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Via Ferrata Traverse in the Dolomites

Climbing/Mountaineering in Italy with Dolomite Mountains

Highlights

  • Climb on some of the most famous vie ferrate in the world–Tridentina, Punta Ana, Lipella, and more!
  • See the remains of the First World War when many of the ferrate where built
  • Enjoy the marvelous views from the top of the Dolomite mountains
  • Stay in mountain rifugios, the best in the Alps, and charming hotels and B&Bs–the perfect combination of mountain accommodations–as you traverse through the Dolomites

Full Description

The breathtaking pinnacles of the Dolomites are well known to climbers and non-climbers all over the world. For non-climbers, the world famous vie ferrate (“iron paths”) of the Dolomites provide access to mountains and views usually reserved for climbers and mountaineers. Wire cables are fixed to the rock walls for safety, in addition to iron rods and steps. These incredible well-protected routes allow almost anyone to can safely ascend a mountainside.

The origin of the via ferrata came during the First World War, when the Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies fought against each other on the vertical walls of these wonderful mountains. In order to succeed, they had to fix these iron ladders and wire cables to the rock, often under enemy fire. Today, many of these “iron paths” have been converted to recreational use and can be tackled by anyone interested in going a step beyond hiking, towards the magical world o f climbing and mountaineering. This activity is suitable for all curious hikers that want to know what lies above the trails.

On this incredible itinerary, you will traverse through the Dolomites from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Alta Badia. This provides the opportunity to explore the Ladin valleys of the Dolomites and their people, as well as discover the traditions and history of these places, all while learning to ascend the incredible and historic via ferrata.  We’ll ascend and descend from valley to valley, moving to a new rifugio, hotel, or bed and breakfast most nights, enjoying the welcoming atmosphere, exploring the excellent culture and cuisine, and having a whole lot of fun along the way!

Includes:

  • Includes accommodations and meals as noted in itinerary
  • UIAGM/IFMGA professional mountain guide
  • Via ferrata equipment
  • Local transportation
  • Luggage transfer from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Alta Badia

 

Excludes:

  • Airfare to/from the departure point
  • Gratuities to local guides

Day by Day Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Dolomites-Arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo (1,224m/4,016') on your own, and check into your bed and breakfast. Meet your guide for a trip briefing and orientation, and to check-out the ferrata equipment you will use for your exciting week in the Dolomites. B&B in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Day 2

Via Ferrata Strobel-Before departing this morning, your guide will give you a lesson on technique for climbing the via ferrata, equipment use, and safety. We’ll then take a five minute bus ride to Fiames (1,293m/4,242') and ascend our first via ferrata–the Via Ferrata Strobel alla Punta Fiames (2301m/7,549'). Descend to Fiames and return by bus back to Cortina. For the first two nights, accommodation is in town to give you time to gradually acclimatize to the elevation, and to buy any needed equipment for your traverse. Dinner on your own. (6 hours ascending easy/moderate via ferrata and hiking descent.) B. B&B in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Day 3

Via Ferrata Olivieri a Punta Anna-This ascent, almost entirely equipped with cables, follows the steep southern arête up Punta Anna, the large outcrop that looks onto the Tofana di Mezzo. Without a doubt one of the most interesting and beautiful via ferrata in the Dolomites, its steepness, exposure and beauty render it immensely satisfying, and the view onto the imposing south face of the Tofana di Rozes is unforgettable. The ferrata can be extended by combining it with others close by, including the ascent of the Tofana di Mezzo. (5 hours hiking and ascending a moderate 440m/1,444' via ferrata.) B,D. Rifugio

Day 4

Via Ferrata Giovanni Lipella-Today is a challenging, full-day climb of one of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites. From the rifugio we head towards the south face of the Tofana di Rozes (3,225m/10,581'). The trail runs along the base of the mountain westwards past the entrance of the Castelletto Tunnel, which was used by the Italian army in 1917 to blow up the peak of the Castelletto di Tofana where an Austrian Kaiserjäger position was based. We go through the tunnel by “torch” (headlamp), and then start to climb the west face of the giant Tofana di Rozes on the Via Ferrata Giovanni Lipella. Continuing on the via ferrata we reach the top by following a sharp edge, where early summer travelers might might find snow.
 Descend to Rifugio Giussani along the normal route, and from there taxi to Passo Falzarego and cable car to Rifugio Lagazuoi. 
(Full day ascending via ferrata and hiking descent, with a 5 hour shorter option available.) B,D. Rifugio

Day 5

Via Ferrata Tomaselli-From Rifugio Lagazuoi we walk to the base of the Torre Fanis Sud (2,980m/9,777') where the Via Ferrata Cesco Tomaselli begins. Once we reach the summit, we descend along the Via Ferrata Forcella Fanis onto the Cadin di Fanis Glacier. We then enter a World War I tunnel that leads us to the beginning of the Alta Via Fanis Luigi Veronesi, which winds itself through the Fanis peaks to the Cima Scotoni (2,874m/9,429'). 
Descend to Alta Badia. (3 hours ascending via ferrata, 2 hour descent hiking.) B,D. Hotel in Alta Badia

Day 6

Via Ferrata Tridentina-Today is a less challenging but no less beautiful via ferrata. A nice chance to recover before our journey home, while still enjoying the beauty of the Dolomites! A short bus ride will take us to Rifugio/Hotel Frara at the Passo Gardena from where we will climb the Via Ferrata Tridentina al Pisciadù. This is a stunning route that initially ascends slabs and walls which overlook some huge waterfalls. At the half-way mark the terrain eases off for a bit. The second part of the route is steeper and perfectly protected, with a final dramatic suspension bridge that leads across a chasm and provides access to the plateau and the Pisciadù Hut–an amazing location for a drink and rest before the descent of the dramatic Val Setus and transfer back to Alta Badia. (3 hours ascending via ferrata, 2 hour descent hiking.) B,D. Hotel in Alta Badia

Day 7

Depart-Breakfast and departure. B.

About The Operator:

Dolomite Mountains

Headquarters:

Livinallongo del Col di Lana, Italy

Our Company

Dolomite Mountains is the only local company based in the Dolomites specializing in and providing unique experiences in adventure travel within one of the most beautiful natural settings on earth.

We create the ultimate custom adventure experiences within the Dolomite valleys, for the most demanding and exclusive clientele in search of stylish and low impact programs that provide excellent quality and cost.

For over 15 years we've been crafting Dolomite adventures, helping our travelers uncover the region's true spirit in style. We customize guided and self-guided active trips, luxury and gourmet adventures, and take you off the beaten path for truly authentic experiences, so you can experience and enjoy the real Dolomites.

Why the Dolomites?

With an incredible variety of diverse landscapes, lush valleys, breathtaking panoramas, and friendly inhabitants, the Dolomites are the "crown jewel" of the Alps. From soaring peaks to elegant spires to sheer rock faces, the Dolomites offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

This unique corner of the Alps features numerous valleys, ideal for a wide range of outdoor adventures. From the charming Italian atmosphere of the Ampezzo region to the green pastures of the Dolomiti di Sesto and Alta Badia to the towering peaks of the Val de Fassa and Val Gardena regions, this world-renowned mountain terrain offers something for every type of adventure traveler.

Hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, rock climbing, or climbing a via ferrata - the Dolomites have an adventure for everyone!

At Your Service

The Dolomite Mountains staff works year round refining our services to ensure we offer the best trips possible in the Dolomites.

We combine this with accommodations that best reflect the style of the area, inspired regional cuisine, expert local guides with international certifications, and the best panoramas you can get in the Dolomites.

We're here so you can relax and enjoy the pleasures of wandering in the Dolomites, while we take care of the details of travel, luggage handling, and all other logistics.

About Our Founder
Agustina Lagos Marmol

Agustina is a multi-lingual world traveler, adventurer, climber, and devout hiker. She has traveled and lived in various countries, but her heart is shared between the Dolomites, where she currently lives, and Patagonia, where she grew up fly fishing and horseback riding on her family's estancia.

Before entering the world of travel, Agustina studied photography and fashion design in California. In 1994, she discovered the Dolomites while working for Butterfield & Robinson in Canada, which led her to settle down in this magical part of the world and start her own outdoor company: Dolomites Mountains.

"Being able to combine work, family, and fun together has always been my goal. The Dolomites feature some of the most stunning mountains in the world, and the mixture of beauty and service is superb: from romantic hotels to charming rifugios set on top of the mountains; Michelin star rated restaurants to authentic local cuisine; and outdoor activities to incredible spa treatments; the Dolomites offer the perfect blend of authenticity and luxury that is not to be missed."

-Agustina