Via Ferrata in the Dolomites

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Climb some of the most challenging and beautiful vie ferrate in the world – Punta Ana, Lipella, Piazzetta, Marmolada, and more!
• Experience the adrenaline rush of climbing vie ferrate constructed during WWI in this UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Stay in charming hotels and B&Bs and mountain rifugi – the best in the Alps – the perfect combination of mountain accommodations
• Enjoy marvellous views of the Dolomites from the top of a different peak each day!

On this incredible new itinerary, you will climb some of the most beautiful and challenging vie ferrate in the Dolomites. Summit the top of some of the tallest peaks in the Dolomitic range, explore WWI artefacts, and enjoy some of the greatest vistas known to mankind. You’ll enjoy guided ascents of these incredible routes with our incredible team of UIAGM/IFMGA certified mountain guides, and learn (and improve) the equipment skills required for the safe ascent of via ferrata.

Along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the Ladin valleys of Cortina d’Ampezzo and Alta Badia.  You’ll meet the charming people of the Dolomites, discover the traditions, history, culture, and cuisine of these places, all while ascending the incredible and historic via ferrata.  Explore the majestic Dolomite mountains and discover its hidden valleys where the architecture, cuisine, and language reflects a delightful blend of Italian and Austrian and Ladin cultures.

Exciting exposed ledges, near vertical walls, suspension bridges, glacier travel, and being affixed to cables on this trip – on some of the most challenging routes in the Dolomites – is certainly not for the fa int of heart, and previous rock scrambling, climbing, and/or via ferrata experience is recommended. But we think you’ll agree the reward well worth it, as you become one of the few take in some of the most spectacularly beautiful vistas in all the Dolomites.

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

TRIP DETAILS

Length:  6n / 7d

Start / Finish:  Cortina d'Ampezzo / Alta Badia

Activity Level: For individuals in good and active physical health.  Previous rock scrambling, climbing, and/or via ferrata experience is recommended. This trip is not recommended for individuals with fear of heights or vertical exposure.

Cost:  €1740 with min 4 members

Includes: Accommodations and all breakfasts, all dinners except one, UIAGM/IFMGA professional mountain guide, via ferrata equipment, local transportation, luggage transfer from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Alta Badia.

View Group Departure Dates
This trip is available as a custom departure on dates of your choosing or as a group departure on set dates.

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  Via Ferrata in the Dolomites

  

LEARN MORE:
Want to learn more about via ferrata? Check out our who, what, where, and when of climbing via ferrata resource!

PRESS:
New Adventure Company Enables Anyone To Climb a Via Ferrata 
Littleton, CO, February 22, 2010 – Adventure travel company Dolomite Mountains offers travelers the unique experience of mountain climbing a via ferrata.

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
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.
D… 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 take a quick bus ride to Fiames (1,293m / 4,242') and ascend our first via ferrata. Via Ferrata Albino Michielli Strobel alla Punta Fiames (2301m / 7,549') is a classic via ferrata that takes a line up wide ledges through the west face of the Punta Fiames, past exposed but well-equipped sections. The view of Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Boite Valley is unequalled.

For the first two nights, accommodation is in town to give you time to gradually acclimatize, and to buy any needed equipment for your traverse. Dinner on your own. (6 hours hiking and ascending an easy/moderate 600m / 1,969' via ferrata.)
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.

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 Lipella or Tomaselli
Today you will ascend one of two beautiful but challenging via ferrata:

Via Ferrata Giovanni Lipella
The ‘Lipella’ at the Tofana di Rozes is a challenging, full-day climb of one of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites. The trail runs along the base of the south face of Tofana di Rozes (3,225m / 10,581'), past the entrance of the Castelletto Tunnel which was used by the Italian army in WWI. Once through the tunnel, we climb the west face of the giant Tofana di Rozes.
 (Full 6-8 hour day ascending a medium difficulty 600m / 1,969' via ferrata. A 5 hour shorter option is available.)

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 we begin climbing the via ferrata. Once we reach the summit, we 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 very difficult 300m / 984' via ferrata.)
B,D… Hotel in Alta Badia

Day 5 ~ Via Ferrata Piazzetta or Tridentina
Today you will again have the opportunity to climb one of two beautiful but challenging via ferrata:

Via Ferrata Cesare Piazzetta
The “Piazzetta” is one of the most demanding itineraries of its kind, with on of the greatest accomplishments in the Dolomites: the summit of the highest mountain in the Sella Group, Piz Boè (3,152m / 10,341'). After a relatively flat approach hike, the near vertical start must be ascended with the help of the equipment placed in the rock. Good footwork, which we’ve been practicing all week, is a necessary pre-requisite! From the top you will have a sweping view across the Dolomites, admiring wonderful mountains including the Fanes group, Tofane, Sorapiss, Antelao, Pelmo, Marmolada, Catinaccio and Latemar. (4-6 hours hiking and ascending a very difficult 300m / 984' via ferrata.)

Via Ferrata Brigata Tridentina al Pisciadù
Another option is the less challenging but no less beautiful “Tridentina.” A nice chance to recover before our final challenging day, while still enjoying the beauty of the Dolomites! This stunning route initially ascends slabs and walls which overlook some huge waterfalls. 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. (5 hours hiking and ascending medium difficulty 500m / 1,640' via ferrata.)
B,D… Hotel in Alta Badia

Day 6 ~ Via Ferrata Marmolada
The Via Ferrata Marmolada Cresta Ovest is the utlimate ferrata of them all!  Marmolada is renowned as the Queen of the Dolomites, and the highest peak in this magnificent massif, Punta Penia (3,343m / 10,968’), attracts hikers and mountaineers throughout the entire year. We’ll ascend by via ferrata to the snowy summit where the 360 degree panorama from the highest point in the Dolomites will not disappoint! Our return follows the classic traverse where we don crampons, rope up, and walk upon the Marmolada Glacier – the only glacier in the Dolomites! From the crest we scramble over rocks down to the glacier, and travel through the crevasse-strewn terrain back to Pian dei Fiacconi. A superb finale to an outstanding week of vie ferrate in the Dolomites!  (7 hours hiking and ascending a difficult 450m / 1,476' via ferrata and walking on a glacier.)
B,D... Hotel in Alta Badia 

Day 7 ~ Depart
Breakfast and departure.
B…