Dolomites Via Ferratas

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.

Brenta via ferrata circuit

A hut-to-hut circuit starting and finishing at Residence Ambiez in Madonna di Campiglio, crossing the Brenta massif by its principal via ferratas. Conditions permitting, the final mountain day offers an ascent of Cima Falkner (2,999 m).

Day 1: Meet at Residence Ambiez. Bergamo airport is a convenient arrival point, with a journey of just under 3 hours to the accommodation. Optional airport transfers can be discussed.

Day 2: Residence Ambiez – Scala Santa – XII Apostoli hut (2,488 m). Walk through forest into high mountain terrain and complete the introductory equipped section. Distance 16.7 km; ascent 1,350 m / descent 501 m.

Day 3: XII Apostoli – Castiglioni and Livio Brentari ferratas – Tosa Pedrotti hut (2,491 m). Travel via Agostini hut, cross the Ambiez Glacier and continue towards Punta dell’Ideale and the Livio Brentari ferrata. Distance 11.6 km; ascent 889 m / descent 896 m.

Day 4: Tosa Pedrotti – Bocchette Centrali – Alimonta hut (2,600 m). Traverse beneath Campanile Basso and cross the Sfulmini Glacier to the hut. Distance 5.6 km; ascent 463 m / descent 363 m.

Day 5: Alimonta – Oliva Detassis ferrata – Bocchette Alte – Tuckett e Sella hut (2,272 m). Climb the steep ladders of Oliva Detassis, continue along Bocchette Alte and descend from Bocca del Tuckett over the glacier. Distance 11.1 km; ascent 604 m / descent 916 m.

Day 6: Tuckett e Sella – Benini ferrata – Passo Grostè – cable car – Residence Ambiez. If weather permits, attempt Cima Falkner (2,999 m). Free afternoon in Madonna di Campiglio. Distance 9.5 km; ascent 846 m / descent 624 m.

Day 7: The trip ends after breakfast. Optional transfers to Bergamo airport can be discussed.