Walking Holidays
Via Ferrata & Klettersteig

Via Ferrata (Klettersteig) in the Italian Dolomites

Via Ferrata & Klettersteig Holidays

Arabba, Corvara & Pedraces in the Italian Dolomites and South Tyrol
Fixed cables, ladders and gorge-spanning bridges
Organised Via Ferrata & Klettersteig
Via Ferrata in the Dolomites - Click for larger imageThe bridge on Via Ferrata Brigata TridentinaOn the bridge of Via Ferrata della Trincee, high above Arabba
On Via Ferrata Lipella, Grade 5C, high above Cortina and the Falzarego Pass
On the bridge of Via Ferrata Brigata Tridentina, Grade 3B, above Corvara
On the bridge of Via Ferrata della Trincee, Grade 4C, high above Arabba

The total exhilaration displayed by those returning from a day on the Via Ferrata demonstrates the sheer pleasure on offer in these magnifient mountains. Originally built to aid movements of military units in WWI, Via Ferratas are now a key local attraction.

Approaching the summit of Via Ferrata Tridentina (3B) high above Corvara
Approaching the summit of Via Ferrata Tridentina (3B) high above Corvara

Via Ferrata & Klettersteig
in a nutshell...

  • Organised Via Ferrata

  • Five days a week (not Wednesday or Saturday), we offer the choice of two Via Ferrata - they are free of charge and optional. We usually leave the village at about 9am, returning late afternoon. Drop into Office Hour to sign up for the next days itineraries.

  • Introduction to
    Via Ferrata & Klettersteig

  • Introductory Via Ferrata are offered on Mondays and Fridays for those who would like to try a relatively easy route. These are demonstrated during our Via Ferrata presentation on the evening prior to the introductory days.

  • Hire Equipment Locally

  • Equipment for Via Ferrata can be hired locally for €9 per day which includes helmet, harness and via ferrata kit (kisa).

  • Via Ferrata Presentation

  • We host two audio visual Via Ferrata presentations each week (Sunday & Thursday) allowing you to ask our Via Ferrata Organisers questions, whilst watching close up photographs and video of popular local routes. Via Ferrata Video Clip

  • Be Independent

  • The advice and guidance of our Via Ferrata Organisers is available each evening at Office Hour.

    In our Ideas and Information files we have documented over 25 local Via Ferrata and Route Laminates of these are available to anyone wanting to do Via Ferrata & Klettersteig independently.

They 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 are close to many of the best routes in the Dolomites.

High on a steep section of Via Ferrata Della Trincee, with Arabba below
On Via Ferrata della Trincee, Grade 4C, above Arabba

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

Painting Holidays in the DolomitesWalking HolidaysWildflower Walking Holidays in the Dolomites
On a Via Ferrata Tridentina (3B) near Corvara and the Gardena Pass
On a ladder section of the Via Ferrata Delle Scalette near the Tre Cima.
An exposed section of grade 5C
Via Ferrata Punta Ana
Via Ferrata Piazetta (5C) high above Arabba and the Pordoi PassElation on the summit of Via Ferrata Roda de Vael, Val di FassaVia Ferrata delle Trincee high above Arabba
Via Ferrata Piazetta (5C) high above Arabba and the Pordoi Pass
Via Ferrata Roda de Vael, Val di Fassa
Via Ferrata delle Trincee
high above Arabba
Via Ferrata Bridge on Brigata Tridentina (3B) near Corvara
Via Ferrata Bridge on Brigata Tridentina (3B) near Corvara

Organised Via Ferrata & Klettersteig

At Office Hour our team of Via Ferrata ‘specialists’ will be happy to assist you in all aspects of the Via Ferratas and give you a valuable insight into the characteristics of the many routes close to Arabba, Corvara and Pedraces. With their help, creating a suitable and exciting Via Ferrata itinerary will be easy, whether you intend joining an organised group or prefer to go out independently. Five days a week they offer two different organised Via Ferratas, one usually being more technically challenging and exposed than the other. Either way, they are magical experiences that live with you forever.

our staff organise wonderful days out and you can join any of them as
much or as little as you like at no extra cost

Introductory route & Via Ferrata Presentation

Twice weekly our organisers offer an introductory ascent for those who would like to try a relatively easy route in the company of other people before venturing out with friends or on other organised excursions. They also do a presentation one or two evenings a week and project 'close-up' photographs and videos of the various stages of popular local routes. They cover aspects of safety, technique and the kit, which can be hired locally at about €9 per day.

See notes entitled Organised Walks & Via Ferratas - At your own risk here. Please contact our office if you would like to talk to someone with first-hand knowledge of the routes.

Kitted up and ready to start on the introductory Via FerrataThe ladder at the start of the introcuctory Via Ferrata, CirspitzeOn descent from the introductory Via Ferrata at the Gardena Pass
Kitted up and ready to start on the introductory Via Ferrata
The ladder at the start of the introcuctory Via Ferrata, Cirspitze
Via Ferrata delle Trincee
high above Arabba
Via Ferrata Guidebook

Via Ferrata Guidebook

Two of our past ‘specialists’, John Smith and Graham Fletcher, have written a new Dolomites Via Ferrata guide with, amongst other excellent features, a new system of route grading. It covers the central Dolomites and all the areas surronding our bases of Arabba, Pedraces and Corvara 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).

In addition to the Via Ferrata guidebook, a Route Laminate corresponds to each of the Via Ferrata documented in the Ideas & Information Files is available. This is a small laminated A5 version of your chosen walk, Via Ferrata etc., which you can borrow from us. It is easy to carry and less bulky than the 'I&I' File. It contains the relevant section of map as well as the route description and other useful details. Route Laminates can be borrowed from us either at Office Hour or from our resort offices.

Ideas & Information Files & Route Laminates which you can borrow from us (at your own risk). Prior to your holiday, we send you a 1:25,000 map of the area and a Guest Handbook with useful local information, packing suggestions, pre-departure tips, route directions for fly-drivers and self-drivers and much more.

Walking Holiday Maps and Information, Guided tours and being independentbeing independent

For people who prefer to be independent and do their own thing, on your arrival you can obtain an Ideas & Information File, which will be invaluable to you. It will provide you with easy access to numerous magnificent proposals. In it, we have documented over 30 wonderful high and medium/low level walks, over 20 Via Ferratas, several 'Drives and Days Out', bike rides etc. under headings, such as 'Five Easy Walks', 'Five Classic Via Ferratas', 'Five Ideas for a Rainy Day' etc.

...route Laminates can be borrowed from us either at office hour or from our resort offices

In addition, a Route Laminate corresponds to each of the proposals documented in the Ideas & Information Files. This is a small laminated A5 version of your chosen walk, Via Ferrata etc., which you can borrow from us. It is easy to carry and less bulky than the 'I&I' File. It contains the relevant section of map as well as the route description and other useful details. Route Laminates can be borrowed from us either at Office Hour or from our resort offices.

Collett's is Bonded with ABTA and AITO

Collett's is bonded through ABTA Number W6883 Collett's is a member of AITO

Collett’s Ltd. is a regulated, independent holiday specialist, featuring destinations of character and beauty. Based in rural Hertfordshire, the company is committed to the highest levels of personal care and attention to detail. We employ friendly and efficient staff, who will give honest and accurate information at all times. Abroad, the company values its relationships with the people of its featured destinations and conducts its operations in harmony with their character and local customs. Finally, Collett’s is a member of AITO, the Association of Independent Tour Operators and is bonded through the Association of British Travel Agents (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.