Trip Overview
No two ice days in the Dolomites are ever the same, and that's precisely what makes this six-day winter adventure an incredibly unique climbing experience in the Alps.
You'll begin in Alta Badia, one of the highest-altitude valleys in the eastern Alps, sitting between 1,400 and 2,700 meters (4,593 – 8,858') above sea level when conditions are at their prime in January and February. The altitude and time of year guarantee excellent ice formation, and the picturesque Ladin villages tucked beneath the surrounding peaks feel a world apart.
The climbing area centers on Colfosco, where the ice routes range from accessible introductory pitches to demanding lines. The Spada di Damocle, which is named for the massive ice festoon that looms above your head on the opening pitch, is one of the most dramatic and memorable routes in the region and coveted for both its position and its reliably excellent conditions.
Nearby, the ice front at Sass Dlacia, at the foot of the towering Conturines massif, is something altogether different: an ice wall roughly 200 meters (656') wide and up to 50 meters (164') tall, where the sheer scale of the frozen landscape stops you in your tracks before you've even uncoiled a rope. Midway through the trip, a private transfer whisks you south to Val di Fassa, where the famous Fontanazzo waterfalls, surrounded by the iconic silhouettes of Catinaccio and Sassolungo, provide you with more celebrated routes to conquer and a spectacular finale to your journey.
There's a reason ice climbing is mandatory with a UIAGM/IFMGA guide. Their knowledge of these formations is what turns an active winter adventure into the experience of a lifetime. Every rope, crampon, and ice axe is included, so your only job is to show up and climb. Ready to scale a frozen waterfall in the Dolomites? Reserve your dates with our team.
Highlights
- Enjoy six days of ice climbing in the Dolomites' most spectacular frozen landscapes, one of the rarest climbing experiences in the Alps.
- Climb frozen waterfalls at Colfosco in Alta Badia, including the renowned Spada di Damocle route
- Ice climb at Sass Dlacia – a 200-meter (656') wide ice front at the foot of the majestic Conturines
- Explore Val di Fassa's famous ice crags on Col Pelus, surrounded by the Catinaccio and Sassolungo
- Private UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide at a 1:2 ratio. Safety, technique, and expertise at every step
- Relax for 5 nights in excellent hand-selected hotels in Val Badia & Val di Fassa
- This trip is a challenging level. All safety equipment is provided; prior climbing experience is an advantage
Day By Day
Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of the Dolomite Mountains Team and your mountain guide. Daily mileage and altitude gain may vary depending on the device used.
-
Day 1
3-Star Hotel in Alta Badia (D)
-
Day 2
3-Star Hotel in Alta Badia (B,D)
-
Day 3
3-Star Hotel in Alta Badia (B,D)
-
Day 4
3-Star Hotel in Val di Fassa (B,D)
-
Day 5
3-Star Hotel in Val di Fassa (B,D)
-
Day 6
Accommodation
Great hotels with Dolomite Mountains. Whether intimate lodge, family run B&B, or luxury spa resort, our hotels are unique, eminently local, and hard to leave.
Want to learn more about our Hotels and B&Bs?
The Dolomites has a multi-faceted culture and history that is reflected in each village we visit, and we make sure to provide you with the most authentic experience of the region possible through the hotels and B&Bs we offer. Hotels and chalets are available in the larger villages, while agriturismos (working farms with accommodations similar to B&Bs) are more common in rural areas. And we always make sure you have access to inspired regional cuisine and the best panoramas you can get in the Dolomites.
Prefer luxury accommodations?
You can also book a custom departure of this trip using our Luxury Hotels. For details, please contact us.
The Dolomites has a multi-faceted culture and history that is reflected in each village we visit, and we make sure to provide you with the most authentic experience of the region possible through the hotels and B&Bs we offer. Hotels and chalets are available in the larger villages, while agriturismos (working farms with accommodations similar to B&Bs) are more common in rural areas. And we always make sure you have access to inspired regional cuisine and the best panoramas you can get in the Dolomites.
Prefer luxury accommodations?
You can also book a custom departure of this trip using our Luxury Hotels. For details, please contact us.
Still want more? Extend your adventure!
Dolomite Mountains offers fantastic extensions that you can enjoy before or after your trip in the Dolomites. Explore Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Florence, or Milan, or any of the many other magical places found throughout Italy. There's no more perfect way to recover from jet lag upon arrival or delay your return to reality at the end of your trip!
Dolomite Mountains offers fantastic extensions that you can enjoy before or after your trip in the Dolomites. Explore Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Florence, or Milan, or any of the many other magical places found throughout Italy. There's no more perfect way to recover from jet lag upon arrival or delay your return to reality at the end of your trip!
Want to see the Dolomites in action?
Refer to the high-definition videos in our WINTER VIDEO GALLERY!
Want to know what type of weather you should expect on your trip?
Check out our Climate and Weather in the Dolomites article!
Want to learn about the Dolomites?
See our resource articles for information about the people, culture, landscape, geology, and more!
Cost
All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions.
Private Guided Trips:
From € 4.810 per person (based on 2 participants)
We will do our best to place you in the specified class of accommodation. However, if there is no availability in this category, we will offer you the next available classification at an additional cost.
High Season Dates: 23rd January – 14th March 10% surcharge
Holiday Blackout Dates: A 7-night minimum hotel stay is required
From € 4.810 per person (based on 2 participants)
Guide Ratio 1:2
- The cost is based on the specified hotel category. (Please refer to the cost inclusions list).
- If you would like an upgrade, please get in touch with us for a quotation.
- Single room supplement: on request.
We will do our best to place you in the specified class of accommodation. However, if there is no availability in this category, we will offer you the next available classification at an additional cost.
High Season Dates: 23rd January – 14th March 10% surcharge
Holiday Blackout Dates: A 7-night minimum hotel stay is required
Christmas / New Year — 22nd December – 7th January
Cost Includes:
- Trip briefing
- Logistics and map of the area
- 3 nights' accommodations in 3-star hotel in Val Badia
- 2 nights' accommodations in 3-star hotel in Val di Fassa
- All breakfasts
- All dinners
- Local English-speaking Professional UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide
- Safety equipment rental
- Private transfers as per itinerary
- An €18 donation to Wow Nature’s reforestation projects makes your trip carbon-neutral
- Italian VAT tax
Itinerary in Pictures
The Ice Climbing Experience : In January and February, the frozen valleys of Alta Badia and Val di Fassa transform into one of the most exhilarating vertical playgrounds in the Alps. On this six-day guided adventure, you'll climb frozen waterfalls and towering ice formations with our expert UIAGM/IFMGA Professional Mountain Guides.
Area Map
