Alta Badia Hiking & Via Ferrata Tour

Arrive in Alta Badia (1,226m / 4,022') on your own and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request).
Alta Badia is a sunny hollow on the south side of the Val Badia in the Alto Adige region. Incredible hiking, skiing, and vistas abound – particularly of the Sella Massif. Home to three cultures – Italian, Austrian, and the native Ladin, most signage in Alta Badia is written in three languages – Italian, German, and Ladin! Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for a hike or to explore one of the six villages of Alta Badia.

The natural beauty of the surrounding Sella walls makes the views from this ferrata some of the most impressive in the entire region. Combined with the challenging exposed climb, flexible itinerary and death-defying suspension bridge, this ascent along the Torre Exner has easily become one of the most popular ferratas in the area among those skilled enough to handle it. So popular, in fact, that it’s advised that you attempt it during the week  or very early in the morning to avoid the weekend crowds. 
You’ll begin by using the helpful metal cables to assist you in scaling the first vertical face to a terrace above and the path that leads in from the Passo Gardena access route. Continue up the well-equipped ferrata beneath the magnificent east face of the Torre Exner and toward the left. Here you have the option to vary your climb by following the wide gully at 2,350m / 7,710’, which leads to the Masores plateau and Rifugio Cavazza al Pisciadù. Or you can simply continue on the ferrata up the steep east face and onto a series of ladders to assist.
Head to the left where you’ll face the biggest challenge – a hair-raising suspension bridge that crosses the deep crevice. Once across, take a breather and move on toward the Masores terrace. From there, continue to Rifugio Cavazza and nearby Lake Pisciadù. Now you can take the time to relax, breathe in the pristine mountain air and take a good look around at the magnificent panoramas that surround you. This ferrata is as versatile as it is beautiful. It offers the unique opportunity to cut it short in bad weather or to alter the itinerary based on preference.
(~5 hours hiking 4,7 km / 2,9 miles, including a moderate to difficult 400m / 1,312' via ferrata. Total 720m / 2,362' ascent and descent.)

Start your day with a steep ascent. Shortly after you get your first dramatic glimpses plunging down the Val di Mesdì, which you climbed up yesterday. Climb up to the highly panoramic Antersass (2,900m / 9,514'). A gentle descent leads to another steep ascent across scree that brings you to the top of Piz Boé (3,152m / 10,341') – the highest peak of the Sella Massif. You will be amply rewarded for the long hike: enjoy lunch at a small rifugio and admire an incredible 360-degree view of the mountains surrounding you.

When you’re full and rested, begin your descent on a steep and rocky trail down the other side of the mountain to your rifugio for tonight. Situated atop of a natural rock balcony, the views you can enjoy from here are incomparable!
(~5-6 hours hiking 7,5 km / 4,7 miles, 758m / 2,486' ascent, 823m / 2,700' descent.)

Descend to a nearby alpine lake and continue on a gravel path to the main road at the bottom, from where you begin to hike uphill through pastures on the Pralongiá Plateau (2,572m / 8,438'). Enjoy lunch at a rifugio, and then continue through the meadows to the Setsass mountain group (2,575m / 8,448'). Reach the Lagazuoi cable car, which will bring you to your rifugio for tonight.
(~7-8 hours hiking 19 km / 11,7 miles, 763m / 2,502' ascent, 1,193m / 3,913’ descent.)

Tonight you’ll enjoy staying at one of the highest rifugio 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.

At first glance, this via ferrata appears to be manageable since it is so well equipped for climbers. But the exposed nature of the climb actually makes it quite challenging. Still, Tomaselli is widely considered to be one of the best via ferrata in the Dolomites, albeit the most daunting. While the paths of are well equipped, the exposed nature of the climb makes it quite a difficult task. If you’re up to the challenge, it’s well worth it!

The first part of the actual ferrata provides a “test” that can be used to assess each climber’s abilities and ultimately help you to decide whether you should continue on or turn around. This is one of the ferrata’s most unique and interesting features. Assuming you pass the test and decide to trek on, you’ll begin with a sharp vertical start and then cross a horizontal passageway equipped with twin cables to assist. Ahead awaits a series of exposed, vertical walls, providing a demanding climb. These walls will lead you to the crest where you’ll face yet another daunting task – a vertical crack-lined slab to ascend.

Your reward for tackling this final obstacle is reaching the incredible 2,980m  / 9,777' grand summit near the top of Punta Sud which offers spectacular views unlike any you’ve ever experienced. Take a breather, sit back and enjoy your impressive accomplishment. You deserve it! Or, if you want to complete the task, beyond the ferrata and to the very top of Punta Sud, you can continue your hike but keep in mind that it’s without the assistance of any ferrata holds, so be careful.

After a much deserved break to take in the amazing sights, it’s time to gear up for the descent which is steep and just as formidable as the climb up. There are a few different options, including the use of a completely separate route, but whichever way you choose to come down, do so with care.
(Ascend a difficult 600m / 1,968' via ferrata.)

Option to ascend an easier via ferrata, to be discussed with your guide.

Breakfast and departure on your own (private transfer available on request).