Join us for five awesome days of climbing different via ferrata routes in the Dolomites. Sleep in mountain rifugios, explore Cortina, eat delicious food, and get a taste of what climbers and mountaineers see from up there.
Highlights
- Climb a different via ferrata each day around Cortina d'Ampezzo
- Walk through WWI tunnels and climb routes built by soldiers
- Sleep two nights in traditional mountain rifugios
- Access peaks and views usually reserved for mountaineers
Itinerary
Want to climb the "iron paths" of the Dolomites? This is the trip.
You'll learn to climb via ferrata and tackle a different route each day. These famous routes use fixed ladders and cables to access mountains that would otherwise require serious climbing skills. The via ferratas started during World War I, when Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies fixed iron ladders and cables to the rock faces. Today, many of these routes are open to anyone ready to go beyond hiking and step into the world of climbing.
In five days, you'll climb soaring peaks around Cortina d'Ampezzo, sleep in rifugios high above the valleys, and discover the history and culture of these mountains. And don't worry about a thing! Your guide will keep you safe and show you the best routes.
In just five days, you’ll have ample opportunity to climb the soaring peaks of the Dolomites, and marvel at the beauty of these breathtaking mountains. You’ll explore the mountains and valleys surrounding Cortina d’Ampezzo, and discover the traditions and history of these places, and revel in the excellent culture and cuisine. You’ll even experience two nights sleeping at a rifugio, or mountain inn, with the welcoming hospitality high above the valleys below. Now that’s what we call a getaway!
Programma ( 5 )
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Day 1
Arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Arrive in Cortina d'Ampezzo, an alpine town surrounded by soaring peaks and lively energy. Take some time to settle into your hotel, explore the cobbled streets, and enjoy the mountain vibes at your own pace. The adventure starts here!
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Day 2
Vie Ferrate Ra Pegna e Ra Bujela
First day on the iron paths! Your guide takes you to two easier routes in the Tofana Group which are perfect for getting comfortable with the gear and getting your via ferrata legs under you. Great summit views to boot!
(2,5 hours ascending two easy via ferratas. Total 200m / 656' ascent and 150m / 495' descent.) -
Day 3
Via Ferrata Col dei Bos
We'll step it up today. This via ferrata is newer, quieter, and built by Alpine troops who still train on it. Mix of challenging sections and easier terrain. Enjoy amazing views of the Ampezzo Basin. They get better with every meter!
(4-5 hours hiking, ~8 km / 5 miles, climbing a moderate 400m / 1,312' via ferrata. 500m / 1,640' total ascent and descent.) -
Day 4
Via Ferrata Punta Anna or Giovanni Lipella
Your last day on the ropes and you have two route options based on how you're feeling and what the weather's doing. One's a serious climb with unique geology. The other is a full-day push to one of the most stunning peaks in the Dolomites and a WWI tunnel you'll walk through by headlamp. Full day hiking.
(~9 km / 6 miles, climbing a challenging 600m / 1,969' via ferrata. 894m / 2,993' ascent, 1,563m / 5,128' descent.) Note: a shorter 5-hour option is available. -
Day 5
Departure
Leave independently after breakfast (private transfer upon request).
More information
Necessary Equipment – Provided by Dolomite360 on request
For Via Ferrata trips:
- Helmet
- Climbing harness
- Double via ferrata lanyard with shock absorber
- The equipment listed above may be included or available for an additional fee based on your selected itinerary. Please refer to the "What's included" section for more details.
Necessary Equipment – Not Provided
Footwear
- Lightweight or mid-weight hiking boots (waterproof, sturdy, with ankle support)
- For Glacier trips: sturdy boots that accept crampons are required
- Long-sleeved synthetic or cotton shirt
- Short-sleeved synthetic or cotton T-shirts
- Regular underwear (synthetics recommended)
- Medium-weight synthetic jacket
- Quick-drying full-length pants
- Shorts
- Lightweight Gore-Tex or equivalent rain/wind jacket and pants
- Baseball cap or wide-brimmed sun hat
- Bandanna
- Gear
- Daypack (20L for hotel-based trips; 35L for hut-to-hut trips)
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Water bottle (1-1.5 quart) or hydration system
- Trekking poles (recommended for knee support and stability)
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit
- Toiletry kit
- Lightweight socks (liner socks and synthetic athletic socks)
- Silk sleeping bag liner (required for rifugio dormitory accommodation)
- Small amount of laundry detergent for handwashing
- Ziploc bags for organization
Optional but Useful
- Gloves and warm hat (for high-altitude hikes)
- 3/4-finger leather gloves (for via ferrata)
- Ace bandage or brace for knee/ankle support
- Spare prescription glasses or contact lenses
- Camera with extra batteries or charger
- Swimsuit (some hotels have pools and saunas)
- Casual clothes for evenings
What You Need to Know
Luggage Pack light. Limit luggage to one duffel bag per person.
Layering for Mountain Weather Summer temperatures can hit 80°F / 25°C in the valleys but drop to 60°F / 15°C on summits during the day and as low as 30°F / 0°C in the evening. Layer up with synthetic fabrics like polypropylene or Capilene®—they wick moisture and dry fast. Wool or wool/synthetic blends work too. Always pack rain gear; mountain weather changes fast.
Footwear Tips Break in new boots before your trip. Pack blister protection like Band-Aid Blister Block—even old shoes can cause trouble on long days.
Trekking Poles Recommended for those that need knee support on descents and added stability. Practice with one or two before the trip. Price is around €45 per stick. Not required for everyone, but they help.
Rifugio Overnights Many rifugios offer drying facilities, so you can wash and dry clothes overnight for a lighter pack the next day. A silk sleeping bag liner is required for shared dormitory rooms.
More information
2 nights accommodation in 3-star B&B in Cortina d'Ampezzo
2 nights accommodation in rifugio (shared dormitories)
Accommodation Info
The price is based on the specified hotel category (please refer to the list of cost inclusions). If you would like an upgrade, contact us for a personalized quote.
We will do our best to ensure accommodation in the indicated category. However, if it is not available, we will offer you the next option with an additional cost.
Rifugios, or mountain huts, are the traditional places to stay for hikers, climbers, and ski mountaineers in the Alps. Many are perched high in the Dolomites, often only accessible by hiking; some can be reached by cable car, and a few by car. Most are open during the summer, with a handful available in winter. These huts provide hearty meals and a place to sleep, with options ranging from simple dormitories with bunk beds to private rooms with bed linen and en-suite bathrooms. Hot showers, shared dining rooms, and each has its own unique charm. Whether hiking in summer or skiing in winter, spending a night in a rifugio is an essential part of the Dolomite experience.
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