Alta Via 2 (day 1): Bressanone to Rifugio Genova + Via Ferrata Sass di Putia

Last Updated on 5 September 2026

AV2 kicks off with a spectacular introduction to the Dolomites, crossing flower-filled alpine meadows beneath the dramatic peaks of Puez-Odle Nature Park before tackling the easy but rewarding Via Ferrata Sass di Putia. Despite racking up nearly 20km, it’s an undemanding day that perfectly sets the tone for the incredible adventure ahead!

The traditional AV2 route begins with a 1,500m climb from Bressanone, but my recommended itinerary uses the Plose gondola instead to save both time and energy. I’d consider this fairly essential if you want to enjoy your first via ferrata without turning the opening day into an unnecessary sufferfest of 3,000m vertical.

This comprehensive guide to Day 1 of Alta Via 2 contains detailed section times, route recommendations, adventurous side trips, via ferrata, and heaps of insider tips— use it to plan your hike & then refer back on the trail so you always know what to expect!

All my AV2 knowledge in one place: Alta Via 2: complete hiking + via ferrata route guide

Alta Via 2: Day 1 overview

• Trail hours: 8hrs (5hrs without via ferrata)
• Distance: 19.5km (15.5km without via ferrata)
• Elevation gain & loss: 1540m gain & 1280m loss (1040m gain & 780m loss without via ferrata)
• Side trips: Via Ferrata Sass di Putia (up & back; easy)— refer to Tabacco Map 07 & Cicerone Vol.1 (route 22)
• Huts: (Rifugio Plose), Schlüterhütte-Rifugio Geneva

*Trail times reflect the time we spent hiking, excluding extended breaks where we removed our backpacks to eat lunch, relax on the summit, or otherwise luxuriate along the trail. These figures are best used to understand realistic minimum hiking times between major waypoints, but we recommend factoring in 1-2hrs of additional time every day to properly enjoy the route!

Bressanone to Kreutzal-Valcroce (drive + gondola)

Begin AV2 by walking or grabbing a taxi (30€) from Bressanone to the Plose Gondola (20€; opens 9am), which will bring you to Kreutzal-Valcroce at 2,050m to connect with the trail. This shaves 1,500m off the start of an already ambitious day and it’s well worth it to save time for Via Ferrata Sass di Putia! 

For the purists who do want to hike up to the start of the trail, I’d recommend staying at Rifugio Plose on your first night and completing the remainder of “Day 1” listed here as your Day 2. This gives you more time for the via ferrata and you may actually make it to the hut by the 6pm check-in (which is tight for slower hikers when you can’t get on the gondola before 9am). 

Plose Gondola to Rifugio Plose (45min)

From the AV2 trailhead at Kreutzal-Valcroce (upper station of the Plose Gondola), it’s a steady 45min climb to Rifugio Plose on the summit of Mt Plose at 2,447m. Rifugio Plose serves food from morning until 4pm, dinner from 6.30-7.30pm, and some light snacks to-go throughout the day. 

There’s an alternate trail that avoids the climb to the hut, but I’d definitely recommend the traditional route in good weather. You’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of the Ötztal, Zillertal, and Stubai Alps, as well as several prominent Dolomite peaks!

Rifugio Plose to Forcella di Putia (4hrs)

I found the route a bit tricky to follow below Rifugio Plose due to the sheer number of cross-crossing trails, so keep a close eye on the GPS as you drop through a sprawling meadow to connect with a path through the forest. 

If you’re following my custom AV2 adventure route, the best way to stay on track is with my custom-built AV2 GPS map— packed with detailed daily tracks, 168+ waypoints, all the side trips & via ferrata described in this guide, detours to avoid challenging sections, plus extensive trail notes to help you navigate AV2 like an expert. UPDATED SEPT 2026 BASED ON USER FEEDBACK!

Available in both JSON and GPX formats, the map works seamlessly with GPS apps like CalTopo, Gaia, and AllTrails, or with Garmin devices and watches. Head to my storefront to purchase the map!

The route is largely downhill and eventually joins a paved road. We were unlucky to be caught in a torrential downpour, but still managed fleeting glimpses of the towering peaks above before beginning a steep ascent towards Forcella di Putia.

Forcella di Putia is the longest and most sustained ascent of the day (aside from the via ferrata, which may be only a smidge shorter), but it’s honestly nothing too strenuous and climbs the entire way through amazing views to reach an even more spectacular panorama at the pass. 

It took me about 4hrs from Rifugio Plose to Forcella di Putia, but without rain and slippery trails, I imagine you could cut that down a bit!

Via Ferrata Sass di Putia (3hrs)

At Forcella di Putia, don’t miss the opportunity to tackle your first via ferrata of AV2! Rated 1B (easy), Sass di Putia is a gentle introduction to cable-assisted climbing, with straightforward terrain, minimal exposure, and spectacular summit views. It’s the perfect place to familiarise yourself with your gear and the rhythm of climbing on cables before the more challenging routes later in this itinerary.

Allow around 3hrs return to climb approximately 500m to the summit, beginning on a rocky hiking trail before joining around 100m of fixed cable and occasional iron rungs. Even with clouds partially obstructing the view, we couldn’t help but gasp at the vastness and grandeur of the Odle Group, Belluno Dolomites, and the Aurine Alps stretched before our 2,875m vantage point! 

After soaking in the panoramic views from the top, simply retrace your steps back to Forcella di Putia to continue on the standard route towards Rifugio Geneva.

>>> New to via ferrata? Read this post: Introduction to via ferrata + complete via ferrata gear list

Forcella di Putia to Schlüterhütte Rifugio Geneva (30min)

Back at Forcella di Putia after Via Ferrata Sass di Putia, continue just 30min along a gradually descending trail through rolling green hills to Schlüterhütte-Rifugio Geneva at 2,306m. 

Night 1: Rifugio Genova

Schlüterhütte (in German) / Rifugio Geneva (in Italian) is a spacious, extremely popular, and very well appointed hut within Parco Nazionale Puez-Odle. The rooms are comfortable, the menu is extensive (this is a good place to order a la carte!), and altogether such a wonderful way to begin the AV2. Reserve Rifugio Genova by emailing info@schlueterhuette.com.

• Rooms: 26/34€ (dorm/small room) OR 54/62€ half board (dorm/small room)
• Food: A la carte (approx 10-15€ for dinner, 9€ brekky), great selection of food, wine, beer
• Showers: 3€ for 5min
• Connectivity: Wifi & strong mobile signal
• Alpine club discount: no

For more information on what to expect in a mountain hut & how to prepare for your stay: Everything you need to know about mountain huts (rifugi) in the Italian Dolomites

Read more about Alta Via 2

• start here ->Detailed AV2 Route Guide
• Alta Via 2 (day 1): Bressanone to Rifugio Genova + Via Ferrata Sass di Putia
• Alta Via 2 (day 2): Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Puez + Via Ferrata Piz Duleda
• Alta Via 2 (day 3): Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Pisciadú + Via Ferrata Gran Cir, Piz da Cir V, Brigata Tridentina
• Alta Via 2 (day 4): Rifugio Pisciadú to Piz Boè + Cima Pisciadú
• Alta Via 2 (day 5): Piz Boè to Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada 
• Alta Via 2 (day 6): Lago di Fedaia to San Pellegrino + Via Ferrata delle Trincee
• Alta Via 2 (day 7): Passo San Pellegrino to Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz
• Alta Via 2 (day 8): Rifugio Mulaz to Rifugio Pradidali
• Alta Via 2 (day 9): Rifugio Pradidali to Rifugio Treviso + Via Ferrata Porton & Nico Gusella
• Alta Via 2 (day 10): Rifugio Treviso to Passo Cereda + Via Ferrata Canalone
• Alta Via 2 (day 11): Passo Cereda to Rifugio Boz
• Alta Via 2 (day 12): Rifugio Boz to Croce d’Aune
• navigate confidently on & off the trail ->AV2 adventure route GPS map! (updated Sept 2026)