Hiking & Via Ferrata in the Dolomites

Arrive in Val Gardena on your own and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request). Set among the mountains of Sassolungo, Puez and the Sella Massif, Val Gardena is best known for skiing and rock climbing; last but not least, woodcarving, that has flourished here since the 17th century. Home to three cultures – Italian, Austrian, and the native Ladin, most signage in Val Gardena is written in the three languages – Italian, German, and Ladin! In the afternoon, meet with a Dolomite Mountains representative who will provide a trip briefing and orientation, as well as maps and everything necessary for the self-guided portion of your adventure. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for a hike or to explore one of the three villages of Val Gardena – San Cristina, Ortisei, or Selva Gardena.

The flank of the Odle mountain group, amply named “needles” in Ladin, has been subject to long term erosion, revealing the fascinating earth and rock strata underlining the principal pale Dolomite rock. The array covers grey-white chalks dating back 240-250 million years along wine red porphyry from a relatively late volcanic phase. Ongoing weathering of the oldest, a blood-red variety of sandstone, led to the 1968 discovery of intriguing skeletal fragments belonging to a long extinct porpoise-like lchthyosaurus, now displayed in the museum at Ortisei, a recommended follow up to the walk.

From the town of Ortisei, take the Resciesa funicolar (not included) to Chalet Resciesa from where you will start your hike. This is an easy hike, suitable for almost anyone, as the trail is predominantly flat with little elevation change. Stop for a drink or a rest at a local rifugio and admire the jagged north faces of the dramatic Odle Group before descending toward Ortisei by cable-car. This afternoon, discover the charming Tyrolean town of Ortisei on foot.
(~5 hours hiking, 13.3km / 8.3 miles, 350m / 1,150' ascent, 700m / 2,300' descent.)

Today you’ll take a fantastic hike across the Catinaccio / RosengartenMassif – one of the most recognized landmarks of the Dolomites. Several hundred meters higher up rises the superb Sciliar Dolomite plateau of ancient coral reef origin, typical of the western zone. In terms of difficulty the rating is average, with the exception of rather exposed and narrow tracts in the vicinity of Passo del Molignon. Drop down to Vallon del Principe through some switchbacks, and uphill until you reach your rifugio for tonight, a small and cozy hut perched in the heart of Catinaccio.
Indulge in a peaceful evening on the terrace, enjoying fantastic panoramas, and the world famous Rosengarten (“rose garden”) or Enrosadira, when the pale Dolomite mountains become red at sunset.
(~4-5 hours hiking, 10 km / 6 miles, 486m / 1,594' ascent, 670m / 2,197' descent.)

The Antermoia comprises the central-eastern part of the awesome Catinaccio Group of mountains, and offers some memorable rockscapes and unparalleled panoramas. This area has fantastic wildlife, including substantial herds of chamois, marmots, the occasional roe deer, and even the rare mouflon, a reddish-brown wild sheep with horns that curve up to one full revolution. Today’s hike is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable and challenging of your trip – it should definitely be taken at an easy pace, so you can enjoy the spectacular surroundings.
In the morning you'll hike on a rocky path into a wide desolate stone desert valley, though it looks like a location for shooting a Western movie! Ascend on a switch-back trail to the top and admire the stunning views of Catinaccio. Another climb on a rocky switch-back takes you to the highest point of today, before your descend to a beautiful alpine lake, with its turquoise blue water. Stop for lunch at the rifugio next to the lake and, from here, descend into Val Duron and down into Campitello in Val Di Fassa for your private transfer to Alta Badia.
(~6 hours hiking, 13,7 km / 8,4 miles, 670m / 2,200’ ascent, 1,375m / 4,511’ descent, shorter option available).

Meet your local English speaking prodessional UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide for the next two days, and ascend a different via ferrata each day! You’ll learn useful rope techniques and a range of additional skills for climbing and scrambling on different rock features; your guide will be with you all the way to teach you the basics of traveling over these near vertical walls.
Below are options of Via Ferrata available in the area, your guide will select the most suitable to you:
Via Ferrata Averau – a good confidence builder for beginners, with outstanding views of the Tofane group and Cinque Torri.
(~2 hours hiking, 5 km / 3 miles, and ascending an easy 75m / 246' grade 2A via ferrata.)
Via Ferrata Col dei Bos – Not marked on older maps or guide books, this ferrata is one that the Italian alpine military units still use for training. From the top of Col dei Bos the views are unforgettable.
(~4-5 hours hiking, 3 km / 2 miles, and ascending a moderate 400m / 1,312' grade 3B via ferrata.)

Enjoy another great Via Ferrata, below are some options to test your newly acquired abilities:
Via Ferrata Lipella – This is a challenging, full-day climb of one of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites, where you’ll go through a tunnel by “torch” (headlamp), and then start to climb the west face of the giant Tofana di Rozes.
(Full day hiking, 9 km / 6 miles and ascending a challenging 600m / 1,969' grade 4C via ferrata.)
Via Ferrata Tridentina – A stunning route that ascends slabs and walls that overlook some huge waterfalls, with a final dramatic suspension bridge that leads across a chasm.
(~5 hours hiking, 5 km / 3 miles and ascending a moderate 400m / 1,312' grade 3B via ferrata.)
Via Ferrata Piz da Lech – An enjoyable route with easy sections interspersed with some short, steep and entertaining pitches, including two 15 meter (50') metal rung ladders affixed to the wall.
(~4 hours hiking, 2,5 km / 1,5 miles and ascending a moderate 200m / 656' grade 3B via ferrata.)

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