Via Ferrata in the Dolomites

Challenging Italy

Via Ferrata in the Dolomites

AN EXHILARATING ADVENTURE THROUGH THE HEART OF THE DOLOMITES, TACKLING THE ICONIC VIA FERRATA ROUTES OF THE TYROLEAN ALPS.

Spanning the stunning landscapes of northern Italy, our LHO Dolomites adventure offers one of the most thrilling via ferrata Italy Dolomites experiences in Europe. Beginning and ending in Bolzano, this journey immerses both first-timers and seasoned climbers in iconic routes like Catinaccio d'Antermoia and Sentiero de Luca, while exploring the historic Via Delle Trincee. With stays in remote mountain refuges such as Rifugio Alpe di Tires and Rifugio Locatelli, and a visit to the serene Lago di Braies, this Dolomites via ferrata tour is an unforgettable alpine experience!

Climbing and Mountaineering

TRIP TYPE

Climbing and Mountaineering, Multi Adventure

Trip duration

DURATION

6 Days

Trip Destination

DESTINATION

Italy

1

An all inclusive Dolomites via ferrata tour, featuring foundational training, multiple iconic routes across the region, epic stays and alternatives in case of adverse weather at no extra cost.

2

Relive the adventure with exclusive trip photography captured by your LHO Team Leader, included as part of our standard offering.

3

Guided by a specialised LHO Trip Coordinator and certified via ferrata guides, ensuring a seamless, safe experience, with full support on and off the mountain.

Trip photographer to capture it all
Small groups and great community vibes only
No hidden costs its all included
Hassle free airport to airport service
Directly led by us and our local experts
Carefully curated to make it all epic

Dates & Prices

2026

DATE & STATUS

PRICE

TEAM LEADER

AVAILABILITY

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP

  • Dedicated LHO Team Leader/Photographer
  • Carefully Selected & Certified Guides
  • All Accommodation Throughout the Itinerary
  • Trendy, Comfortable Hotel in Bolzano & Cortina
  • Mountain Hut Accommodation on Climbing Days
  • All Meals Throughout the Trip
  • Bottled Water in the Mountain Huts
  • All Cable Car and Train Passes
  • Transfers Between Selected Airports and Bolzano
  • All Transportation Within the Itinerary
  • Alternative Routes in the Event of Bad Conditions
  • Group Via Ferrata Equipment
  • Fitness and Nutrition Guides
  • Gear Shopping Assistance
  • LHO Base Camp (Office) Support

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP

  • International Flights and Entry Visas
  • Tips/Gratuities to the Local Team
  • Personal Gear and Rentals
  • Personal Medical/Travel Insurance/Cancellation Insurance
  • Individual Departure from the Itinerary

Itinerary

DAY 1: WELCOME TO THE DOLOMITES

Overnight: Cortina d’Ampezzo (Hotel)
The stunning Dolomites await. Our adventure begins in the beautiful mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, often called the “Queen of the Dolomites.” Famous for its breathtaking scenery, world-class ski slopes, and vibrant mountain culture, Cortina perfectly blends adventure and charm. Nestled in a valley surrounded by dramatic peaks, it is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.
Group Transfer: For those flying in, the meeting point is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), where our private road transfer will depart promptly at 17:00. Please ensure your flights arrive well before that time. If you arrive early, you are welcome to enjoy Venice while we wait for the rest of the team. If you cannot make the group transfer, a private transfer can be arranged through LHO Base Camp at an additional cost.
Direct Arrivals: If you are arriving directly to Cortina, we will meet you at our hotel. Check-in begins at 15:00.
Evening: At 20:30, we gather for our first team dinner and trip briefing at a local restaurant. This is your chance to meet your fellow adventurers, our lead mountain guide, and your LHO Team Leader. We will review the itinerary, discuss safety, and prepare for the exciting week ahead. Tomorrow the climbing begins.

DAY 2: INTRODUCTION TO VIA FERRATA

Distance: 8 KM | Ascent: 900 M | Descent: 900 M | Grade: VF2A
Distance: 6–9 km | Ascent and Descent: 600–900 m | Typical Grade: VF2A to VF2B
Overnight: Cortina d’Ampezzo (Hotel)
After breakfast, we depart from Cortina around 08:00 for our first day of climbing. Our focus today is to find our rhythm as a team while learning or refreshing key skills. We head to a nearby mid-grade route, often in the Cinque Torri or Averau area, where the terrain offers a perfect balance of challenge and accessibility.
We move at a comfortable pace to refine technique, practice communication, and gain confidence on the cables and ladders. Along the way, we are rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding Dolomites including the dramatic Tofane and Marmolada peaks.
We enjoy a scenic picnic lunch before making our descent and returning to Cortina in the late afternoon. Your guides will use today’s experience to tailor the objectives for the following day.
The evening is yours to relax before we come together again for dinner and share stories from our first day on the mountains.

DAY 3: SIGNATURE ROUTES AROUND CORTINA

Distance: 8–12 km | Ascent and Descent: 800–1,200 m | Typical Grade: VF2B to VF3A
Overnight: Cortina d’Ampezzo (Hotel)
With our confidence built, we take on one of the area’s iconic via ferrata routes. The exact route will be chosen by our guide in the morning based on conditions and the group’s preferences.
Possibilities include the spectacular Col dei Bos, the dramatic Ra Bujela or Ra Pegna, or a challenging classic on the Tofane massif. Expect varied terrain, longer protected sections, and a true sense of journey through history and nature, with features such as old wartime tunnels and exposed ridges.
We pause for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot before continuing our adventure. In the late afternoon, we return to Cortina for our final night in this vibrant alpine town.
Dinner is shared as a group while the guide gives an overview of what to pack and expect for the trek to Rifugio Locatelli the following day.

DAY 4: TREK INTO TRE CIME AND OVERNIGHT AT RIFUGIO LOCATELLI

Distance: 9–12 km | Ascent and Descent: 500–700 m | Focus: Trekking and Recovery
Overnight: Rifugio Locatelli (Mountain Hut)
Today we switch gears from cables to trail. After breakfast and a short transfer, we set out on foot toward the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Our route winds through meadows and high alpine terrain, leading us to the Rifugio Locatelli, a mountain hut that sits directly across from the famous north faces of the Tre Cime. This is a rest day from via ferrata to allow our bodies to recover while we enjoy some of the most breathtaking views in the Dolomites.
We settle into the rifugio for a hearty dinner and take in a spectacular sunset over the jagged towers, an experience you will never forget.

DAY 5: FINAL VIA FERRATA AND RETURN TO VENICE

Distance on Route: 6–9 km | Ascent and Descent: 600–900 m | Typical Grade: VF2A to VF3A
Overnight: Venice Airport Area (Hotel)
Farewell Dinner: Trendy local restaurant
We rise early for a sunrise coffee and breakfast at the rifugio, then prepare for our final via ferrata adventure. The route is typically in the Tre Cime area, such as the Paternkofel or nearby towers, and is chosen by the guide based on conditions and group energy.
Expect airy traverses, dramatic limestone formations, and unforgettable views as we savor our last climb of the trip. By early afternoon we descend, regroup, and board our private transfer for the scenic drive back to Venice.
Upon arrival, we check in to our comfortable hotel near the airport. In the evening we come together for a farewell dinner at a stylish local restaurant to celebrate our achievements and share final moments together.

DAY 6: FAREWELL FROM VENICE

Breakfast is included this morning before our transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport. We plan to arrive at the airport with plenty of time for check-in. We recommend booking flights departing from 13:30 onwards.
If your travel plans change, please inform your LHO Team Leader as early as possible so that adjustments can be made.
OUR COMMITMENT

OUR COMMITMENT

We are dedicated to ensuring that everyone involved in our services receives a fair living wage in their respective countries. We invest in our team members, fostering upward mobility within the adventure travel industry, expanding educational opportunities, and offering support wherever we can. By joining an LHO adventure you are directly impacting the incredible people and the remote communities that make these life-changing experiences possible.

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HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES

HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES

We do our best to ensure your wellbeing on LHO adventures. That's why the facilities we use throughout our trips are required to meet our health and safety standards. We also follow the laws and protocols of every country that hosts our adventures. This extends to national regulations requiring Covid-19 testing, vaccination certificates, mask wearing or any other local guidelines that may apply. Contact us for the most up to date protocols related to your destination.

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From The LHO Community

This was one of my top vacation in the mountains! It was beyond my expectations and all thanks to the amazing LHO community, our team leader Rami, to Babis, our international guide, and to the wonderful group I was with. Amazing places and routes which challenged my mental and physical fitness, everything was how it was supposed to be. Definitely my first out of many trips I will do with LHO. Simply loved it!

This was one of my top vacation in the mountains! It was beyond my expectations and all thanks to the amazing LHO community, our team leader Rami, to Babis, our international guide, and to the wonderful group I was with. Amazing places and routes which challenged my mental and physical fitness, everything was how it was supposed to be. Definitely my first out of many trips I will do with LHO. Simply loved it!

EXPAND

Sonia

The LHO team made it such a nice week! I really enjoyed it. See you on the next adventure!

The LHO team made it such a nice week! I really enjoyed it. See you on the next adventure!

Raghad Alajaji

The LHO Team and everyone in the group were amazing. Happy to have been with all these incredible people and gained these via Ferrata skills. Planning the next one before i lose what I learned!

The LHO Team and everyone in the group were amazing. Happy to have been with all these incredible people and gained these via Ferrata skills. Planning the next one before i lose what I learned!

Jarrah

Thanks so much to the LHO Team Leader Rami and the guide Babis! We made incredible memories together as a group. Can’t wait to see everyone again on the next adventure.

Thanks so much to the LHO Team Leader Rami and the guide Babis! We made incredible memories together as a group. Can’t wait to see everyone again on the next adventure.

Layla Taha

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a via ferrata?

A via ferrata (Italian for “iron path”) is a protected climbing route equipped with steel cables, ladders, and fixed anchors. It allows you to traverse otherwise inaccessible alpine terrain safely, even without prior rock climbing experience.

Where are the Dolomites located?

The Dolomites are located in northeastern Italy, stretching across the regions of South Tyrol, Trentino, and Veneto. They form part of the Southern Limestone Alps and are known for their dramatic peaks, unique geology, and rich cultural blend of Italian, Austrian, and Ladin heritage. This iconic mountain range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the most scenic via ferrata in the Dolomites.

Why is via ferrata so popular in the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are the birthplace of the via ferrata, with many routes originally built during World War I. Today, they offer one of the most extensive and scenic networks in the world. The combination of dramatic limestone peaks, historic trails, and world-class infrastructure makes via ferrata in the Dolomites an unmatched experience.

Is this Via Ferrata in the Dolomites trip suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Our guided via ferrata Dolomites experience is designed for both first-timers and experienced climbers. We provide basic training at the start of the tour, and our certified via ferrata guides in the Dolomites ensure a safe, supportive, and empowering experience throughout.

What makes this the best via ferrata tour in the Dolomites?

This is not just a climbing trip. It is a fully curated alpine experience. We handpick every aspect of the journey, from the scenic via ferrata Dolomites routes to the charming hotels and remote mountain refuges where you stay. Meals are thoughtfully selected to highlight local flavors, and our guides bring the region to life by sharing its cultural history and unique geology. So while this is an active Dolomites via ferrata tour, it is also designed to offer a well rounded adventure that showcases the very best of the Italian Alps, from breathtaking summits to serene lakes, hearty mountain cuisine to hidden wartime tunnels. You will come away with more than just the thrill of climbing. You will leave with a deeper connection to the landscape and its stories.

What fitness level do I need for this Via Ferrata in the Dolomites Trip??

You should be comfortable with moderate hiking and have a reasonable level of fitness. No prior climbing experience is required, and our via ferrata Dolomites guided tours are paced to suit the group’s comfort level.

When is the best time to do a via ferrata in the Dolomites?

The best time for a via ferrata Italy Dolomites adventure is between June and September, when the weather is typically stable, and the mountain routes are clear of snow.

What is the closest international airport to the Dolomites?

The closest major international airport to the Dolomites is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), located about 2.5 to 3 hours from the mountains. This is the most convenient option for international travelers and is well connected to cities across Europe and beyond. For your convenience, Life Happens Outdoors operates a shuttle service from Venice Marco Polo Airport to the starting point of the trip. Joiners flying into Venice can easily hop on the team shuttle on the trip start date. If you are arriving from another airport—such as Innsbruck, Verona, or elsewhere—you will need to arrange your own transportation and meet us directly at the designated meeting point on the first day of the trip. Full details are provided upon booking.

PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE

FROM £3,500

TELL YOUR FRIENDS
An adventure holiday for anyone with a pulse. No fitness requirements or prerequisites. Come as you are. Great for those who already train 1-2 times per week or would like to use this upcoming adventure as an opportunity to kickstart a fitness journey. Joiners should be comfortable with their physical fitness and regularly train at least 2-3 times a week in the lead up to this adventure. Joiners should be comfortable with their physical fitness and regularly train at least 2-3 times a week in the lead up to this adventure.Joiners should be comfortable with their physical fitness and regularly train at least 2-3 times a week in the lead up to this adventure. Need we explain further? No prior experience is required. Basic skills may be taught during this adventure. The skills necessary to safely complete this adventure will be taught as a part of this experience. This adventure requires prior experience, pre-requisite skills or certifications. See below for details. We aim to strike a balance between unique local experiences and international standards of comfort and hygiene. Hostels are dorm-style accommodation used during certain legs of our trips and expeditions. They can be quite trendy with common areas, restaurants and cafes. Expect rooms to include a bed and a mattress as well as a common dining area with chairs and tables. You’ll need to bring a sleeping bag and an optional pillow. When the experience includes camping we provide the tents, sleeping mats, common dining tents, camping chairs and camping tables. The only thing you’ll need to get is a sleeping bag and an optional camping pillow. Please refer to the LHO gear list for more information specific to the trip you’re on. Mountain Lodges are usually well equipped, providing beds with duvets and pillows. They also include a common restaurant area. Some lodges require a sleeping liner.

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