In the remains of the Great War in Veneto
There are nearly sixty vias ferratas in the Dolomites. Some of them are truly emblematic and legendary, others have been forgotten for centuries and have been abandoned. Most of them can be reached in a good day's walk. In the Veneto, these routes, traced by mountain explorers in the 19th century, were particularly used during the Great War. These peaks are real open-air museums, scars in the rock and witnesses of history. Many expeditions can be organised from the winter sports capital of the Friulian Dolomites in Veneto: Cortina d'Ampezzo.
First of all, the unmissable and magnificent via ferrata Ivano Dibona, which starts in Cortina and climbs to the top of the wonderful Mount Cristallo at an altitude of almost 3000 metres. It passes along a ridge line from pass to pass along iron staircases and cabled drop-offs, guaranteeing a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks. But also through a military shelter from the Great War (Buffa di Perrero), and above all through a 27-metre wooden footbridge suspended above the void: the "Ponte Cristallo" used by Sylvester Stallone in Cliffhanger
Still in the vicinity of Cortina d'Ampezzo, the via ferrata Giovanni Lipella is also a great classic. Its main originality? A route that follows military galleries dug during the Great War in the bowels of Mount Tofane. Then the main difficulty: the ascent of the famous W wall before arriving in a vast amphitheatre. The climb to the antecima covered in eternal snow and then to the white-capped summit, Tofana di Rozès, at 3,225 metres, is cabled and impressive. The panorama is grandiose.
Still in the same region, the Luca-Innerkofler via ferrata is emblematic, but this time around the famous Tre Cime, the three iconic mountains of the Dolomites, which can be approached at close quarters during this excursion. Here again, it passes through a military defence line of underground tunnels that was fought between the Austrian general Innerkofler and the Italian general Luca during the Great War. The scenery is monumental and the via ferrata itself is a lot of fun, as it consists of a succession of cabled gullies and ledges up to Monte Paterno (2,745 m).
Breathtaking panoramas in Trentino-Alto Adige
In the Dolomites of Trentino Alto Adige, the northernmost region of Italy, close to the Austrian border, there are other exceptional vias ferratas to discover the highest peaks of the region in a panoramic version.
Among them, the "Queen of the Dolomites", Mount Marmolada, the highest point of the massif. There is a route that allows you to get close to this precious peak, the "via ferrata della Cresta Occidentale", which climbs to an altitude of 3,343 metres. The difference in altitude is intense (over 400 metres) and the route starts from the beautiful Fedaia lake (2,056 m). The highlight is the section over the cracked glacier.
Another well-known mountain in this region is the magnificent Mount Sella, which is renowned for its panoramic views in both summer and winter. The via ferrata Brigata Tridentina is popular for its cabled passage around a rocky tooth in the forest and a passage over a small suspension bridge. The view from the summit of Mount Sella at 2,585 metres is spectacular.
Finally, one of the major attractions in the Dolomites in summer is the beautiful Lake Carezza with its icy turquoise waters. A via ferrata allows you to admire its beauty from the summits: the via ferrata Passo Santner. Once the route under the Catinaccio cliffs has been completed following cabled passages, the refuge faces the Three Towers of Vajolet.
Prepare your expedition well
The signposting of the vias ferratas is less explicit in Italy than in France, sometimes a laconic "solo per esperti", or "only for experts", announces a difficult and badly marked via ferrata. In addition to the iron ladder passages directly planted in the rock, many of them require "cabled" passages, i.e. with a rope connected to the harness and to a solid ring planted on the side of the rock. If you have never done one, don't go in blind, take a local guide to ensure your safety, the equipment will be provided with the expedition. And if you are a beginner, take a via ferrata with an easy gradient and frequented, check its condition (possible landslides, markings, etc.). IGN maps or topo-guides are really essential for self-guiding. You can rent equipment: helmet, gloves, lamp, via ferrata kit (harness, karabiners and absorber) in ski resorts, which are open to hikers in summer. Ask about the weather conditions, unstable in the high mountains. Most of the vias ferratas are marked out near refuges where it is good to take a break during the day and even a night for some, when it is possible. More information on the Italian and English websites www.ferrate365.it or www.viaferrate.it
