Italys Via Ferrata

Obviously, you can’t head out on the via ferrata in the Dolomites alone – it’s way too dangerous and requires specialist guides and equipment – so joining a small group, centre based holiday is the best bet. This will take a group of no more than 16 people out on a series of high level mountain walks, including via ferrata for the ascents, with the guidance of a local, English speaking UIAGM guide (one guide for every eight people on the trip). The UIAGM is the Union Internationale des Associations de Guides de Montagnes (aka the International Federation of Mountain Guides). Its guides are trained to a very high standard in rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering and ski mountaineering, and they also bring lots of local knowledge – you’ll be in safe hands.

At the start of the trip you’ll have an introduction on how to use the via ferrata equipment safely, and your first day’s excursion is typically some high level walking involving only a few sections of via ferrata, to ease you in gently. After that, your guides will simply pick the best route each day, depending on the group’s ability and the weather. There are a number of via ferrata routes threading through the Dolomites, so there’s always choice and flexibility. You’ll have a free day, too, for walking, biking or just relaxing.