Ready for the Dolomites? What 8 New Friends Learned Scouting the Alta Via 1
Alta Via 1 Adventure | September 28 - October 2, 2025
“One word to describe your Dolomiti experience?”
“Wonderful”, “Expanding”, “Inspiring”, “Phenomenal”, “Transformational.” And our personal favorite: "A huge challenge with support all along the way."
That's the thing about the Dolomites—they don't mess around. Neither do we.
The Numbers That Tell Half the Story
Let's talk about what eight women tackled over five days in the Italian Alps:
The Alta Via 1 Route:
37 miles over four hiking days
8,300 feet of cumulative vertical gain
Daily elevation ranging from 1,951 to 4,323 feet of ascent
Descents up to 3,916 feet in a single day
Countless moments of "I can't" turning into "I did"
But here's what the numbers don't tell you: the narrow trails that made your heart race, the ascents that felt vertical, the descents that tested your knees and your courage, the refugio lunches perched on mountainsides, and the views at the top that made every huffing, puffing step worth it.
As one teammate put it:
"My huffing and puffing heart on ascents don't mean I am weak, rather I am strengthening my heart and body to enjoy my dreams."
Why We Went: Scouting the Alta Via 1
This trip was important. VITAL wanted to know if the Dolomites would deliver all the things we look for in adventuring. Rigor on the trail, wild beauty, bespoke adventure-lux accommodations.
We took eight bold women—ranging from their 50s to 70s—to test drive one of Europe's most iconic hiking routes. To feel the rigor. To meet the guides. To figure out what works, what doesn't, and what needs to be dialed in before we bring future VITAL teams to tackle the Alta Via 1.
The verdict? This trail delivers. But it also demands respect, preparation, and honest conversation about what you're signing up for.
The Training: Where Theory Meets Reality
Three months before departure, we handed our team the roadmap: four progressive training phases, strength work, endurance building, and long weekend hikes to prep for Alpine elevation.
What worked:
Squats and step-ups. Multiple people called these out as game-changers.
Knee protection exercises. Critically important when you're staring down 3,916 feet of descent in a single day.
Structure over four phases that was clear, challenging, and followable.
Accountability through community. Saturday long hikes together. Strava check-ins. Showing up for each other.
What we're evolving:
More uphill-specific training. The Dolomites are steep—steeper than many people anticipated. Future teams need more practice finding "difficult ascents" to train on.
Monthly 30-minute check-ins to highlight what's coming and keep momentum strong.
Initial one-on-one explanations of the training plan so everyone feels enrolled, clear, and bought in from day one.
Cool-down exercises to match the warm-ups (because recovery matters as much as the work).
One teammate's honest reflection captures it perfectly: "To be honest, I didn't really follow the training. I had been strength training on my own and hiking. My training seemed to follow closely with Libby's."
The takeaway? The plan works when you work it. And even when you modify it to fit your life, the consistency is what carries you up the mountain.
The Guides Who Know These Mountains Like Their Own Backyard
Cristina Certified Hiking & Mountain Biking Guide
Grew up skiing the Dolomites, owns a mountain home with views of Civetta. Cristina is fun to hike with and her infectious smile and motivational energy pull you through switchbacks you didn't think you could climb.
Claudio Certified Hiking & Biking Guide | Master's in Environmental Engineering
Born and raised in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Claudio brings geological and hydrological expertise to every trail. His deep understanding of the interaction between nature and humanity—plus his winter ski touring and ice climbing background—brings so much to the experience.
Together, they didn't just guide us—they taught us. About the land. The history. The rhythm of moving through Alpine terrain. The art of pacing yourself when the trail goes vertical.
What We Discovered (The Honest Stuff)
The Good That Exceeded Expectations
The group dynamic: "The group of women was fantastic." Even though this was a scout trip—some teammates knew each other, some were new to the crew—the vital connection was real. Meals together. Awards and toasts on the last night. Camaraderie that carried through hard moments.
Post-hike rituals: The intimate spas at the four star hotels became sacred spaces. Saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms after big vertical days? As one person said: "There were many favorites—the hikes, post-hike steams and hot tubs, and our last night toasts and celebration!"
The refugios: Alpine lunches at mountain huts with views that make you forget your burning quads. Rustic. Real. Unforgettable.
The awards: Because celebrating each other's grit matters. Because recognizing moments of courage—big and small—is what makes a team a team.
The Challenging Truths
The hikes were harder than expected. Multiple people noted this, and we're taking it seriously. As one teammate said: "Show examples of how hard the hiking is. Videos, photos, reminders that it's not a walk in the park. Especially the ascents/descents and the narrow trails."
Future VITAL Dolomites teams need to know: this is not beginner terrain. The trail gets narrow. The ascents are relentless. The descents test your knees, your focus, and your courage. You need to train specifically for this—and we need to communicate that reality clearly.
The Moments That Changed Everything
"I went beyond my fears, beyond what I was able to do physically and emotionally by following the coaching and strength training and vision of VITAL!"
"Pushing through hard parts of hiking. Fun with a group that all got along well.""Such a fun group with great chemistry.”
"The Dolomite trip was an example of what my next 20 years can look like. Stretching, seeking, adventuring with my people."
"I loved this group. Libby, you are a great leader & organizer, trainer & coach. Thank you for helping me to see that it was responsible to bow out on the last day."
That one lands. Sometimes real growth isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about listening to your body, trusting your gut, and choosing what’s right for you. That takes courage too.
And here's the one that captures the whole spirit: "The work of letting go of my (competitive) push and being with the present mindset of the team."
The Transformation Nobody Saw Coming
“I have definitely left with a great sense of accomplishment. I do love the adventure of seeing and experiencing new places. Made new friends."
"Teamwork helps you accomplish great things!"
"Open your eyes, listen, and grow."
This is why we scout. Why we test. Why we ask hard questions and listen to honest feedback.
Because VITAL isn't about checking boxes or posting Instagram shots from scenic overlooks. It's about creating experiences that change how you see yourself. That prove you're capable of more than you thought. That connect you with people who become friends, not just fellow travelers.
One teammate said it best:
"Vital nailed it! Challenging effort in physical, mental, emotional growth throughout this experience."
Dolomiti Farewells.
As one teammate wrote:
"This was the most rewarding adventure I've ever been on! Awesome training, professional coaching, and top-notch trip management allowed me to relax and take in the beauty of the Dolomites, all the while surrounded by a truly special group of new friends!"
The Bottom Line
Would they recommend it? 100% yes.
Overall satisfaction? Average score: 5 out of 5.
Would they do another VITAL adventure? Already asking about Patagonia, New Zealand, Nepal, Australia, Switzerland, Austria, and Africa.
The Dolomites are challenging. They show you exactly who you are—and who you can become when you commit to the training, trust the process, and show up for yourself and your team.
Ready to Answer the Call?
We're taking everything we learned and designing the next iteration of VITAL Dolomites—launching in early November 2025. Clearer communication. More targeted training. Better preparation for the reality of Alpine hiking. All the magic, all the support, all the transformation.
This adventure is for you if you're ready to:
Train with purpose for three months (we'll show you exactly how)
Tackle serious vertical gain (because the Dolomites don't do flat)
Push past comfort zones with a crew who's got your back
Experience Alpine beauty that makes your soul expand
Come home different than you left
Here's the truth: You don't need to be an elite athlete. You need to be willing to train, to show up, to trust the process, and to believe you're capable of more than you think.
As one teammate wrote: "This was the most rewarding adventure I've ever been on! Awesome training, professional coaching, and top-notch trip management allowed me to relax and take in the beauty of the Dolomites, all the while surrounded by a truly special group of new friends!"
What Happens Next:
In early November, we'll release full details including:
Exact dates for our next Alta Via 1 adventure
Complete pricing and what's included
Training timeline and requirements
How to secure your spot
Want to be first to know? Email us at contact@vitalventures.live and we'll add you to our priority notification list.
Or if you have questions about whether this adventure is right for you—ask us. We believe in honest conversations about what you're signing up for.
To Our Scout Crew
You were phenomenal. You gave honest feedback, celebrated each other's wins, pushed through hard moments with grace, and showed us exactly what this adventure needs to be. Thank you for your courage, your honesty, and your willingness to be the first VITAL crew to tackle the Alta Via 1.
Vitale Dolomiti, indeed.