Hiking the Alta Via 2: 6 Brutal Days Alone in the Italian Dolomites

In this film, I take on one of Italy’s toughest and most stunning long-distance trails: the Alta Via 2, a high-alpine traverse through the heart of the Dolomites. Over 6 days, I battle early-season snow, brutal elevation, exposed passes, and unpredictable mountain weather—completely solo.

From Feltre in the south to the base of the Sella Group in the north, this journey tested me physically and mentally. I was forced to reroute, faced closed huts, and tackled snowy passes without anyone else in sight. This is a story of type 2 fun, grit, solitude, and pure alpine beauty.

📍 Route: Alta Via 2 – Dolomites, Italy
⛰️ Distance: ~100km (of 160km total)
🗓️ Season: Early/Mid June (early season)
🎥 Filmed with: Sony A7III, DJI Mini 3 Pro, IPhone 13 Max Pro
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My Thru Hiking Gear 2025    • My Thru Hiking Gear 3.0  

My Current Gear List:

Big 4 🎒
Tent (Big Agnes Copper Spur UL) - https://geni.us/THCBWdL
Sleeping Pad (Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite) - https://geni.us/PZEJaaC
Quilt (Therm-a-Rest Vesper) - https://geni.us/GBqnmo
Rucksack (Atom Packs) and backup Rucksack (Osprey Aether 65L) - https://geni.us/o3hEC

Shoes 🥾
Trail Runners (Brooks Cascadia 18) - https://geni.us/eTfjG
Socks (Darn Tough Merino Wool) - https://geni.us/XGBSklN

Sleeping 🏕️
Pillow (Sea-to-Summit Premium Aeros Pillow) - https://geni.us/RScdwQ
Silk Liner (Sea to Summit Liner) - https://geni.us/Xdsje8L

Electronics 🔋
SOS Beacon (Garmin InReach Mini) - https://geni.us/l51MNXA
Head Torch (Black Diamond Sprint) - https://geni.us/UbtBBGK

Food & Hydration 🧑‍🍳
Stove (Jetboil MicroMo) - https://geni.us/3cAmalZ
Water Filter (Katadyn BeFree 1 Litre) - https://geni.us/AnnKZ
Coffee Filter (GSI Camping Filter) - https://geni.us/etSpUkJ

Clothing 👕
Sun Hoody - https://geni.us/mOGDMk
Merino T Shirt - https://geni.us/vUmIE
Rain Jacket (Kathmandu) - https://geni.us/6ai4ho4
Thermals Upper (Icebreaker) - https://geni.us/qCfdCP
Thermals Lower (Icebreaker) - https://geni.us/dD3fl
Puffer (Patagonia) - https://geni.us/8tVmjM
Sweater (Patagonia) - https://geni.us/YoIE

Camera Equipment 📸
Camera (Sony A7III) - https://geni.us/MUFVPVo
Lens (Sony 35mm GM f/1.6) - https://geni.us/rnYSLU
Mic (Rode NTG Shotgun Mic) - https://geni.us/ZWZBP
Drone (DJI Mini 4) - https://geni.us/B6GALm
Camera Batteries (Sony NPFZ100) - https://geni.us/cdKlc1W
Camera Battery Charger - https://geni.us/AmAIeyL
Tripod (SIRUI AM2-Series AM-254) - https://geni.us/jewD
Tripod Head (Joby BallHead 3K) - https://geni.us/ViMgmt

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Other Hiking Films:
My West Highland Way film:    • Scotland’s West Highland Way: A Journey In...  
My favourite thru-hike in Scotland:    • How to Hike The Skye Trail | Europe's Best...  
My Gear:    • My Thru Hiking Gear 2.0  
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
03:03 - Day 1
09:16 - Day 2
15:10 - The Push
18:50 - Day 3
23:48 - Day 4
28:09 - Day 5
31:06 - Failure
35:21 - Day 6: The Pass
43:03 - Final Campsite
45:46 - Day 7: The Descent


#AltaVia2 #DolomitesHike #ThruHike #HikingDocumentary #ItalyTravel #AltaVia #SoloHiking #MountainAdventure #dolomiti