Italian Alps Via Ferrata Summer

Dolomites, Italy · Italy

Challenging7 daysEurope~£1,200 est.

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Overview

The Dolomites invented the via ferrata during the First World War, and the iron ways above Cortina are still the best in the Alps. Warm up on the Cinque Torri circuit among restored WWI trenches, then commit to the Ferrata Ivano Dibona across Monte Cristallo's ridgeline — suspension bridge, tunnels and hours of exposure near 3,000m with the whole pale massif spread below. Rifugio nights, with alpenglow turning the towers pink over dinner, are half the point. Two things catch people out. Afternoon storms make iron cables the worst place in the mountains — start early and be descending by two — and access to the Dibona is longer than older guidebooks suggest since the Cristallo lifts closed, adding serious height gain on foot. A certified lanyard set, harness, helmet and gloves are mandatory kit; clip discipline matters more than strength. June to September is the season. £1,200 for a hut-to-hut week with cable car passes is typical; a guide for the bigger routes costs from about €400 a day split between the rope.