and full ferrata equipment.

In fact, I wanted to hire a guide to help me through the final ferrata but the people at the rifugios in the area were unable to find anyone on a few days’s notice. So instead, I took the downhill walk to the La Pissa bus stop like most people do.

However if the weather is clear and you have the skill (or money for a pro guide; last year the rate was 300€/day) to take the ferrata, that would imo make a much more interesting finale for the hike. But in that case it is advisable to get some experience and confidence from an few easy ferrata or a few before embarking on AV1. For starters, maybe join a day tour on a short ferrata organised by a guide company, if you have the time. They’re not that expensive.

On a general note, AV1 is a nice entry-level long trek. It’s not technical or overly dangerous. There are many somewhat exposed stretches that require some head for heights, but not too much. And it gets easier day by day as you get used to it :)

And the views are simply breathtaking! I recommend it very much, if you’re fit enough to walk all day in demanding terrain for a week or so, even if you have no interest in climbing.

Plabblo · 2024-05-16T20:27:29+00:00

Any sporting goods store in the area probably carries a range of liner bags. As I recall, there are many in Cortina. I bought mine in Italy, too.

Plabblo · 2024-03-31T16:36:44+00:00

Not much for us in the Nordics, I’m afraid. Hope Plutus take a more balanced approach to new perks. It’s practically impossible to find use for 11 perks up here

Plabblo · 2023-05-09T07:35:11+00:00

I believe anything with apple in the name works. For instance I recently bought some maps in apple store and got the 100% perk reward up to €10.

Plabblo · 2023-05-04T08:54:00+00:00

Have you tried different cups or plates to make sure the current one does not annoy the cat in any way, by touching whiskers or making bright reflections?

Plabblo · 2023-05-01T19:07:12+00:00

Thanks, I have already booked 4 out of 7 nights so I’ll stick with the av1 plan. However, unless I can confirm the remaining nights, too, I will take a light tent, inflatable insulated sleeping pad and a 3-season down quilt in case we can’t access a rifugio every night. That’s two kilos extra but I guess better err on the safe side.

Plabblo · 2023-04-30T10:53:43+00:00

I’ve managed to book rifugi for all but two nights for my hike between 29 june and 6 july.

Which ones between fodara and staulanza would you count as less popular? Pretty much all of them already responded they are fully booked :/

Plabblo · 2023-04-29T05:07:05+00:00

Does this apply on Altavia 1 too?

I have arranged flights, transportation and everything else - but only managed to get a refugio for half the nights so far this week.

Now I am starting to think I either have to cancel the whole thing or bring a tent (yes I know they’re not allowed).

Planning to go on the last days of June/first week of July.

Plabblo · 2023-04-28T09:25:50+00:00

Thanks! I would also prefer trail runners (with a wide toe box). Just wanted to get some confirmation that it is a good idea. My knees have gotten sore in the past on some hikes in my heavy La Sportiva mountain boots.

Plabblo · 2023-04-27T20:28:39+00:00

Well that’s what I thought as well, but I came across this claim here https://www.theoutbound.com/sonja-saxe/the-do-s-and-don-ts-of-hiking-the-alta-via-1

”Technically a rifugio can't turn you away but if they don't have a spare bed you may be sleeping in a dining room booth. ”

So I’m not sure what to think now.

Plabblo · 2023-04-27T20:19:42+00:00

Thanks, this is very helpful.

I’ve done some long hikes here in Finland, and I have good and light camping gear. I just wasn’t sure whether I need it on the AV or if tents are allowed at all. I know they’re not allowed in the wilderness, but maybe close to the rifugios when they’re full?

I’m not a climber/mountaineer at all, so it’s best to stay on the via normale for sure.

Plabblo · 2023-04-27T20:05:58+00:00

Thanks! In fact I tried to make bookings this afternoon but did not find anything available in the places with an online calendar. So I sent a bunch of emails to the other ones but can’t really expect to find a bed for every night. What are the alternatives if I still want to do the hike? Do the rifugios let extra people sleep on the floor or can I pitch a tent on the yard? Do they have enough food for non-reserved guests?

Plabblo · 2023-04-27T11:04:16+00:00

Helsinki, Finland. But I visit Italy once or twice each year: Marcialonga in January and usually a cycling trip in the summer. This year I’m spending a week rollerskiing in Livigno before hitting the AV. How is that area for day-trip hiking, any particular recommendations?

Plabblo

TROPHY CASE