For the Fearless: Via Ferrata in the Daring Dolomites

Safety harnesses, a network of steel cables, security ladders and climbing insurance are all necessary for you to be able to reach the summit. Even seasoned mountain climbers find these peaks challenging – and you’re going further yet! You’d better believe the panoramic, jaw-dropping views from the top will be worth all the sweating (from both exertion and adrenaline…).

Trekking through the Dolomites is anything but a walk in the park. Renowned for its towering peaks, north-eastern Italy’s mountain range crests at over 3000m regularly. Easily recognisable thanks to its limestone spires which grace the pages of any adventure mag worth its salt, it doesn’t take an expert eye to realise this mountain range is for serious thrill-seekers.

Via Ferrata is The Answer

Via Ferrata offers the chance to access some of the world’s most imposing summits. Austro-Hungarian and Italian armies created these trails during WWI for the purpose of transporting supplies and soldiers through previously inaccessible regions. And now you can mirror their movements!

Nowadays the routes are in peak condition thanks to the efforts of the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI), who maintain and equip the via ferrata paths.

For a mountain climbing experience with the ultimate edge, try one of the following routes.

5 Day Flying Visit

If time isn’t on your side, don’t worry. Make a round-trip from Cortina d’Ampezzo for a 5-day adrenaline-fuelled getaway. You’ll get a flavour of different via ferrata every day, and in the evenings you can sample the flavours of the local Cortinian cuisine. The culture here is great fun too, and you’ll have the added bonus of enjoying the mountain rifugio vibes.

Sella Massif: Hiking and the Via Ferrata

Does the epic metal trail tempt you, but you’re also an avid hiker? Not a problem! The Sella Massif offers the best of both worlds. 5-day excursions from the Alta Badia are organised regularly, combining hiking with via ferrata for the ultimate dare-devil trip to the Dolomites!

Val di Fassa Region

Do you have more time to play with? Then let the Val di Fassa be your playground! An 8-day itinerary will let you really get to grips with this region’s mountains and trails. The greener stages of the route can be traversed on foot while the steep rocks littering the mountain are to be tackled by ladders and iron steps.

At the end of your trek you’ll have some envy-provoking Instagrams, rock-hard calves and a wealth of epic anecdotes to share.

Don’t Forget!

Make sure you have the necessary climbing insurance before you set out on this path. Get a quick quote that covers you for all of your adventures this year with great annual climbing insurance, or opt for a single cover if this foray through the Via Feratta is enough adrenaline-fuelled fun for now!