Walking holidays & more

Via Ferrata in the Dolomites (Klettersteig)

the home of via ferrata holidays

fixed cables, exposed ladders & gorge-spanning bridges
for the adrenalin seekers on our walking holidays in Italy's majestic Dolomites
organised and self guided via ferrata with Collett’s

The total exhilaration displayed by those returning from a day on the Via Ferrata demonstrates the sheer pleasure on offer for people on high level walking holidays in the Dolomites. Originally built to aid movements of military units in WWI, Via Ferratas are now a key local attraction. Collett’s can help you enjoy the Via Ferrata in your own way. Each day we offer our guests the option of 2 Via Ferrata itineraries, one being more demanding than the other, both days out of a lifetime in awe-inspiring scenery.

Via Ferrata (literally meaning ‘way of iron’) are, in effect, a range of protected scrambling routes, comprised of skilfully installed fixed cables, ladders and gorge-spanning bridges, which assist ascents to high levels, from which you walk on, often to a nearby rifugio, or back to the starting point via a path. Arabba, Corvara and Pedraces Badia are amidst the greatest concentration of Via Ferrata in the world. They are also close to many of the best Via Ferrata in the Dolomites.

Graded from 1A (a protected scramble) to 5C (experience required), they are not solely the domain of the technically adept rock climber. Indeed, whilst a reasonable level of fitness, sure-footedness, awareness of alpine dangers and freedom from vertigo are important, most routes allow the 'man on the street' to get further from the street than he ever thought possible.

Many more Via Ferrata routes have been built in recent years and today we have an extensive and well-charted network, maintained by the C.A.I. (Club Alpino Italiano). Trail signs to starting points are excellent and the routes are well waymarked. Usually it is simply a case of following the cable.

organised via ferrata in the dolomites with collett’s

Five days a week (not Wednesdays or Saturdays), Collett’s offers two organised Via Ferrata. One is likely to be more technically challenging and exposed than the other. Remember: all Via Ferrata require a head for heights and surefootedness. Simply drop into Office Hour the evening before to find out which itineraries are being offered. Below there are details of our twice weekly Via Ferrata presentation and also our twice weekly introductory Via Ferrata on the Cirspitze route above Corvara.

Self‐guided via ferrata in the dolomites with Collett's

If you prefer to venture out on the Via Ferrata on a self‐guided basis, the support and local knowledge of our Via Ferrata Organisers is at hand, notably each evening at Office Hour. They will give you a helpful insight into the characteristics of local routes, so that you can create suitable and exciting days out, whether you intend joining a group or self‐guiding. Dotted around our chalets, there are also our Ideas & Information Files, which document about 25 popular local Via Ferrata routes. We also have easy‐to‐carry Route Laminates corresponding to each of these routes and you are welcome to borrow these on a daily basis.

our via ferrata presentation & the cirspitze

(an introductory route)

Via Ferrata holidaymakers can join us on a Sunday or Thursday evening for an introduction to the key aspects of Via Ferrata to help you decide if it is suitable for you. The presentation features safety, technique, equipment and photographic close ups of local routes.

Each Monday and Friday, we offer the Cirspitze Via Ferrata Route at the nearby Gardena Pass (Grade 2B) just above Corvara, as it is recognised as a good introduction. Whilst relatively short and accessible, it is indicative of the technical difficulties that would be experienced on higher grade routes, including genuine exposure and the need to be sure‐footed and vertigo‐free. We recommend attending the presentation described above before joining this or any other Via Ferrata.

Via Ferrata kit hire

It is easy to hire Via Ferrata kit locally and Collett’s can help you do this. The kit includes a helmet, harness and a self belay set made up of tails, karabiners and a KISA (Kinetic Impact Shock Absorber). Daily cost of hire - €10.

Transport and via ferrata in the dolomites

If you are joining one of our via ferrata and walking holidays in the Dolomites with the intention of doing mainly Via Ferrata it is recommended you have a car with you on your holiday, especially if there is more than one of you in your party. Otherwise, it is hard for us to guarantee you transport to and from the Via Ferrata. For those coming to the area without a car, there are a handful of routes near Corvara, which become more accessible in late June / early July when local public transport services are at their best and all the lifts and cable cars are operating.

Via Ferrata Guidebook

Two of our past Via Ferrata organisers, John Smith and Graham Fletcher, have written the most-respected guide book on Via Ferrata in the Dolomites. Amongst other excellent features, their system of route grading is considered to be very helpful. It covers the central Dolomites and is therefore ideal for anyone coming on a walking holiday in the Dolomites with Collett’s. It is published by Cicerone and is available from Collett's at a price of £14.95 (inc. p&p within U.K) or Amazon here - Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites: North, Central and East v. 1 (Cicerone Mountain Walking)

At your own risk

Please note that you join our Organised Itineraries and make use of our ideas & information at your own risk. It is important that you understand that whilst our Organisers have substantial local knowledge and are familiar with the routes which our Organised Walks follow, they are not qualified mountain guides.