Signs in the Dolomites

TRIP 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
  

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 of 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!

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

TRIP DETAILS

Length:  6n / 7d

Start / Finish:  Cortina d'Ampezzo

Activity Level: For everybody in good and active physical health (no climbing experience required).

Cost:  Custom trip starting at €2400 with min 5 persons  

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.

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

Dolomite-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.
… 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'). The “Strobel” 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 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 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…