Dolomites via ferrata

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike the tunnels and via ferratas constructed during World War I
• Experience the rich Ladin culture with many traditions that make this region so unique
• Enjoy the atmosphere of the mountain rifugios, the best in the Alps

Short on time? Join our quick getaway climbing via ferrata (“iron ways”) in the Dolomites! You’ll ascend a different via ferrrata each day, explore the diverse culture and excellent cuisine of the Dolomites, and even spend a few nights in traditional mountain rifugios!

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.

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

TRIP DETAILS

Length: 4n / 5d

Start / Finish:  Cortina d’Ampezzo

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

Cost:  custom trip starting at €1180 with minimum 4 members

Includes: Accommodations and meals as per itinerary, UIAGM/IFMGA professional mountain guide, via ferrata equipment, maps, local transportation, local basic medical and evacuation insurance.

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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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 on your own. 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.
... Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Day 2 ~ Via Ferrata Averau
We commence with an easy to moderate ascent of the Via Ferrate Averau.
 This via ferrata is a good confidence builder for beginners, and 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.
B... Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo 

Day 3 ~ Via Ferrata Col dei Bos
Hike to Via Ferrata Col dei Bos which begins above Col Gallina near the Falzarego pass.
 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. From the top of Col dei Bos the views of the surrounding mountains are unforgettable.
Overnight in a superb rifugio with private accommodations and great views of the Dolomites.
B,D... Rifugio

Day 4 ~ Choice of two of the following via ferratas
Via Ferrata Olivieri a Punta Anna
Ascend the Via Ferrata Olivieri a Punta Anna (2,731m / 8,960'). The hike towards the via ferrata is on the panoramic Sentiero Attrezzato Astaldi. This area is of great geologic interest: it traverses along at the very bottom edge of the steep cliffs of Punta Anna, at the juncture where the steep cliffs give way to colorful slopes of softer rock. From the peak we descend a via ferrata to Rifugio Giussani (2,580m / 8,465'), in the middle of the Tofane peaks, then back down to Rifugio Dibona. Transfer to Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Or

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 and transfer to Cortina.
Farewell dinner with the group
B,D... Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Day 5 ~ Depart
Breakfast and departure.
B... 

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