Via Ferrata & Climb

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the marvelous views from the top of the Dolomite mountains
• See the remains of the First World War when many of the ferrate where built
• Experience the rich Ladin culture with its many traditions that make this region so unique

The Dolomites are widely regarded as being among the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world, and in 2009, the World Heritage Committee officially designated the Dolomite Mountains as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  On this fantastic trip, you’ll discover why for yourself!

Truly a hiker's paradise, thousands of trails wind their way between the fantastic pinnacles of these jagged mountains, which magically turn from pale gray to gold and pink at dusk.  And via ferrata, literally translated as the iron way or iron path, run throughout the Dolomites, incorporating a system of iron ladders to assist hikers on steep mountainous terrain. These trails, originally built and used by WWI soldiers fighting in this region, are an exhilarating way to access spectacular mountain terrain.

Climbing vie ferrate is a wonderful way to experience 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.  You’ll travel from hut-to-hut each day, hiking and ascending a different via ferrata each day.  On this adventure, you’re in for a real treat… these world famous vie ferrate provide access to mountains and views usually reserved for climbers and mountaineers!

Check out our high definition videos in: SUMMER VIDEO GALLERY!

TRIP DETAILS

Length: 5n/6d
Trip can be costumed to make it shorter or longer.
We can add or subtract days and activities to make it the perfect itinerary for you!

Start / Finish:  Cortina d'Ampezzo / Venice Airport (VCE) or Innsbruck Airport

Activity Level:  Family trip for everybody in good and active physical health.

Cost: Bespoke trip starting at €1740  wiht minimum 4 persons

Includes: Family run hotels, charming rifugios, all meals as per programme, UIAGM/IFMGA professional mountain guide, via ferrata equipment, lifts and cable cars in the area, private local transfers, maps, trip briefings, local medical and evacuation insurance, private transfer on the last day to Venice or Innsbruck.

On our Family Trips: 

• when children share a room with two adults, youths between ages 7-12 receive a 10% discount;
• when children share a room with one adult or another child, a 10% discount is applied to the youth's trip price;
• when one child is in a single room, the full private room charge will apply.

• INFORMATION REQUEST
  Ready to take the next step? Just complete and return our  Trip Questionnaire, or contact us directly to plan your Dolomites adventure today!
  
  
  

ITINERARY
Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of your guide.

Day 1 ~ Arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dolomites
An English speaking Dolomite Mountains representative will meet you at the Venice airport for a private airport transfer to Cortina d’Ampezzo.  Arrive in Cortina (1,224m / 4,016') and check into your hotel. Cortina enjoys a reputation for great winter skiing and in the summer attracts hikers and mountain climbers who challenge the rocky faces of the nearby mountains of chic town. Meet your guide in the afternoon for a trip briefing and orientation.
… Hotel  in Cortina d’Ampezzo (3-Star)

Day 2 ~ Via Ferrata Innerkofler
While all the via ferrata offer an incredible way to experience the Dolomites, this one has a slight advantage, particularly since the path itself follows an old wartime route including tunnels once used during the First World War.  It’s an easy to moderate climb that offers fabulous scenery and interesting historical finds, and it can be conquered in less than a day. This route is perfect for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs alike!

Tonight is your first of four nights at a rifugio.  This rifugio offers incredibile 360-degree views of the Dolomites – Cima Grande, Piccola and Piccolissima di Lavaredo, Tre Scarperi and Monte Paterno, Croda dei Toni, Marmarole, Cadini di Misurina and Antelio, Monte Cristallo, Monte Piana, and Croda Rossa d'Ampezzo.  It was built in 1954 by the mountain guide Francesco Corte Colò, one of the pioneers of the rescue on the climbing walls.  Today, the rifugio remains station for helicopter rescue.
B,D… Rifugio
 

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.

Still want more? This ferrata can be extended by combining it with others, including ascending the Tofana di Mezzo.
(5 hours hiking and ascending a difficult 300m / 984' 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 Rifugio Dibona, you 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.
You 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.

The rifugio you will stay for the next two nights is one of the highest rifugi in the Dolomites. Set atop Mount Lagazuoi (2,778m / 9,114'), a veritable castle of rock with spires and turrets, it holds the secrets of WWI in hidden military forts deep within.
B,D… Rifugio


Day 5 ~ Via Ferrata Cesco Tomaselli
The ‘Tomaselli’ takes an exposed but almost entirely equipped line up the southwest face of the Punta Fanes Sud, the first tower on the Cresta di Fanes. Although this ferrata is not excessively long, it is reputed to be one of the hardest and most beautiful in the Dolomites. Hike up to the base the Torre Fanis Sud (2,980m / 9,777') where you begin climbing the via ferrata. Once on the summit, descend along the Via Ferrata Forcella Fanis, enter a WWI tunnel that leads us to the beginning of the Alta Via Fanis Luigi Veronesi, and wind through the Fanis peaks to the Cima Scotoni (2,874m / 9,429').
(2.5 hours hiking, 3 hours ascending a difficult 300m / 984' via ferrata.)
B,D… Rifugio


Day 6  ~ WWI tunnels and depart
After breakfast, descend through the WWI tunnels to the Falzarego Pass. From here, take a private transfer to the Venice or Innsbruck.
B…