⚡ Quick Facts
92 km
Distance
6 days
Duration
2,584 m
Peak Height
T4
Grade
Point-to-Point
Route Type
6,750 m
Elev. Gain
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🟢 Trail Status
Status
Open
Hemisphere
Northern
Timezone
Europe/Rome
🗂️ Logistics
Visa
Schengen Zone
Transport
Easy
Parking
Yes
📊 Technical Details
Distance:
92 km
Route Type:
Point-to-Point
Grade:
T4
Grade note:
While much of the path is T3, the mandatory via ferrata sections (like the Sentiero Bonacossa or the descent from Rifugio Vandelli) require a harness, helmet, and a steady head for heights.
Navigation:
Moderate
Suck Factor:
Mind your step
Direction:
SOBO
Total Ascent:
6,750 m
Max Elevation:
2,584 m
Min Elevation:
1,175 m
Highest Point:
Forcella del Ghiacciaio
Lowest Point:
San Candido (Start)
Start Trailhead:
San Candido
End Trailhead:
Pozzale
SAC Trail Rating Scale
| T1 | Hiking: clear path, no exposure |
| T2 | Mountain Hiking: some uneven terrain |
| T3 | Difficult Mountain Hiking: exposed sections possible |
| T4 | Alpine Hiking: requires sure-footedness |
| T5 | Difficult Alpine Hiking: climbing experience needed |
| T6 | Very Difficult Alpine Hiking: advanced mountaineering |
| Info | Visit About > rating notes or SAC hiking difficulty ratings |
Suck Factor Scale
| A dream | Paved/hardpack (but you might reconsider after a 10-hour day) |
| Too easy | Firm dirt/gravel |
| Mind your step | Loose/uneven |
| A bit of a slog | Ongoing sapping surfaces |
| Make it stop! | A total energy sucker |
📅 Best Season
Peak
Shoulder
Off
💭 Logistics & Budget
🎒 Dirtbag
€45
per day
🧍 Average Joe
€85
per day
🎿 Flashpacker
€150
per day
Budget note:
Budget assumes hut stays. Dirtbagging is hard here due to strict wild camping bans; ‘dirtbag’ price reflects AV Alpine Club discounts on dorms and self-catering. You can expect to pay around €70-90 for Half Board (dinner, bed, breakfast) if not a member.
Dog Friendly
No
Dogs note
Unlike some other Alta Vias, the vertical ladders and cables on AV4 make it nearly impossible for a dog to complete the standard route.
Permit Required
No
Permit note
No hiking permit required, but mountain hut reservations are essential.
Transport Access
Easy
Trailhead Parking
Yes
Visa
Schengen Zone
Accommodation
Staffed Huts
Accommodation
Rifugi are excellent but require booking months in advance. Mandatory silk liner needed.
🎶 Vibe
Remoteness:
Rural
Popularity:
Busy
Social Scene:
Strong
Local Interaction:
Welcoming
Tourist Overrun:
High (tour buses)
Plushness:
Rustic (huts/hostels, hot showers)
Trash Level:
Pristine
Avg Local Income:
€38,000.00
Cannabis:
Illegal
Alcohol:
Ubiquitous
🛟 Safety & Inclusion
Terrorism Risk
Low
Political Risk
Negligible
Solo Female Safety
Optimal
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Welcoming
Racism Risk
Rare
Muslim Friendliness
Neutral
Jewish Friendliness
Neutral
Phone Signal
Occasional
Charging Interval
Every 2-3 days
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