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VIA FERRATA ITALIAN DOLOMITES

VIA FERRATA HOLIDAYS IN THE DOLOMITES
Our Via Ferrata holidays for groups in the Dolomites take place between July and September and offer a wonderful taste of being in the high mountains without the need for specialist rock climbing training.

The concept of Via Ferrata  - protected scrambling and climbing - arose by default from the First World War, when troops used a variety of artificial climbing aids such as ladders and cables to wage war on the frontier land of the high Dolomites. In fact you can still find evidence of artefacts from this period - old tunnels, ironware and in some places shrapnel and lead shot.

Via Ferrata offer something quite unique - the prospect of scrambling and climbing up Dolomite rock faces and ridges in situations normally accessible only to experienced climbers - while being continually clipped to the protection cable via a special lanyard.

HOW EASY IS IT TO LEARN?
The basic principles of learning how to use the equipment are very easy to pick up - inside an hour you'll be able to put in your harness and helmet correctly, fasten the lanyard to your harness, and understand the techniques involved in clipping onto the protection cables when moving up, down and sideways.

There are of course many techniques you can learn for moving on rock - how to use the different types of hand and footholds and the principles of balance and anticipation. Our guides are always helpful, and looking for opportunities to demonstrate good technique for you to copy.

The other important point to remember is that when the going gets tougher, you can pull on the protection cable, and you'll also find iron rungs, steps and holds - even ladders, which have been strategically placed to make the going easier.

HOW HARD ARE THE CLIMBS?
They vary from delightful mountain walks with short sections of easy, protected scrambling, to large rock faces with sustained exposure (awareness of height) and steep sections where you have to work hard. All our groups are led by experienced and appropriately qualified mountain guides, who will select the right grade and type of route for your group. Mountain guides also carry ropes which they can use to further protect and give confidence to anyone who's struggling a bit. Most people of average fitness will easily be able to accomplish grade 1 and 2 Via Ferrata, and if you have had plenty of mountain walking and scrambling experience you will quickly be able to move onto grade 3 routes. More experience and fitness is required for grade 4 and 5 routes, but they are still very achievable.

DO I NEED ANY PREVIOUS CLIMBING EXPERIENCE?
No, not at all, though it helps if you want to do the harder routes. If you've got a head for heights, you'll be straight onto some classic Via Ferrata, and our guides will provide extra instruction on techniques for scrambling and climbing.

GETTING THERE?
Fly to Innsbruck or Vienna and we'll take care of the transport from there, or you can be entirely self-sufficient with your own transport

ACCOMMODATION
There are many options. We often use the Garni Larix in Colfosco - well-sited for the Via Ferrata, with spectacular views and a traditional feel. There are many other choices in nearby Corvara - we can advise on something to suit your group's budget.

OTHER ACTIVITIES
You can try rock climbing, abseiling and mountain walking - including an ascent of the Piz Boe, the highest peak in the Sella Massif. Glacier Walking is availble on the Marmolata and by arrangement you can make an ascent of the Punta Penia West Ridge, a Via Ferrata and Glacier walk which take you to the highest peak in the Dolomites. Summer Skiing is also available on the Marmolata Glacier.

SUM IT UP FOR ME!
One of the most spectacular regions of the Alps
Excellent local food
Huge range of Hotels
The best Via Ferrata in the world
Friendly and vibrant
Mountain Walking is as good as it gets
Unique landscape
It's brilliant!!!!
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