The Dolomites are far from your typical climbing destination. With their iconic spires, jagged needles, expansive ledges, towering plateaus, and storied crags, they exude a character as unique as their history. These peaks, which are steeped in cultural heritage, earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2009. Nestled within the Southern Limestone Alps, this legendary region caters to every climbing discipline: traditional, sport, and the thrilling via ferrata. Perfect for both day trippers and those wanting to take their time immersing themselves into the Dolomites’ spectacular peaks, you can’t go wrong with this location!
Experience the thrill of the Dolomites' iconic via ferrata on this five-day adventure! Ascend historic “iron paths” built during World War I, now transformed into exhilarating routes for curious hikers and climbers. Each day offers a new ferrata, breathtaking views, and a taste of climbing history. Explore the stunning peaks around Cortina d’Ampezzo, immerse yourself in alpine culture, and enjoy two nights in a cozy mountain rifugio. A perfect blend of adventure, history, and unforgettable scenery—all while being guided by an expert, experienced mountain guide.
Arrive independently in Cortina d’Ampezzo (1,224 m / 4,016 ft) and check into your hotel (private transfers available upon request). This charming alpine resort town, surrounded by stunning peaks, gained international fame as the host of the 1956 Winter Olympics. Renowned for excellent skiing in winter, Cortina also draws hikers and climbers in the summer who take on the rugged faces of nearby mountains. A chic Venetian destination, it offers year-round activities, upscale shopping, fine dining, and vibrant social events. Depending on your arrival time, you might explore Cortina’s pedestrian-friendly Corso Italia, lined with inviting restaurants, cafes, antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques, or even enjoy a nearby hike.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo
In the morning, meet your UIAGM/IFMGA Professional Mountain Guide for a trip briefing and orientation, as well as a review of the via ferrata equipment you’ll use during your exciting adventure in the Dolomites. Your guide will accompany you throughout, teaching you the basics of navigating near-vertical walls. Afterward, take a private transfer to Rifugio Dibona to begin your first via ferrata experience.
Ra Pegna (2,241 m / 7,352 ft) and Ra Bujela (2,257 m / 7,405 ft) are two fantastic via ferratas located at the base of Punta Anna and the Pomedes Tower in the stunning Tofana Group. These routes provide a relaxed and beginner-friendly alternative to the more challenging via ferratas in the area. The ascents are straightforward, with no significant obstacles, making them ideal for first-time climbers. The summits offer spectacular views and excellent photo opportunities of the surrounding peaks. Due to their prime location and relatively short routes, these via ferratas can be combined with the nearby “fixed rope” Sentiero Astaldi trail for an extended adventure.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Climbing: 2.5 hours ascending two easy via ferratas
Elevation: +200 m (656 ft), -150 m (495 ft)
Accommodation: Rifugio
The day begins with a short transfer to Passo Falzarego, where you’ll hike to the starting point of Via Ferrata Col dei Bos. This modern via ferrata, built by Italian Alpine Troops in 2009, remains a training route for the Alpine Military and is not marked on older maps or guidebooks. The climb starts with its most challenging section, which gradually becomes easier after about 80 m (262 ft), leading to a wide ledge, a short wall, and a series of manageable slopes. The route continues with a pleasant ascent to another demanding wall, followed by a gentle grassy section. The final 100 m (328 ft) includes a few vertical segments, but with ample holds for support, it offers a secure and enjoyable experience.
At the 2,559 m (8,396 ft) summit, marked by a cross, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views. Rest in the scenic meadows and take in the stunning panorama of the Ampezzo Basin. Your descent follows a spectacular and panoramic trail along the base of Tofana di Rozes, leading back to your rifugio.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 4-5 hours, 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation: +400 m (1,312 ft), total 500 m (1,640 ft) ascent & descent
Accommodation: Rifugio
Today, you can choose between two distinct via ferrata experiences, selected based on your ability, comfort level, weather conditions, and your guide’s recommendations.
Option 1: Via Ferrata Punta Anna
Climb the Via Ferrata Punta Anna (2,731 m / 8,960 ft), starting with a hike along the panoramic Sentiero Attrezzato Astaldi. This trail is known for its geological significance, following the base of Punta Anna’s dramatic cliffs, where steep rock faces meet vibrant, colorful slopes. From the summit of Punta Anna, descend via a short ferrata (2,580 m / 8,465 ft) and enjoy a thrilling hike down the soft scree slopes of Bus de Tofana to Rifugio Dibona. A transfer will return you to Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Hiking: 5 hours, 9 km (6 miles)
Elevation: challenging +440 m (1,444 ft), total 528 m (1,732 ft) ascent & 1,197 m (3,927 ft descent)
Option 2: Via Ferrata Giovanni Lipella
Take on the challenge of this full-day climb to Tofana di Rozes (3,225 m / 10,581 ft), one of the Dolomites’ most striking peaks. Starting from the rifugio, hike along the south face to the historic Castelletto Tunnel, used in 1917 by Italian troops to dismantle an Austrian stronghold atop Castelletto di Tofana. Equipped with a headlamp, traverse the tunnel before ascending the mountain’s west face on the Via Ferrata Giovanni Lipella. This route features dramatic ridges and rocky faces, with the possibility of encountering snow in early summer. Descend along the normal route to Rifugio Giussani, then continue to Rifugio Dibona for a private transfer back to Cortina.
Hiking: Full day, 9 km (6 miles)
Elevation: challenging +600 m (1,969 ft), total 894 m (2,933 ft) ascent & 1,563 m (5,128 ft) descent
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Following breakfast, the trip officially comes to an end. Pack up and check out, private transfer is available upon request.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Not included:
If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
Still, keep in mind that the complete, day-long Via Ferrata routes can last up to 10 hours and require more stamina and skill. Your guide will discuss with you all possible options before determining the exact route.
And if you’d like to join the 5-day Dolomites via ferrata, you’ll be climbing for 3 days (the first and the last day are for arrivals and departures).
The Dolomites have plenty of options for beginner climbers with several via Ferrata routes. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun!
For intermediate climbers, the Dolomites have loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.
All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:
Here’s a list of personal things we suggest you bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
Dolomites via ferratas can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to the Dolomites, IT, most people choose one of the nearby airports—Innsbruck in Austria is 1.5 hours away, Verona and Venice in Italy are just under 2 hours away, and Milan is 3.5-4 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus or train ride to the meeting location.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location.
The starting point of the 5-day tour is Cortina d’Ampezzo. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for a hike or to explore the charming town.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Day Trip Cancellations
Multi-Day Trip Deposits and Cancellations
To secure your spot, a deposit in the amount of 30% is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid 75 calendar days prior to the trip departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If you cancel the booking…
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.
Early Bird booking
Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit.
As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best.
More about how Early Bird bookings work below:
