mountainguides.co.uk

VIA FERRATA LAKE GARDA

A fantastic long weekend of Via Ferrata in the Lake Garda area. The mountains at the head of Lake Garda – the southernmost outhrow of the Italian Dolomites, have many high quality Via Ferrata routes of varying standards. This is a really beautiful area which is well known for its climbing, Via Ferrata and windsurfing. The area is easy to get to and is often suitable for mountaineering activities when the main Dolomite peaks are still snow-bound. This long weekend break tackles routes in the grades 2-5 categories, with routes being carefully chosen to suit the group and the conditions.

The Via Ferrata in the Lake Garda area vary considerably, and range from deep gorges to open buttresses and fine ridges. Via Ferrata offer scrambling and climbing which is continuously protected by cables, to which you are clipped. You can learn to operate the gear very quickly, and when the going gets tough you can just pull on the fixed gear to lend a hand.

On the easier routes, much is done by just using the rock holds. On the tougher routes it is commonplace to use the cables from time to time and also to use other types of fixed gear such as ladders and rungs. The routes get you into climbing terrain but with vastly reduced technical difficulty. Via Ferrata are divided into grades 1-5 (1 being little more than a walk and 5 being steep and sustained routes, sometimes in serious situations).

The Via Ferrata holiday runs from Thursday evening, meeting at either Bergamo, Verona or Verona Brescia - with three days of Via Ferrata, followed by a flight back on the Sunday evening. You can also extend your stay or arrive early by using car hire or public transport – we offer lifts from airport to accommodation and routes and back again.

2010: APRIL 22-25; MAY 20-23; SEPTEMBER 23-26; OCTOBER 21-24;

Flights: Flights are available to the airports mentioned above with Ryanair and other budget operators, and cheap deals seem always to be available if you book in advance. Flights should be booked to arrive in time for a pick up by 8pm Thursday evening and for departure after 7pm on Sunday.

Location: The Via Ferrata holiday at Lake Garda is based from hotel accommodation in Torbole or Arco - the Hotel Roma and Hotel Pace are two of the most commonly used bases. This location is quite central for the Via Ferrata around Lake Garda.

Price £345 which includes 3 nights accommodation with breakfast at the Hotel Roma at Torbole or similar, instruction in the use of Via Ferrata gear, loan of Via Ferrata lanyards along with helmet and harness if required, and a guide to accompany you on the routes. Instruction is also offered in a range of associated skills and a short climbing session may be included. A free lift is available from and back to the designated airport if required and out to the routes each day. Single rooms are available at a supplement of 10 Euros per night, payable locally.

EQUIPMENT You don't need any specialist gear other than a good pair of walking boots which offer a snug fit and which are suitable for scrambling – please ask if in doubt. You can also wear rock shoes if you have them – and they do make the climbing easier on the harder routes. Approach shoes with a sticky sole are also suitable. Some people find Via Ferrata gloves useful as the cables can be rough in places. Specialist gloves can be bought locally, but a pair of snug, leather gardening gloves from your local B&Q with the fingers cut off to the first knuckle are a cheap alternative. Otherwise, basic hill walking gear is all that is required along with a rucksack and your personal equipment eg first aid, camera, drink and lunch etc. If you have your own harness and helmet, please let us know. Suitable for ambitious walkers with a head for heights, scramblers and climbers…… If you want to find out more or have any questions do get in touch - you can email or give me a ring on 01931 713115