Dolomites Via Ferrata

Via Ferrata Traverse: Cortina to Alta Badia

Challenge yourself and traverse the Dolomites from rifugio-to-rifugio while climbing some of the most famous via ferrata in the world! These “iron paths” set high into the mountainsides provide non-climbers access to high peaks and incredible vistas usually reserved for mountaineers.

Trip Overview

The breathtaking pinnacles of the Dolomites are well known to climbers and non-climbers all over the world. For non-climbers, the world famous vie ferrate (“iron paths”) of the Dolomites provide access to mountains and views usually reserved for climbers and mountaineers. Wire cables are fixed to the rock walls for safety, in addition to iron rods and steps. These incredible well-protected routes allow almost anyone to safely ascend a mountainside.


The origin of the via ferrata came during the First World War, when the Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies fought against each other on the vertical walls of these wonderful mountains. In order to succeed, they had to fix these iron ladders and wire cables to the rock, often under enemy fire. Today, many of these “iron paths” have been converted to recreational use and can be tackled by anyone interested in going a step beyond hiking, towards the magical world of climbing and mountaineering. This activity is suitable for all curious hikers that want to know what lies above the trails.


On this incredible itinerary, you will traverse through the Dolomites from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Alta Badia. This provides the opportunity to explore the Ladin valleys of the Dolomites and their people, as well as discover the traditions and history of these places, all while learning to ascend the incredible and historic via ferrata.  You’ll ascend and descend from valley to valley, moving to a new rifugio, hotel, or bed and breakfast almost every night, enjoying the welcoming atmosphere, exploring the excellent culture and cuisine, and having a whole lot of fun along the way!

Highlights

  • Climb on some of the most famous vie ferrate in the world – Tridentina, Punta Anna, Lipella, and more!
  • See the remains of the First World War when many of the ferrate where built
  • Enjoy the marvellous views from the top of the Dolomite Mountains
  • Stay in mountain rifugios, the best in the Alps, and charming hotels and B&Bs – the perfect combination of mountain accommodations – as you traverse through the Dolomites

Day By Day

Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of the Dolomite Mountains Team and your mountain guide. Daily mileage and altitude gain may vary depending on the device used.

  • Day 1

    Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo

  • Day 2

    Hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo (B)

  • Day 3

    Rifugio (B,D)

  • Day 4

    Rifugio (B,D)

  • Day 5

    Hotel in Alta Badia (B,D)

  • Day 6

    Hotel in Alta Badia (B,D)

  • Day 7

Accommodation

Great hotels with Dolomite Mountains. Whether intimate lodge, family run B&B, or luxury spa resort, our hotels are unique, eminently local, and hard to leave.

Want to learn more about our Hotels and B&Bs?
The Dolomites has a multi-faceted culture and history that is reflected in each village we visit, and we make sure to provide you with the most authentic experience of the region possible through the hotels and B&Bs we offer. Hotels and chalets are available in the larger villages, while agriturismos (working farms with accommodations similar to B&Bs) are more common in rural areas. And we always make sure you have access to inspired regional cuisine, and the best panoramas you can get in the Dolomites!

Prefer luxury accommodations?
You can also book a custom departure of this trip using our Luxury Hotels. For details, please contact us

Want to learn more about our Mountain Inns & Rifugi?            
Rifugi – or mountain huts in English – are the classic accommodation for hikers, climbers, mountaineers, and ski mountaineers in the Alps. Set in spectacular locations high in the Dolomites, rifugi are accessible only on foot (with a few exceptions that are reachable by car). These marvelous establishments are open primarily in the summer, with a select few in winter, and offer meals and sleeping facilities.

The Dolomite rifugi are considered the best in the Alps. While some are dormitory style with bunk beds, many meet the standard of a simple guest house with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms, and each has its own unique character and charm. Bedding and linens are provided, hot showers are available, and meals are served in common dining areas – like a small mountain inn set high in the mountains with the most incredible vistas in the Dolomites. Whether you’re hiking in summer or skiing in winter, an overnight rifugio stay is not to miss on a Dolomite holiday.

To learn even more about rifugi in the Dolomites, check out our Rifugios in the Dolomites article, and learn about one of the best ways to experience these incredible mountains!

LEARN MORE: Want to learn more about via ferrata? Check out our who, what, where, and when of climbing via ferrata resource!

Check out the high definition videos in our SUMMER VIDEO GALLERY!

Still want more? Why not extend your adventure!
Dolomite Mountains offers fantastic extensions that you can enjoy before or after your trip in the Dolomites. Explore VeniceVeronaLake GardaFlorence, or Milan, or any of the many other magical places found throughout Italy. There's no more perfect way to recover from jet lag upon arrival, or delay your return to reality at the end of your trip!

Cost

All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions.

Guided Trip:
€ 4.290 per person (2 participants) 
€ 2.890 per person (4 participants)
€ 3.140 per person (6 participants) - 2 guides

The cost is based on the specified hotel category. (Please see the cost inclusions list). If you would like an upgrade, please get in touch with us for a quotation.

We will do our best to accommodate you in the specified class of accommodations. However, if there is no availability in this category, we will offer you the next available classification at a supplementary price. 

Important to note:

  • There is a high-season 15% surcharge from July 14th to Sept 8th. 
  • There is a private-room supplement in Rifugi: €40 per Rifugio, per person per night (based on availability).
  • Prices may increase between the time of quotation and booking. Your Dolomite Mountains consultant will inform you of any changes.

Cost Includes:

  • Trip briefing
  • Logistics and maps of the area
  • 2 nights accommodation in 3-star B&B in Cortina d'Ampezzo
  • 2 nights accommodation in rifugio (shared dormitories)
  • 2 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel in Alta Badia
  • All breakfasts
  • All dinners (except in Cortina d'Ampezzo)
  • Local English speaking Professional UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide 
  • Via ferrata equipment 
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Duffel bag transfers from hut to hut
  • Luggage transfer from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Alta Badia
  • A €15 donation to Wow Nature’s reforestation projects makes your trip carbon-neutral 
  • Local tourist tax
  • Italian VAT tax

Area Map