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Via Ferrata Week in the Dolomites

Climbing/Mountaineering in Italy with Dolomite Mountains

Highlights

  • Experience the adrenaline rush of climbing a via ferrata constructed during WWI
  • Explore hidden valleys and the majestic Dolomites mountains
  • Climb a different via ferrata each day from your B&B “base camp”–no packing or unpacking!
  • Lose yourself in fairy-tale villages, whose architecture, cuisine and language reflect a delightful blend of Italian and Austrian cultures

Full Description

Climbing vie ferrate (“iron paths”) is a wonderful way of experiencing the sheer magnificence of the Dolomite famous mountains. On this itinerary, you’ll experience a week full of adrenaline while climbing some of the most beautiful Dolomite peaks in complete safety. 
We’ll make our “base camp” in a comfortable bed and breakfast in either Cortina d’Ampezzo or Alta Badia, and ascend a different via ferrata each day.

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 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 of climbing and mountaineering. This activity is suitable for all curious hikers that want to know what lies above the trails.

Includes:

  • Includes accommodations and meals as noted in itinerary
  • UIAGM/IFMGA professional mountain guide
  • Via ferrata equipment
  • Local transportation

 

Excludes:

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

Day by Day Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Alta Badia or Cortina d’Ampezzo.
 Meet your UIAGM/IFMGA mountain 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&B

Day 2

Via Ferrata Averau or Col dei Bos-Before departing this morning, your guide will give you a lesson on technique for climbing the via ferrata, equipment use, and safety. Then we will begin with your choice of two of the easier via ferrata: Via Ferrate Averau or Col dei Bos. Via Ferrata Averau (easy)-A good confidence builder for beginners, this via ferrata is the historic training ground of generations of rock climbers. Your guide will be with you all the way to teach you the basics of traveling over the near vertical walls. The views of the Tofane group to the north are outstanding on this route; Cinque Torri (Five Towers) is just below the imposing bulk of Averau. OR Via Ferrata Col dei Bos (moderate)-This via ferrata is not marked on maps or guide books, as it is one of the via ferrata that the Italian alpine military units still use for training. The approach is quiet impressive, as the first stretch is quiet exposed and vertical, but well worth it: from the top of Col dei Bos the views of the surrounding mountains and the Ampezzo Valley are unforgettable. B... B&B

Day 3-7

Via Ferrata-Each day you will have the opportunity to ascend a different via ferrata! You will learn useful rope techniques, and have ongoing instruction to give you a range of skills for climbing and scrambling on different rock features along the via ferrata. The following is a list of some of the vie ferrate you may ascend during your trip. The selection will depend on the ability of participants, weather conditions, and the area where you will be staying (Alta Badia or Cortina d’Ampezzo). Via Ferrata Tridentina (Sella Massif), Via Ferrata delle Mesules (Sella Massif), Via Ferrata Lipella (Tofana di Rozes), Via Ferrata delle Trincees (Padon Massif), Via Ferrata Marino Bianchi (Cristallo Massif), Via Ferrata Piz da Lec (Sella Massif) B each day. B&B

Day 8

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