Dolomites - Via Ferrata

7 Days Mixed Via Ferratas based in Arabba

The limestone towers and spires of the Italian Dolomites provide a spectacular backdrop for the lattice work of via ferrata routes that provide walkers with a good head for heights the chance to experience the sheer exhilaration of a big wall environment.

Originally built to aid movement of troops during the First World War, when the front line ran along the crests of many Dolomite peaks; via ferratas offer a range of protected scrambling routes using fixed cables, ladders and gorge-spanning bridges which provide a safe means of ascent to high levels normally only accessible by the experienced rock climber.

Graded from 1A to 5C choice of route is tailored in accordance with your ability and all we ask is that you come with a smile, have a reasonable level of fitness, sure-footedness and a freedom from vertigo.

The region offers plenty of choice and has the following number of routes in each grade:

Grade 1 - 29 routes
Grade 2 - 25 routes
Grade 3 - 14 routes
Grade 4 - 7 routes
Grade 5 - 5 routes

Once you have learnt the basics of via ferrata climbing we will start you out on some easy to moderate grades, before advancing to more difficult routes and longer excursions towards the end of the week specifically geared to the ability of your group.

This trip is centred around the North, Central and East sectors of the Dolomites and offers mixed grade Via Ferrata routes including one of the following options which will be decided during your trip based on the ability of the group:

Marmolada summit and Glacier trek
Wartime tunnels of the VF Giovanni Lipella
VF Ivano Dibona involving a traverse of the main Monte Cristallo ridge.

So why not get out of the comfort zone and come and enjoy a fantastic week climbing some of the best via ferrata routes in the region!

What's included

Guided Via Ferrata climbing and glacier trekking with an Alpine Guide.
Technical equipment: helmet, harness, self-belay set, gloves
Cable car transfers
Hotel half board or Garni (bed and breakfast) including evening meal
All local road transport
Transfers from Venice Treviso or Marco Polo Airport to Arabba
Discount outdoor clothing voucher for Cotswold Outdoor and Montane

What's not included

Flights
Personal expenses, drinks, etc
Lunches and snacks
Travel insurance

Route Grades / Technical Difficulty

Grade 1	Easy routes with limited via ferrata climbing, entirely suitable for the young and inexperienced. Requires no more than a head for heights and sure-footedness.
Grade 2	Straightforward routes for the experienced mountain walker or scrambler with a head for heights.
Grade 3	Rather more difficult routes, not recommeded for the completely novice via ferratist. At this level a complete freedom from vertigo and sure-footedness are required, as is complete competence in the use of via ferrata safety equipment.
Grade 4	Demanding routes, frequently involving steep rock faces and requiring a fairly high standard of technical climbing ability. Definitely not for the novice or those unsure of their confidence in mountain situations.
Grade 5	Routes of the highest technical standard encountered in via ferrata climbing, suitabel only for the most experienced via ferratist.

Route Grades / Seriousness
A	Straightforward outings in unthreatening mountain terrain. Routes will have easy access and/or escape opportunities, will be virtually risk free in the event of a change in the weather, and be relatively free from the risk of stone-fall.
B	Routes where a degree of mountain experience is required. Access might be more difficult, and opportunities to escape from the route will be limited, so minor mishaps could develop into quite serious situations. A change in the weather could potentially be more than merely inconvenient, and the climber needs to be aware of the risk of stone-fall.
C	Routes only for the experienced mountaineer. Such routes might lack any escape opportunities, be in remote areas, have passages of very exposed, unprotected terrain, or involve inaccessible situations where any mishap could have the most serious consequences. The threat of stone-fall might be a major consideration, or a change in the weather could add greatly to the problems posed by the route.

ITINERARY
Day 1	Fly to Venice Treviso or Marco Polo and onward transfer to Arabba.
Day 2	Intro to via ferrata climbing and use of equipment followed by some easy routes.
Day 3	Mixed via ferrata routes in accordance with the ability of the group.
Day 4	Half day via ferrata and afternoon free.
Day 5	Mixed via ferrata routes in accordance with the ability of the group.
Day 6	Marmolada summit and Glacier trek.
Day 7	Depart after breakfast for transfer to Venice Treviso or Marco Polo and flight home.

RESERVATIONS

Availability	From mid-July to end August
Spaces	12
Reservations	Please call or email to check latest availability
Comments	Although this holiday is aimed at Beginner / Intermediate level we can also provide high grade options for the experienced Via Ferratist with a flexible approach to route choice based on the ability of individual groups. However, if you have never done Via Ferratas before, we will certainly expect to take you through the basics and get the adrenalin surging before the end of the week! We also offer 10 or 14 day options - please contact us for availability and prices.