Italy: Via Ferratas Dolomites

Italy: Via Ferratas Dolomites adventure is the ultimate via ferrata excursion in the birthplace of via ferratas. It doesn't get much better than this if you like alpine via ferratas. The natural beauty of the Dolomites is unsurpassed. These massive rock walls are poignant. Even if you're not a mountaineer, hiker, or nature enthusiast, you simply can't not be impressed with the terrain around you. The best way to really experience the Dolomites is by getting up close to the walls and spending time in these mountains. An incredibly accessible way to do this is by the hundreds of via ferratas that dot the landscape.

Via Ferratas Dolomites

Via ferratas were invented in the Dolomites, primarily during World War I. Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops built ladders and connected them to the rocky walls in order to gain strategic positioning and claim high points and peaks. This morphed into blasting tunnels through the mountains to fortify their positions, along with cable car systems to transport goods, materials, and food to the soldiers. These tunnels are still present and some via ferratas utilize the tunnels and materials that were placed there from 1914-1918. Today, all the ferratas that we will do have been re-equipped with modern material and are intended for recreational use.

World War I in the Dolomites

As we pass through the tunnels and over bridges and cables on the mountain side, you can't help but imagine the conditions and sentiment that these soldiers felt over one hundred years ago, battling the enemy, the elements, and their emotions. It truly is an incredible experience to do via ferratas in the Dolomites. The scenery is breathtaking and the historical aspect and perspective is unmatched.

Italy: Via Ferratas Dolomites, Our Trip

Italy Via Ferratas Dolomites. Our adventure takes us through historical via ferratas, WWI tunnels and ruins, and newly equipped modern via ferratas. We will base ourselves in one valley but move around to adjacent valleys. Our accommodation will be in one hotel during most of the trip, but we will also spend an overnight in a mountain hut in order to access two remote via ferratas. Each day we will do a different via ferrata so we can enjoy a different area, see different views, and experience different types of via ferratas, both old and new, some traversing, others vertical. This trip is a must for any via ferrata enthusiast!

Gondolas and Access to the Via Ferratas

The via ferratas in the Dolomites are in alpine terrain found on the characteristic ridge lines and massive rock walls. Therefore most of the approaches and descents require 1-2 hrs of hiking each way. Therefore, this via ferrata trip combines hiking and via ferrata, helping to create a more complete mountain experience. However, the Dolomites are well developed in terms of human population and tourism so even though while on the via ferratas and in the mountains you feel isolated, there is always a town or hut nearby. Similarly, there are several gondola services during the summer months that reach high into the mountains for easy and convenient access to the peaks and the via ferratas. Our trip involves hiking, however, we usually will have the option of using a gondola if necessary.

Via Ferrata Rating System

There are several via ferrata rating systems, based on several factors. In the Summary section below, we have outlined the level of each via ferrata using the local Dolomite grading system, the Smith/Fletcher system. The Smith/Fletcher system uses a dual numeric and alphabetic grading classification. The number corresponds to the technical difficulty of the via ferrata while the letter denotes the seriousness/remoteness of the route.

The number system goes from 1-6, with 1 being the easiest and 6 being the hardest. As an aside, there are several newly equipped, modern via ferratas in Spain that have suggested grades of 7. These are pushing the difficulty levels of via ferratas. Contact us for via ferrata trips in Spain. Currently, there are no grade 7 via ferratas in the Dolomites.

The letter system goes from A-C. Grade A via ferratas are close to civilization with good escape possibilities. The C grade is reserved for remote via ferratas with limited possibilities of retreat.

Certified mountain guide: Spanish Mountain Guides Association (AEGM) and Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA). Native English, fluent Spanish
Planning and logistics
5 nights accommodation in one hotel (Days 1-3 and 5-6). Day 4 we will stay in a mountain hut.
Breakfast is included every morning at the hotel. At the hut, dinner, accommodation, and breakfast are included.
Harness
Via Ferrata Lanyard
Helmet
Quick clip carabiner
Security rope
Liability Insurance during the activities
Accident Insurance during the activities
Basic First Aid Kit

A positive attitude and desire to hike and do via ferratas in the mountains! This is an active vacation so be ready to move your body, feel the excitement, and visit some extraordinary places!
Each person must be capable of hiking and moving on the via ferrata for extended periods (8-10hr per day) and be accustomed to spending extended time (6 days) in mountainous alpine terrain. This means that we will be hiking and doing via ferratas over varied terrain during 6 consecutive days in the mountains and possibly in varying weather conditions. One day may be sunny and hot but the next day could be cold and wet. It is possible that this type of scenario could occur on the same day.
Each participant must be prepared for changing weather conditions and variations in terrain.
A medium to high level of physical and mental fitness is necessary for this trip.

The following is a list of personal material that each participant should bring:

Waterproof/Goretex hiking/trekking boots with rubber soles (i.e. Vibram). High top or medium top boots are recommended. Please break in your boots before this trip! Nothing can put a damper on a multi-day trip like a blister on Day 1!
Appropriate clothing for outdoor adventures in the mountains. Dress in layers, like an onion. The 3-layer system is important and should definitely be utilized on our multi-day hike. Base layer: synthetic thermal clothing to wick away perspiration and keep you dry. Middle layer: fleece jacket to maintain body heat. Outer layer: waterproof/windproof shell to protect against the elements.
Long pants (recommended that they are water resistant)
Long sleeve shirt (recommended that it is water resistant)
Comfortable socks
Backpack to carry all your personal gear. Ideally 20-30L capacity. Pack light and do not bring more than is absolutely necessary! Aim for <4.5kg (10 lbs).
Water bottle(s)/Camelback, etc. Minimum 1L.
Personal medication
Sun glasses, sun screen SPF 30+, sun hat, lip balm
Headlamp
Hiking poles (recommended for the approaches and returns)
Binoculars (optional)

More Adventures in the Dolomites

Lengthen your trip in the Dolomites! Can't get enough of the beautiful Dolomites? Add more days to your active vacation by joining one of Bigtime Aventura's other multi-day adventures, such as hut to hut hiking or rock climbing. Take a look at the following hut to hut hiking trips that occur before the via ferrata trip:
Italy: Western Dolomites, Hut to Hut Hiking (6 days and 5 nights)
Italy: Central Dolomites, Hut to Hut Hiking (5 days and 4 nights)
Italy: Eastern Dolomites, Hut to Hut Hiking (6 days and 5 nights)

Austria: Hut to Hut Hiking in Stubai Valley, Tyrol

Interested in exploring another beautiful area of the Alps? Join Bigtime Aventura's Austria: Stubai Alps Hut to Hut Hiking trip in August for 5 days and 4 nights of hiking in the rugged and glaciated Stubai Valley of Tyrol.
Contact us to add on a few days of via ferrata in the Stubai Valley after the Austria: Stubai Alps Hut to Hut Hiking adventure!

Italy: Via Ferratas Dolomites