Hi everyone!
I’m a scout leader from Belgium, and this July, we are planning a 5-day trek on the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites. Our goal is to reach Cortina d'Ampezzo.
We are a large group (21 people), and because we are a scout unit, our budget is very tight. We unfortunately cannot afford to stay in rifugi every night.
We are planning to do "emergency bivouacking": pitching tents after sunset and leaving at sunrise, far from the main paths, and leaving no trace. However, I’m struggling to find clear information regarding:
- Local regulations: I know wild camping is generally forbidden in the Dolomites, but is "sunset-to-sunrise" bivouacking tolerated for large groups in specific areas along the AV1?
- Finding spots for 21 people: Since we have multiple tents, how can I scout or identify potential flat areas in advance? Are there specific zones near the AV1 (between Lago di Braies and Cortina) where it's safer/legal to pitch tents?
- Water points: Since we won't be staying at refuges, is it easy to find water sources for a group of our size?
We are very committed to respecting the mountains (no fires, no trash, total silence). If anyone has experience with large groups or knows the specific forestry rules for the Veneto/South Tyrol regions, your help would be amazing!
Thanks a lot!