VIA FERRATA ROUTES AND EQUIPPED TRAILS

“Vie ferrate”, via ferratas, are itineraries in the mountains furnished with metal cables, steps and other fixed anchor points, along with wooden pathways and suspended bridges, offering a unique experience that lifts body and spirit right up to the Ampezzo peaks.
The equipment on the routes facilitates climbing walls of rock and traversing from one peak to another, offering an unforgettable experience and in many cases making it possible to conquer peaks surpassing 3,000 metres in height.
The anchorages installed on the rock and the right equipment – helmet, harness, gloves, via ferrata kit – enable you to enjoy an unforgettable experience in complete safety, because in the equipped sections, which may be very exposed, you are always clipped to the metal cable.
The easiest and least challenging routes are the “sentieri attrezzati”, equipped trails, which do not comprise vertical sections, but are in any case furnished with metal cables that provide anchorage for the more exposed or inaccessible sections.
Another experience offering unique emotions and adventures is that of via ferratas and equipped trails in winter: it is essential to be accompanied by a Mountain Guide due to the greater difficulties linked to atmospheric conditions and to the fact that sometimes the metal cables are partially covered by snow. 

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

The right equipment, as well as being accompanied by a Mountain Guide, is fundamental for safety in the mountains.
To ascend a via ferrata route safely, the right equipment is essential: helmet, harness, appropriate climbing gloves, and the via ferrata kit, which absorbs the energy of any eventual falls. In some cases it may also be necessary to have an ice axe, crampons, or a frontal lamp if the itinerary comprises tunnels dating back to the First World War period.
The entire set can be rent or purchased in sports shops in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
It is very important to consider weather conditions: in the mountains, the weather can change very quickly, and a storm can be very dangerous as the metal cables can act as electrical conductors in the case of lightning strikes.
Lastly, the length of the route, its altitude and exposure can make things more complicated for people with limited experience.
We recommend tackling via ferrata routes accompanied by a Mountain Guide.

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES TAILORED FOR YOU

Via ferratas in history

VIA FERRATA DIFFICULTY GRADING SYSTEM

Via ferratas are rated according to the technical difficulty of the most complex sections and the length of the equipped portions (Arabic numerals), and the commitment required by the route considering length and remoteness, and also exposure and type of rock (Roman numerals).

Technical difficulty 

1. Easy, short via ferrata, suitable for everyone.

2. A fairly easy via ferrata with a few more complex sections, but not very long.

3. A via ferrata with technical, vertical sections; a good level of experience is required.

4. A difficult via ferrata that calls for good fitness, with technical and vertical stretches.

5. A very difficult via ferrata, for experienced hikers only. The most complex sections are many metres long.

Overall difficulty

I. An easy via ferrata, suitable for everyone, from families to beginners. The route is simple and equipped throughout, with no sections without protection.

II. A via ferrata that calls for considerable experience. The approach to the route can be lengthy and challenging, and some sections may be exposed and without protection.

III. A via ferrata for expert hikers; a long and often remote route, with exposed sections.

TOOL KIT

Cortina d’Ampezzo provides everything you need for adventures on via ferrata routes in total safety. Contact the Mountain Guides so that you can be accompanied on the itinerary, and rent the right equipment for your unforgettable experience in the Ampezzo Dolomites. Mountain Rescue services are available in case of need.

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