I created this planner for anyone standing at the beginning of their own outdoor goal — whether it’s your first long hike, a personal challenge, or simply spending more time in the mountains. It’s the same steady framework I use to prepare for bigger adventures, broken into something simple and realistic.
What’s Inside
Weekly hiking training structure
Simple gear checklist
Progress tracker
Mindset and consistency prompts
Who Is This For
This planner is for anyone who wants to build confidence outdoors, stay consistent with training, and approach hiking challenges with a clear, calm plan rather than pressure
Emma is the creator of Altitude with Emma, sharing real, experience-based hiking and mountaineering content. From multi-day trekking and via ferratas to high-altitude climbs like Aconcagua, she focuses on practical guides covering preparation, gear, and what to actually expect on the mountain.
Sharing what it’s really like — not just the summit photos.
Day 8 of our Alta Via 2 took us from Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Treviso, although for this stage we ended up using our Plan B route because I was having trouble with my knee. After speaking with the hut owners at Rifugio Rosetta, we decided to take route 707 the following day instead of sticking to the original plan.
Even with that adjustment, this was still a big day. The landscape felt completely different again — at times it was like walking on the moon — before the route eventually dropped out of the rocky terrain and into forest on the descent to the hut. It was not especially technical compared to the previous day, but there was still plenty of ascent and a very significant descent, which mattered with a sore knee.
Route Overview
Start: Rifugio Rosetta
Finish: Rifugio Treviso
Distance: 13km
Ascent: 790m
Descent: 1740m
Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Difficulty: G3
Map: Map 22
Overnight stay: Rifugio Treviso
Route choice: We took Plan B via route 707 after advice from the hut due to my knee
Key thing to know: This day involved a lot of descent, and although it was not especially technical, it still felt big because of the terrain and the amount of downhill.
This stage felt very different to the day before. After the more exposed and mentally demanding terrain heading to Rifugio Rosetta, this day was less about technical difficulty and more about managing the distance, the descent, and the conditions.
Because my knee was bothering me, we checked in with the hut owners and decided to take an alternative way out using route 707. That turned out to be the right decision. The route was well signposted, not especially technical, and still gave us a really memorable day in the mountains.
The landscape stood out most to me here. For a big chunk of the day, it genuinely felt like walking on the moon.
The Route
The Map
You can view this stage on AllTrails here. I also recommend checking it alongside your map and GPX rather than relying on one source alone.
Leaving Rifugio Rosetta
Before leaving Rifugio Rosetta, we spoke with the hut owners to get their advice for the day ahead. Because I was having issues with my knee, we decided to follow our Plan B and take route 707 out from the hut.
The route began through a rocky landscape that was hard to describe because so much of it looked the same. It felt barren, open and almost otherworldly at times, but the good thing was that it was very well signposted. Even though the terrain itself all started to blend together visually, the direction markers were good and it would have been difficult to go badly wrong.
Through the rocky plateau
This first part of the day was not especially technical, but it was still mountain terrain and still required effort. There was around 500 metres of ascent during the day, even though the stage is often remembered more for the descent.
The rocky plateau section was probably the most distinctive part of the route. It really did feel like a completely different world to the greener sections lower down. We were also dealing with another really hot day, which definitely added to the effort.
The long descent to Rifugio Treviso
Once we began leaving the rocky area behind and followed the trail out to the left-hand side, the route gradually brought us down into a more forested area. From there, the character of the day changed again.
The descent continued through the forest down towards Rifugio Treviso. Although the route itself was not technically difficult, the 1400 metres or so of descent was still a lot, especially with my knee already bothering me. Because of that, we needed to get moving early that morning to be on the safe side.
The route itself felt straightforward enough. The real challenge here was more physical than technical.
Descending towards Rifugio Treviso
From the higher, more exposed mountain terrain, we began the long descent on the left hand side of the valley towards Rifugio Treviso. As we lost elevation, the landscape gradually changed and we eventually dropped into the forest, which felt completely different from the rocky Dolomite scenery we’d been walking through earlier in the day.
The trail continued downhill through the trees before reaching the valley floor. From here, there was a final climb through the forest to Rifugio Treviso, tucked into the hillside above the valley. After so much descending, having another climb at the very end of the day was definitely noticeable!
The End of Alta Via 2 – But Not Our Adventure
Reaching Rifugio Treviso marked the end of Alta Via 2 for us, but our adventure in the Dolomites wasn’t over just yet. We had an early bus to catch the following day, so the plan was to get up early and hike out from the rifugio into town before continuing on to the next part of our trip. After eight days on Alta Via 2, it was the end of one part of the journey, but there was still more to come.
Route Notes for this Stage
A few things worth knowing for this stage:
We took route 707 as an alternative because of my knee.
The route was well signposted and easier to follow than some earlier days.
The terrain at the start felt barren and very rocky, almost like walking on the moon.
This stage was not especially technical, but it still involved a lot of ascent and a very big descent.
The descent into the forest and down to Rifugio Treviso was the more physically demanding part of the day.
In hot weather, this day would feel harder.
Where we Stayed
Rifugio Treviso
Rifugio Treviso was another really welcome stop at the end of the day.
A few useful things to know:
Showers were available
Limited crocs/shoes available
Shared dorms
Good food and service
Beautiful location in the forest
Walking/hiking distance to the village below
We needed to leave early the next morning to hike out and catch a bus onwards
My Thoughts on Day 8
I think this day was a good reminder that adapting the plan is sometimes the smartest thing you can do in the mountains. I was having trouble with my knee, and rather than pushing on with the original route, we asked for advice and changed course.
Even though it was Plan B, it still felt like a worthwhile stage. The landscape was really memorable, and the route was straightforward enough that it took some pressure off mentally after the previous day. That said, it was still a physically tiring day because of the heat and the amount of descent involved.
If anything, this day stands out to me as proof that changing the plan does not mean you are missing out. Sometimes it just means you are making the better call for the day you are actually having.
Tips for this Stage
If something is niggling physically, ask the hut staff about alternatives before setting off. Rosetta were really helpful
Route 707 felt like a sensible and well-signposted option.
Do not underestimate the amount of descent on this day.
In hot weather, this stage will feel harder than the stats might suggest.
Save your legs where you can, especially if you already have any soreness going into the day.
If you are planning transport afterwards, start early.
Gallery for Day 8
Want to see more from our final day on Alta Via 2? I’ve put together a full photo gallery capturing the route from Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Treviso, from the dramatic rocky landscape of the Pale di San Martino to the long descent into the valley and forest below. The photos give a closer look at the trail, terrain and changing landscapes we experienced along the way.
Emma is the creator of Altitude with Emma, sharing real, experience-based hiking and mountaineering content. From multi-day trekking and via ferratas to high-altitude climbs like Aconcagua, she focuses on practical guides covering preparation, gear, and what to actually expect on the mountain.
Sharing what it’s really like — not just the summit photos.
Day 7 of our Alta Via 2 took us from Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz to Rifugio Rosetta and, although it was not the longest day on paper, it was one of the more mentally and physically demanding stages of the trip. The day started with the infamous forcella, continued through cable-assisted terrain and scree, and then stretched out into a long, exposed traverse that felt endless in the heat.
This was not a beginner-friendly day. It was one of those stages where you needed to feel comfortable on narrow, loose and exposed mountain terrain, and where having via ferrata gear accessible made a real difference. By the time we got to Rifugio Rosetta, it definitely felt like we had earned it.
Route Overview
Start: Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz
Finish: Rifugio Rosetta
Distance: 9.5km
Ascent: 726m
Time: 6-7 hours
Difficulty: G3+
Map: Map 22
Overnight stay: Rifugio Rosetta
Key thing to know: The beginning of this stage is the hardest part, and this is a day where you really need to be comfortable with scree, exposure and cable-assisted terrain.
This was one of the tougher days of our Alta Via 2. It began with an early start and breakfast at 6.30am, because we knew we had a bigger day ahead and wanted to get moving before the heat built too much.
The first section, up towards the forcella, was steep, narrow and loose underfoot. It was very much the kind of terrain where confidence matters. After that, there were more cable-assisted sections and a ladder before the route settled into a long, exposed traverse around the mountain. That part of the day was probably the hardest for me mentally, especially in the heat, because it seemed to go on forever.
Although the distance was short, it definitely did not feel like an easy day.
The Route
Route Map
You can view this stage on AllTrails here. I also recommend checking it alongside your map and GPX rather than relying on one source alone.
Leaving Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz
We were up early that morning, with breakfast at 6.30am, before leaving the hut and heading straight for the well-known forcella margherita.
The path up was a narrow scree trail, and this is where I would say very clearly that you need to be comfortable in that type of terrain. For me, this is not a beginner-friendly section. If you are asking on social media whether or not you should use via ferrata gear here, my honest advice would be that if you are unsure, then use it.
We clipped in straight away, and I do think that was the right decision. Other people may feel totally comfortable without it, but if you do not have much experience on this type of ground, I would not be swayed by that.
Over the forcella and down the other side
Once we topped out, there was more cable-assisted downhill climbing, which felt straightforward enough because we already had our via ferrata gear on. We then came to a ladder, which was actually a bit of fun in the middle of everything.
Once off the ladder, the route dropped onto scree again, and we followed that down for quite a while. We dug our heels in and felt comfortable letting ourselves slide a little where it made sense. After that, the path eased off into more of a meandering descent over rocky ground.
The Long Exposed Traverse
This was the part of the day I found hardest. Once you come off the forcella and follow the path to the right, the route wraps around the mountain on an exposed trail that just seemed to go on and on.
The sun was beating down on us for most of this section, and when you leave the forcella, you really need to have enough energy both physically and mentally for the rest of the day. It was not the sort of stage where the hardest part was completely over once you topped out.
There were also a few sections here that felt tricky enough that we decided to put our via ferrata gear back on. We came to a little plateau area and made the decision there. I was glad we did, because there were some aided sections where it was nice to have that extra security.
Eventually, after what felt like an endless traverse, the route began to descend before the final push up over rocky ground towards the hut.
Final climb to Rifugio Rosetta
The last part of the day was a rocky climb up to Rifugio Rosetta. By that point I was very glad to see it. It was one of those hut arrivals where you feel like you have really worked for it.
Route notes for this Stage
A few things worth knowing for this stage:
The beginning of the day is one of the hardest starts of the route.
The scree path up to the forcella is not beginner-friendly.
If you are unsure about whether to use via ferrata gear, I would recommend bringing it and using it.
The descent from the forcella includes cable-assisted sections and a ladder.
The scree on the way down was manageable for us by digging in our heels, but it still needed care.
The traverse after the forcella felt very exposed and mentally draining in the heat.
There were additional aided sections later in the day where we chose to put the gear back on.
Although the distance is short, this is not a throwaway stage.
Where we stayed
Rifugio Rosetta
Rifugio Rosetta was a really nice hut to reach at the end of this day.
A few useful things to know:
It was a super nice hut
Showers had to be booked in, so it is worth doing that as soon as you arrive
We were lucky and managed to get shower slots, but I did see other people miss out
We were able to book a spare room, so we had it to ourselves
The food and service were great
We also checked in with the hut owners for advice on the next day, which ended up being really useful
This felt like a very welcome stop after a harder stage.
My Thoughts on Day 7
This was one of the days that really stayed with me. The beginning was hard, but manageable with the right mindset and gear. What I found tougher was the long exposed section afterwards, because it just felt relentless in the heat.
For me, this was a good reminder that a day can look short on paper and still feel very big. It was not just about the climbing, it was about the type of terrain and how long you had to stay focused on it.
I was very glad we used our via ferrata gear when we did. Even in the places where it may not have been absolutely essential, it gave peace of mind and made the day feel more controlled.
Tips for this Stage
Start early if you can, especially in warm weather.
Treat the scree climb to the forcella with respect.
If you are unsure about via ferrata gear, bring it and use it.
Do not assume the day becomes easy once you get over the forcella.
Be prepared for a long exposed traverse afterwards.
Keep some energy in reserve for the final rocky climb to the hut.
Book your shower at Rifugio Rosetta as soon as you arrive.
Gallery for Day 7
Want to see more from Day 7? I’ve put together a full photo gallery capturing the route, changing landscapes and some of the more challenging sections we encountered along the way. The photos give a closer look at the terrain and what you can expect from this stage of Alta Via 2.
Emma is the creator of Altitude with Emma, sharing real, experience-based hiking and mountaineering content. From multi-day trekking and via ferratas to high-altitude climbs like Aconcagua, she focuses on practical guides covering preparation, gear, and what to actually expect on the mountain.
Sharing what it’s really like — not just the summit photos.
Day 7 took us from Rifugio Mulaz to Rifugio Rosetta, through the dramatic landscape of the Pale di San Martino. This gallery follows the day through rugged limestone terrain, high mountain paths and some incredible views as we made our way towards Rosetta. Browse through the photos to get a closer look at the trail, terrain and changing landscapes we experienced along this stage of Alta Via 2.
Continue the Journey
Finished looking through Day 7? Continue following my Alta Via 2 journey through the Dolomites.
Read the full Day 7 hiking guide – route details, timings, elevation, hut information and my experience hiking from Rifugio Mulaz to Rifugio Rosetta.
Emma is the creator of Altitude with Emma, sharing real, experience-based hiking and mountaineering content. From multi-day trekking and via ferratas to high-altitude climbs like Aconcagua, she focuses on practical guides covering preparation, gear, and what to actually expect on the mountain.
Sharing what it’s really like — not just the summit photos.
Day 6 was another big day on Alta Via 2, covering 16.3 km with almost 1,500 m of elevation gain. This gallery follows the day from Moena into the mountains, through changing terrain and high passes, before the more challenging final sections towards Rifugio Mela. These photos give a closer look at the trail, landscapes and some of the cable-assisted sections we encountered along the way.
Continue Reading
Finished looking through Day 6? Continue exploring my Alta Via 2 journey through the Dolomites.
Emma is the creator of Altitude with Emma, sharing real, experience-based hiking and mountaineering content. From multi-day trekking and via ferratas to high-altitude climbs like Aconcagua, she focuses on practical guides covering preparation, gear, and what to actually expect on the mountain.
Sharing what it’s really like — not just the summit photos.
Day 6 of our Alta Via 2 took us from Hotel Costabella / Passo San Pellegrino to Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz and felt like a quieter, wilder mountain day. It started with a cable car decision that I am still not fully convinced was worth it, then moved into a more remote-feeling section of trail with less obvious markings, some narrow traverses, loose ground, and a short cable-assisted section near the end.
This day did not feel like the most dramatic on paper, but it had a more rugged feel than the previous stage. It also felt quieter and more peaceful, especially once we got further into the route. By the time we reached Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz, it felt like we were properly back into the more alpine side of Alta Via 2.
Route Overview
Start: Hotel Costabella / Passo San Pellegrino
Finish: Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz
Distance: Approx. 16km
Ascent: 1481m
Descent: 380m
Time: 5 – 7 hours (Depending on your stops)
Difficulty: G3
Map: Map 22
Overnight stay: Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz
Optional extra: Cable car at the start
Key thing to know: The day becomes less well marked than some earlier stages, and the final section before the hut includes some loose, rocky and cable-assisted terrain.
This day felt more remote than some of the earlier ones. The first part was a bit awkward to describe from the notes because there were a few transport and route choices at the start, but once properly on the trail it turned into a really enjoyable mountain day.
The route had some lovely traversing paths, quieter surroundings, and a more rugged feel underfoot in places. By the end of the day, the terrain became looser and more technical, with a short cable-assisted section that I think is worth treating with a bit of respect, especially if tired.
Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz was a more basic hut experience again, but it felt like a proper mountain stop.
The Route
The Route Map
You can view this stage on AllTrails here. I also recommend checking it alongside your map and GPX rather than relying on one source alone.
To enjoy the experience fully, we usually take a number of stops throughout the day to soak in the surroundings. Because of that, our days are often 1–2 hours longer than the raw hiking stats suggest, so please keep that in mind if you are using my timings for your own planning.
Use this guide as a helpful planning tool, but please remember this is a personal blog based on my own experience of the route. Always carry your own map, GPX and route information, as trails, landmarks and conditions can change, and do not rely on this blog alone for navigation.
Leaving the Hotel Costabella
We were using Map 22 for the next few days, although the very beginning of this stage was not properly shown on that map, which is worth knowing in advance.
Leaving Hotel Costabella, we decided to take the short walk up and took the gondola up to Col Margherita.. I am still not completely sure it was worth it. Once we came out of the cable car, we still had to go left and start walking with a lake (Lago di Cavia) visible ahead of us in the distance.
From there, we actually had to hike back down for about half an hour to properly rejoin the main trail, so it did not feel like a massive shortcut in reality.
Rejoining the trial
Once we rejoined the route, it brought us towards Forcella di Pradazzo at around 2200 metres, and from there we followed signs for path 751 and Rifugio Mulaz.
Past the rifugio and onto path 751
We continued following the main route down and came to a Rifugio Capanna where we stopped for coffee and ice cream, which was a really nice break – highly recommend!
From there, we crossed over the road and climbed uphill for roughly 200 metres. At the top, there was a sign telling us to turn left onto path 751.
Once we took that left turn, the route became much more enjoyable again. We followed the mountain around on a narrow trail with beautiful views, and although it felt slightly tricky in places, it was a really enjoyable section of walking.
Towards the pass and final climb to the hut
Eventually, this brought us to Passo di Venegiota at 2303 metres, where there was a sign for Rifugio Mulaz with a time estimate of 1.5 hours from there.
This section felt less well marked than the earlier parts of Alta Via 2. There were some painted rocks and the odd trail marker, but not nearly as many obvious markings as we had seen on previous days. It was not impossible to follow, but it did need a bit more attention.
As we continued, the trail narrowed around the mountain and stayed really enjoyable, with lovely views and a bit of a fun feel to it. After that, we reached a rocky area where the route became cable assisted at the very beginning. Whether or not you use via ferrata gear here is down to personal choice, but if I was there again I think I would be more inclined to use it as a safety measure, especially if tired.
From there, the route dropped down onto scree before the final push up towards the hut. This part felt very peaceful, quiet and remote. After that, it was a steady slog upwards across rocky ground, again with some cable-assisted sections. The route brought us through cracks in the mountain and it was actually a fun section, but definitely one that needed focus.
By the end of it, I was very glad to see the hut.
Route notes for this stage
A few things worth knowing for this stage:
Map 22 did not fully cover the very start of the route from Hotel Costabella.
I am not fully convinced the cable car was worth taking, as it did not save much climbing overall.
The route felt less well marked than earlier stages.
Path 751 was a key marker path for a lot of the way
There were some narrow traversing sections that were enjoyable, but needed attention.
The final part of the day involved loose rock, scree, and short cable-assisted sections.
This stage felt quieter and more remote than several of the earlier days.
The last section to the hut felt like a proper final push.
Where we stayed
Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz
Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz felt like a more traditional mountain hut stop again after the comfort of Hotel Costabella.
A few useful things to know:
The food was fine rather than standout
We had things like pasta, spaghetti, potatoes with mushrooms and panna cotta with chocolate
Breakfast was the usual bread and cheese
It was dog friendly
We stayed in a shared dormitory
It felt busy
I banged my head a couple of times on the ceiling, so it definitely felt tighter and more basic than some of the other stops
I also found it hard to sleep at first, which I often do in shared dorms, even when really tired
This was more of a functional hut stay than a luxury one, but it did the job.
My Thoughts on Day 6
I liked this day more than I expected to. It had a quieter, more remote feel to it, and once we got properly onto the trail it felt like a really enjoyable mountain stage.
The part that stands out most to me is that this area felt less manicured and less obviously waymarked than some of the earlier stages. That gave it a slightly wilder feel, but also meant you needed to pay more attention.
The final section before the hut also gave the day a bit more character. It was not huge in length, but it was enough to make the finish feel earned.
Tips for this Stage
Double check the start of the route if you are using Map 22, as the first section may not be fully shown.
Think carefully about whether the cable car is actually worth taking. Pay more attention to route-finding than on some of the earlier days.
The final approach to the hut is looser and more technical than the middle section of the day.
If you have via ferrata gear with you, it is worth having it accessible for the final section.
Expect a more basic and busier hut setup at Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz.
Gallery for Day 6
Want to see more from Day 6? I’ve put together a full photo gallery showing the changing landscapes, mountain trails and some of the more challenging sections we encountered along the way to Rifugio Mela.
Emma is the creator of Altitude with Emma, sharing real, experience-based hiking and mountaineering content. From multi-day trekking and via ferratas to high-altitude climbs like Aconcagua, she focuses on practical guides covering preparation, gear, and what to actually expect on the mountain.
Sharing what it’s really like — not just the summit photos.
