Guided Marmolada summit & Glacier Treks
The Marmolada 3,343metres ~ Queen of the Dolomites
The highest peak in this range is the magnificent Marmolada, known locally as the 'Queen of the Dolomites'. Her summit at Punta Penìa (3343m) and her brilliant white glacier dominate many a beautiful panorama. Most will admire this awesome spectacle from a distance in the comparative comfort of a waymarked trail lower down in the valleys or you can go there yourself via the cable car, which rises dramatically in front of the vast eastern wall, against which the cable car itself looks like a 'matchbox' toy!
Each week, Collett's offers two professionally guided excursions on the glacier with Francesco Tremolada, an English speaking and fully qualified mountain guide.
West Ridge Via Ferrata
guided glacier treks
in a nutshell...
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Guided Glacier Trek
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Every Tuesday - £60 per person. Please pre-book as early as possible with our UK Office prior to departure. A reasonable level of fitness is required but alpine experience is not necessary. Ropes, crampons and ice axes are supplied. Depart Arabba at about 7am and return mid/late afternoon. Packed lunch included.
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Guided Summit Via Ferrata
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Every Friday - £75 per person. Please pre-book as early as possible with our UK Office prior to departure. A reasonable level of fitness is required along with some alpine experience. Ropes, crampons, ice axes and Via Ferrata kit are supplied. Depart Arabba at about 7am and return mid/late afternoon. Packed lunch included.
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Equipment
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Whilst equipment is provided you must come with your own warm clothes, waterproofs, stiff boots (that can take a crampon), hats and gloves. A reccommended kit list will be provided.
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West Ridge Via Ferrata Video
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See the following links for a video presentation of the Marmolada West Ridge Via Ferrata Ascent
Marmolada Summit Via Ferrata Video 1
Marmolada Summit Via Ferrata Video 2
Glacier Trek
The north face of the Marmolada is covered by the most extensive ice formation in the Dolomites, indeed in the whole of the eastern Alps, making it hard to believe this was the scene of fierce military combat in WWI between the Austrians and Italians. This huge glacier preserves the remains of the 'City of Ice', an extraordinary labyrinth of up to five miles of tunnels built under the ice by the Austrians.
Each Tuesday, Collett's offers you the chance to trek across the glacier, traversing crevasses and touching snow and blue ice. Francesco will take you to the snout of the glacier via what we call the 'yoghurt pots.' There you will start the beautiful glacier walk and enjoy breathtaking views all around. You will see positions taken up by soldiers in the Great War and make your way right across the snow and ice to the Marmolada's second summit, Punta Rocca. A sound level of fitness is required for the glacier trek but alpine experience is not necessary.
Marmolada Summit Trek Via the West Ridge Via Ferrata
Francesco will take you to Lake Fedaia, where you will rise to the snout of the glacier in the aforementioned 'yoghurt pot' lift. From here you trek across the glacier to a ridge at the western end of the majestic and vast south wall, (800m high and 3kms wide) before using one of the area's most famous and ancient via ferratas to access the summit. You will return to the 'yoghurt pots' by descending a wall just below the summit and then trekking down the glacier. It is an amazing experience in an awe-inspiring and wild environment. The views of the verdant valleys below and the great Dolomite peaks all around are quite unforgettable. This excursion is offered every Friday.
Most will admire this awesome spectacle from a distance in the comparative comfort of a waymarked trail lower down in the valleys or you can go there yourself via the cable car, which rises dramatically in front of the vast eastern wall, against which the cable car itself looks like a 'matchbox' toy!
notes
The Glacier and Summit Trek are provided by third parties and have nothing to do with Collett's Ltd, even if advertised by us. Your contract is with the supplier and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of any third party excursion or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the supplier.
These should be booked and paid for in advance of your holiday. Please contact us and we will send you a 'Guided Glacier Treks Booking Form', or see the information here, for the Guided Glacier Trek or here for the Marmolada Summit via the West Ridge Via Ferrata, which contains essential information about the day. Prices as follows:
marmolada glacier trek (every tuesday) £60
marmolada summit (every friday) £75
- An average level of fitness is required for the glacier trek, but alpine experience is not necessary. As for the West Ridge Via Ferrata to the summit, it is not technically difficult but its length, exposure and altitude (along with the descent of the summit wall and glacier) demand some alpine experience, a head for heights and a good level of fitness.
- Whilst we are happy to book you guides for excursions you might choose to do independently during your stay, these glacier treks should be booked and paid for in advance of your holiday.
- All the necessary technical equipment for these guided itineraries is provided by Francesco (i.e. crampons, rope, helmets, ice axes, harnesses and, in the case of the summit excursion, Via Ferrata equipment), but not clothing or boots.
- Prices include a packed lunch, but not the lift pass.
- Our guide is also offering an opportunity for small parties of two (no more, no less) to join him on big mountain days scaling one of the great 3000m peaks. These are long days with very early starts.
- Wildflower Walking Holidays Report for 2008
Low Level Valley and 'static' alpine flower walks beneath the famous towers of Dolomitic Limestone.
Cliff Booker's Report for Summer 2008 - First World War walks with Collett's
Join a fascinating and spectacular war walk with Isabelle Johnson, a local war historian.
Five days a week - Low and Medium Level Walking Holidays
Low Level Valley and trail walking beneath the famous towers of Dolomitic Limestone.
Five days a week - Arabba, Corvara & Pedraces. - High Level Walking Holidays
Spectacular all day itineraries in the valleys and on the peaks in the world's most unique mountain range.
Five days a week - Arabba, Corvara & Pedraces. - Via Ferrata
Consist of a range of protected scrambling routes.
Comprised of skilfully installed fixed cables, ladders and gorge-spanning bridges
Five days a week - Arabba, Corvara & Pedraces.
Collett's is Bonded with ABTA and AITO
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Collett's is a regulated, independent holiday specialist committed to the highest levels of personal care and attention to detail. Abroad, we respect the people, character and local customs of our featured destinations. We are a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators abiding to its Quality Charter and encouraging high standards of quality and service. Finally, Collett's is bonded through ABTA and guarantees the protection of all holiday payments. Collett's Ltd. is registered in England No. 3467538 @ Lake House, Market Hill, Royston, Herts, SG8 9GN Directors: N.R.Baron, T.J.E Collett & P.Melia.

01799 513331 | 










