Climb A Via Ferrata In The Dolomites

The adventure

The rock goes straight up, pale grey and pinnacled, and a steel cable runs up it, bolted into the stone. You clip in with two lanyards, test your weight and start climbing, using the cable, rungs and natural holds, with nothing below your heels but air.

Many of the Dolomites' via ferrata routes follow paths built during the First World War, when Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers fought high in these mountains, and you pass tunnels, trenches and ruined huts on the way. On the Ivano Dibona route near Cortina you cross a suspension bridge strung across a gap between peaks. It feels like proper climbing without needing to be a climber, and the views across the jagged towers are extraordinary.

Why it’s epic

• Routes built during the First World War.
• The suspension bridge on the Ivano Dibona route near Cortina.
• Routes graded from easy walks to vertical climbs.

What it is

Vie ferrate are climbing routes fitted with steel cables, ladders and bridges, many first built during the First World War so soldiers could move through the mountains.

How to do it

Hire a harness, helmet and via ferrata lanyard set in Cortina or the Val Gardena and go with a mountain guide for your first route.

Top tip

Start with a graded easy route, such as the Ivano Dibona with its suspension bridge, before trying the vertical ones.

Need to know

• You need a helmet, harness and a proper via ferrata set with energy absorber.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and the cables attract lightning.
• Check your insurance covers via ferrata and mountain rescue.

Plan this trip

Rough cost

£750 to £2,000 per person, including flights from the UK

Time needed

A day

Best time to go

Late June to September

Fly into

VCE airport

Equipment hire and a guide are reasonable; mountain huts are good value.

Make it happen

• Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
• FlightsSkyscanner

Why it’s on my list

Not done yet. If you’ve done it and have tips, tell me about it.