Eastern Dolomites Via Ferratas 5 Days

Physical difficulty: moderate. Some fitness preparation is recommended. The ascent follows paths that may be rough or poorly marked, gaining 700–1,300 m over 6–17 km, with the descent in addition.

Technical difficulty: moderate. Previous experience is not required, but you must be comfortable with heights. Exposed or steep sections may require a rope for safety.

What to bring

Clothing

• Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof jacket and overtrousers.
• Technical mountain trousers in Schoeller fabric or equivalent.
• Fleece or softshell jacket.
• Thermal base layer and a spare.
• Thin and thick socks, plus spares.
• Via ferrata gloves.
• Warm hat, sun cap and sunglasses.
• Headtorch.
• Sleeping bag liner.
• Sun protection for face and lips, and after-sun lotion.

Technical equipment

• Harness and a dedicated via ferrata lanyard with energy absorber.
• Ice axe and crampons with anti-balling plates.
• Telescopic poles.
• Helmet.
• 30–45 litre backpack.
• Water bottle of at least 1.5 litres.

Footwear

• Mountain boots or hiking shoes.
• If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses during the activity, bring a suitable way to prevent losing them.

PirineoSur.es can provide

• Any technical equipment on the list that you do not own and request in advance.

Dolomites peaks and via ferratas

This itinerant trip uses a minibus driven by the guide. Between mountain areas, transfers generally take no more than 60 minutes. Carry only what you need for the day, leaving other belongings in the vehicle or huts; several huts are accessible by vehicle.

Day 1: Meet at Bergamo airport at approximately 14:00, with the group gathering during the morning. Transfer to Castiglioni hut, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours. The minibus is available throughout the activity.

Day 2: Marmolada, Punta Penia (3,343 m), returning to Castiglioni hut. The route combines glacier travel with crampons, via ferrata and rock. Ascend the ferrata and descend the glacier. The basket lift, €10 return, saves approximately 500 m of ascent and descent. Distance 9.4 km; +1,411 m / −1,411 m, reduced by 500 m each way if using the lift.

Day 3: Drive approximately 50 minutes to Dibona hut and climb Tofana di Rozes (3,236 m). Choose a circuit via the long, sometimes vertical Lipella ferrata and descend the normal route, or use the shorter normal route both ways, depending on the group. Bring a headtorch for the tunnel. Distance 11.1 km; +1,363 m / −1,363 m. Overnight at Dibona hut.

Day 4: Transfer to the Pioda lift at Palafavera, fare €8. Climb Civetta (3,220 m) via the Alleghesi ferrata and descend to Torrani hut (2,984 m) for the night. Distance 10 km; +1,363 m / −264 m.

Day 5: Descend from Torrani hut via the Attilio Tissi ferrata to Pian del Crep, then take the lift down to Pecol. Collect the minibus and drive to Auronzo hut. Distance 5.4 km; +267 m / −1,503 m.

Day 6: Auronzo hut – Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit – Monte Paterno – Cortina d’Ampezzo. Climb Paterno by a ferrata passing through a First World War tunnel. Afterwards drive to Cortina, with afternoon time for shopping. Overnight in Cortina. Distance 10.6 km; +447 m / −436 m.

Day 7: After breakfast, drive from Cortina to Bergamo airport, arriving before midday. End of the trip.