Family Dolomites Climbing & Via Ferrata Experience

Arrive in Alta Badia on your own (private transfer available on request), and check into your hotel. The Dolomites are a rock climber’s paradise. Sought after by climbers from around the world, there is terrain for every experience level here. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for a hike or to explore the town where you are staying.
In the afternoon you will meet your UIAGM/IFMGA Professional Mountain Guide for a trip briefing and orientation, and to check the climbing equipment you will use for your exciting days in the Dolomites.

Before you begin climbing this morning, your guide will give you a lesson on climbing technique, equipment use, and safety. Today is a warm-up day – you’ll learn how to use your equipment, as you hike and climb up a sentiero – a path equipped with cables to hold onto and/or clip into, to protect you as you hike.

Transfer to Passo di Valparola, to the WWI museum Forte Tre Sassi (2,197m / 7,208'). This fort was built by the Austrians prior to the war as a fortification against attack from the Italians. During World War I it was a favorite target for the Italians, and the fort was destroyed. Begin hiking to the ruins of the Austrian positions on the well-equipped path, you will cross a 15-meter-long (49') suspension bridge of steel cables. Once you pass this test of courage, you’ll get to the top or Lagazuoi Piccolo (2,778m /9,114'), and be rewarded by an amazing 360-degree view – an entire panorama of the surrounding mountains! (1.7 km / 1.1 miles hiking and via ferrata/sentiero, 522m / 1,714' ascent).  Continue to Rifugio Lagazuoi, where you can enjoy lunch. After lunch and a nice long rest, you have several options: descend traversing the Italian tunnel (bring a torch / headlamp!), if the weather is nice, hike down to Lake Lagazuoi for a swim, or ride the cable car down the mountain.

The marvelous Cinque Torri (~2,200m / 7,218'), or Five Towers, has become symbol that represents the entire Dolomites. But don’t let the name fool you – the area isn’t comprised of just five towers, but by a mass of secondary boulders, fractured towers, and peaks sprinkled liberally across the entire area, with an infinite variety of shapes and sizes. They are, by definition, everyone's climbing “gym” – for alpinists and sport climbers, for beginners and experts alike. Here you’ll learn basic climbing skills and techniques including specialized equipment use, site safety, knot tying, belay technique and basic climbing technique. The brave can try some abseiling (rappelling), too! Downhill from the climbing area, Italian war trenches can still be seen. This area saw heavy fighting during WWI, and relics of Italian army shelters have been restored, creating the Grande Guerra (Great War) open air museum, which offers insights into the war and fighting through interpretive panels. There is a path that circumnavigates the Cinque Torri, where you have the opportunity to walk through trenches and visit military installments.

Today you will decide with your guide whether you are going to hike or to climb a via ferrata in the area. 
Hiking option:  from your rifugio, begin to hike uphill to the rear of the grassy Col Piombin, which takes its name from past lead and zinc mining activity that dates back to the 16th century. During your hike, the views to the north of the Tofana and Monte Cavallo will be inspiring, not to mention the mountains on display to the south: Monte Formin, Cernera, Pelmo – oft referred to as “the throne of God,” and the upswept flank of Monte Mondeval.
(~4-5 hours hiking, 7,8 km / 4,9 miles, 303m / 994' ascent, 566m / 1,858' descent.)

Via Ferrata Option: Via Ferrata Ra Gusela-Nuvolau 2,574m / 8,445'
This refreshingly short but exhilarating ferrata, Nuvolau-Ragusela is a perfect bite-sized adventure since it can be conquered in just a few hours, but still affords excitement and amazing views of the surrounding majestic peaks. It is also relatively easy and as such, is often used for training purposes so it’s great for beginners to be able to try their hand at the unique experience of climbing via ferrata in the Dolomites!
(Ascend an easy 125m / 410' via ferrata.)
In the afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Time for a real alpine route! You’ve tested the waters the past few days, so today you’ll try your hands – and feet! –at a real rock climb on the Sass de Stria (2,477m / 8127'), or Witch’s Rock in the local Ladin tongue. Wondering if there are still witches on the top? Well, you’ll have to climb it to find out!  While humble in size compared to the surrounding peaks, the horn-shaped Sass de Stria is isolated from others, and therefore has a grand view from its summit. It is weathered and slabby and therefore ideal for beginners; in fact, it is one of the Dolomites' – and Italy's – easiest crags. From Passo Falzarego, you’ll climb the south edge of the Sass de Stria (2,477m / 8127'). One guide for every two participants.
(Ascend an easy 204m/670’ Via Ferrata.)

Today is your final day of climbing, and we’ll celebrate it with a fantastic via ferrata on Monte Paterno  / Paternkofel (9,003'). This beautifully shaped mountain is not only famous for being a great, short ascent for newcomers to climbing, but also offers an exceptional view of the north faces of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Tre Cime, or Three Peaks, is one of the most impressive and beautiful pinnacles of the Dolomites, and its most recognizable. Just be sure not to be distracted by it’s beauty while you’re climbing! Transfer from Cortina heading east, to the Sesto Dolomites.
Hike to the start of your via ferrata, where you’ll enter a long tunnel, poorly lit by few windows (don’t forget your torch / flashlight!). The climb continues on rocky paths, with steeper sections well equipped with ladders, and vertical walls sections equipped with fixed cables. Descend along the Via Ferrata Delle Forcelle which leads up and down a series of ledges using ladders and bridges down to the path at the base.

Breakfast and departure on your own (private transfer available on request).