VIA FERRATA DOLOMITES

WHO IS THE HOLIDAY SUITABLE FOR?

Walkers, scramblers and climbers who have a head for heights and a sense of adventure will all enjoy this Via Ferrata holiday to the Dolomites! No special skills are required. A reasonable level of fitness is advisable – doing some hillwalking before you go along with some climbing or scrambling is ideal preparation – you might even consider a scrambling or climbing weekend course with us as part of your training.

The history of Via Ferrata in the Dolomites (literally Iron Way – or Klettersteig – climbing path in German) starts with WW1. Troops sought supremacy in the Alpine regions, and some of the high Italian passes were intense battlegrounds.. Even avalanches were used as weapons, killing many thousands of troops. In order to access high areas, Via Ferrata were constructed. Over the years, these routes have been upgraded and new ones constructed for recreational purposes rather than war, and their use has spread to other Alpine countries. The Italian Dolomites now provide a stunning array of high mountain routes, which would normally only be accessible to climbers, which walkers and scramblers with a head for heights can enjoy with the right training and guidance.

Our Via Ferrata holidays provide an opportunity to accompany Highpoint staff or local guides on ascents of some of the most classic routes in the Dolomites such as the Via Possnecker, the Via Pisciadu and the Via Del Trincees. The Dolomites provide some of the most stunning Alpine rock scenery, and the regions of Colfosco/Corvara and Cortina, where we are based exhibit their finest characteristics – soaring rock walls, impossible-looking pinnacles and ridges, with the massive snowfields and glaciers of the Marmolada shimmering in the distance.

WHERE IS IT AND HOW DO I GET THERE & ACCOMMODATION:

The holiday is usually based in Colfosco, near Corvara, in the Western Dolomites, well known as a major skiing and mountaineering centre. We usually stay at the Garni Larix – a comfortable and friendly small hotel run by the Castlunger family. You can look at their website at www.garnilarix.it The Garni Larix is handily situated in Colfosco and the owners are welcoming and helpful. Rooms are normally continental twins, but you should be able to order a single at a small supplement.(other local hotels are available) Getting there is relatively simple. You can drive – a long way, but a great drive – or fly to Verona, Innsbruck, Salzburg or Venice. Using public transport is possible from these locations, and cars can be hired reasonably. We offer a free lift to and from Venice Treviso airport and can also offer lifts locally for those wanting to use public transport. If you would like a lift from Venice Treviso, you should arrive no later than 4pm on the Saturday. Driving to the Dolomites is a great experience and gives you the freedom of having your own transport. Though it is a long way, there is much of interest and some spectacular scenery to break the journey, and we would also thoroughly recommend Eurotunnel for getting across to France for the first part of your journey.

DATES/PRICES:

Dolomite Via Ferrata holiday dates are yet to be confirmed for 2014, please call for updated info, we can also run bespoke holidays for groups of 4 or more on dates of your choice.

PRICE: £925 1:4, Includes: Accompaniment on routes and Instruction, use of specialist Via Ferrata kit including lanyards, harnesses and helmets as required, B&B accommodation at the Garni Larix, Colfosco. Free lifts are available locally and to and from Venice Treviso Airport on Saturdays.

INSTRUCTION:

Accompanying you on the routes will be an experienced UK guide from Highpoint, who will know the area well, Everyone who works on this course has a mixture of high levels of personal skills, instructional experience and qualifications. All instructors carry liability insurance. Instructors will do a route every day, and invite you to join them – you can of course opt to do an alternative route or have a rest day.

COURSE PROGRAMME:

An exact programme is difficult to pin down, as we have to respond to the weather and conditions and the progress of the group, but below is a sample itinerary.

SATURDAY – Arrive and introduction:
SUNDAY – An easier classic Via Ferrata and skills training, acclimatisation.
MONDAY- FRIDAY Ascent of Via Ferrata each day. The highlights of the week at Colfosco include the Via Pisciadu, or Tridentina, a stunning, but not difficult route which ascends ridges and slabs which overlook some huge waterfalls to a half way mark where the terrain eases off – perfect lunch stop by the stream. The second part of the route is steeper and perfectly protected, with a final dramatic suspension bridge leading across a chasm and providing access to the plateau and the Pisciadu Hut – an amazing location for a drink and rest before the descent of the dramatic Val Setus…………the fantastically sited ladders of the Piz Lecht, and the delightful traverse of the Marini Bianchi. The exact routes chosen depend upon the weather and group. Grades are carefully selected to match the abilities of group members.

INSURANCE:

It is important to be insured for third party liability and for rescue. You can try the BMC on 0870 010 4878 (www.thebmc.co.uk)

WHAT YOU NEED:

Conditions are often favourable in the summer, but you should be prepared for the worst, and have a full set of light waterproofs along with a layering system suitable for cold weather, with gloves and hat. On warm days shorts and shirts might be the norm, but it can be much cooler higher up, or in the shade, and it can get cold and wet if afternoon storms kick in. A small-medium rucsac is required. Footwear should be tough and capable of handling scrambling terrain and rough descents of scree. Though it is possible to wear approach shoes, be aware that the rough descents could be an issue especially if you prefer ankle support. Rock boots (comfortable ones) are fine for the Via Ferrata, but you can climb them in walking boots. A large water bottle or other method of carrying liquid is essential. Many people prefer wearing Via Ferrata gloves, though this is a personal choice – (get down to your local DIY store and buy a pair of good quality leather gardening gloves, then cut the fingers off half way as an alternative) Although we can loan specialist gear, if you have them or want to purchase them, the following items are needed: Helmet, Harness, Via Ferrata kit – please feel free to contact us for advice.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS: MARMOLATA – WEST RIDGE TO PUNTA PENIA

An extra ascent of this classic route to the summit of the highest peak in the Dolomites may be possible – subject to conditions and numbers. Price £60 – £100pp depending on numbers

BOOKING CONDITIONS, BAD WEATHER, PAYMENTS, CANCELLATION AND INSURANCE:

Bookings are made subject to the following criteria: A deposit of 30% is due with the booking unless the booking is closer than 4 weeks to the start date, in which case the full amount is due. The balance of course fees is due any time up to 4 weeks prior to the start date. Cancellations made more than 6 weeks prior to the course start date attract a full refund. No refund is available for courses cancelled less than 4 weeks before the course start date. We recommend that you take out personal insurance through someone such as the BMC (www.thebmc.co.uk). Your insurance policy must cover you for rescue and medical care appropriate to the activity and area. In the event of bad weather, the instructors and personnel working for Highpoint will do their best to find a suitable location, but activities may be cancelled if the weather conditions make the activity too hazardous in the opinion of the instructor in charge on the day. No refunds are available for activities cancelled due to bad weather or dangerous conditions.

We require a minimum of 4 clients to run these type of holiday trips, so please contact us to see what spaces are left.