Via Ferrata in the Dolomites

Literally meaning way of iron, VF’s were originally built to aid movements of military units during WWI. They are a network of protected scrambling and climbing routes, comprised of skilfully installed cables, ladders and gorge-spanning bridges, which facilitate ascents from a point in the valley, to an airy summit or high-altitude vantage point.

A Collett’s centre-based walking holiday in Corvara is certainly an effective platform for the home of via ferrata. Firstly, we can help you with discounted kit hire, either for a single day or longer, as required. Essential equipment is comprised of helmet, harness and a self-belay set, which includes tails, karabiners and a Kinetic Impact Shock Absorber (KISA).

Secondly, our Via Ferrata Pack will facilitate your choice of routes, presenting you with a self-guided progression, from the easier grades to the harder ones. Each route is graded according to technical difficulty and exposure, both of which can be significant. Some climbing experience is recommended, especially if venture out independently without a guide. To this extent, every via ferrata demands a reasonable level of fitness, sure-footedness, awareness of alpine dangers and freedom from vertigo.

Thirdly, our ‘Office Hour’ is an informal opportunity to meet like-minded people, some of whom may seek out the VFs. As with our walkers, it’s normal for Via Ferrata-ists on our holidays to share their stories and experiences of the different routes they have done – comparing notes perhaps – which in itself can be an invaluable resource.

Finally, we can advise you on the logistics of getting to and from VF’s, whether by foot, short bus ride, or car. By their nature, they are off the beaten track and can sometimes be hard to find. Their descents are not always obvious either. Also, we can propose the best time of day to leave the village, given that some routes require early starts, either because of their length, or because they get congested, especially in mid-August.

If you are travelling in a small group, having a car is recommended, as it allows you to make an early start and enjoy the day without the pressure of finishing before a certain bus departure time.

Every via ferrata has a grade. Currently there is no Europe-wide standard. We use the Smith/Fletcher dual grading system adopted in the original Cicerone Via Ferrata Guide published in 2009. Each grade is comprised of a number (1-5) and a letter (A-C). Most routes near Corvara range from grade 1A to 4B. The number grades the technical difficulty: Grade 1 is a protected path, on which the iron cable acts as a handrail on exposed sections; whereas a Grade 5 requires good climbing experience and, at times, upper body strength to pull yourself through sections of the route. The letter describes the severity of the route. This includes factors such as the route’s length, its exposure and whether there are options to cut the route short. Grade A routes are typically shorter with lower levels of exposure, plus an option to escape the route early, if necessary. In general, the grading system serves its purpose, but it is subjective. For example, depending on conditions, one day you might occasionally feel more comfortable on a ‘3a’ than you did the previous day on a ‘2b.’

Grade 1
Corvara is close to a number of Grade 1 routes or Protected Paths. You can walk directly from the village to Sassongher, whilst short bus rides provide access to Col Di Lana, Sas Di Stria and Nuvolau.

Grades 2 & 3
Corvara arguably boasts the best access to grade 2 and 3 VFs in the region. Grade 2 routes, Vallon and Cirspitze are very local,  whilst Les Cordes, Averau and Furcia Rossa are all just a short bus ride away. For Grade 3 routes, the classic Tridentina and Piz da Lech routes are accessible from the door with Col di Bos starting at the Falzarego Pass.

Grades 4 & 5
Bus rides provide access to some Grade 4 routes, the best being Trincee and Possnecker, both 30 minutes on the bus. For Grade 5 routes, both Cesare Piazetta and Tomaselli are also 30 minutes away by bus.