6 days from 1125 € per participant
Guaranteed departure from 5 people
The Dolomites mountain range is by far the most surprising, unusual and mind-blowing mountain scenery you'll ever get to see, mixing high, white, steep cliffs with beautiful woodlands and pastureland, and moreover, it's not far from home.
This trip is a great way to discover the Dolomites up and over ledges and ridges that follow the historical vias ferratas used as outposts by the Italian army during WW1.
The quality and comfort of the mountain huts, the meals and local hospitality are a bonus on this all comfort mountain trip.
Just everything in the Dolomites is gorgeous: from the quaint villages to its vertical peaks, from its unique blend of Germanic and Italian cultures up to the vertical cliff faces, this is our most beautiful summer trip !
Day 1 - Early start and Ra Gusela via ferrata or brief and hike
Early morning start for the drive to Dolomites ! If everyone is up to it, we can tackle the via ferrata upon arrival at the Passo Giau and its incredible panorama to climb up the Gusela via ferrata with beautiful scenery all the way up to the Averau mountain hut where we leave our packs and spend the night. Or second option, still according to group's wishes and physical condition, instead of the via ferrata, we can also just do a nice relatively short hike, do a briefing on gear use and security. We rapidly plunge in the Dolomitic atmosphere, a magnificent place for a vacation !
Ascent/descent: + 300 m / - 100 m (between 1 hr and 3 1/2 hrs activity)
Meal included: picnic
Accommodation included: mountain hut
Plunging over Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Punta Fiamès and the Michelli Strobel via ferrata enable us to discover an incredible historical and natural environment. A loop brings us back to the start. Short transfer to the superb Lavaredo mountain hut (2350 m), where we spend the night facing the famous Tre cime di Lavaredo.
Ascent/descent: + 100 m / - 850 m
Meal included: breakfast, picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: mountain hut
Nominated world heritage site, the Tre Cime mountain range invokes all kinds of superlatives. These three unique, Patagonian-style rockwalls have seen the largest pages in the history of rock climbing, as well as those of the World War. Monte Paterno offers a unique panorama as well as a history lesson. The day ends at the comfortable and panoramic Auronzo mountain hut.
Ascent/descent: + 500 m / - 500 m
Meal included: breakfast, picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: mountain hut
Leaving the mountain hut, we cross two mountain passes that lead to Misurina lake (with nicely equipped sections). From the "Bonacossa" via ferrata we can admire the Southern slopes of the Tre Cime.
Minibus transfer to the Passo Falzarego, night in mountain hut.
Ascent/descent: + 150 m / - 800 m
Meal included: breakfast, picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: mountain hut
From the mountain hut, we descend into the incredible tunnel network, we can imagine just a little what the Italian soldiers in 1915 have gone through and felt. Then we join the Alpina via ferrata. Near the stunning Piccolo Lagazuoi, the Italians have traced a route that commands respect and admiration. Not to mention the true joy of climbing a via ferrata in some fantastic rock.
Short minibus transfer to Tofane are and the Pomedes mountain hut.
Ascent/descent: + 550 m / - 1000 m
Meal included: breakfast, picnic and dinner
Accommodation included: mountain hut
The inevitable "Olivieri" via ferrata, at Punta Anna (2730 m), is a spectacular set of ridges with breathtaking views over Cortina "the magnificent one" and the imposing Tofana di Rozes. An unusual via ferrata takes us downhill back to the Pomedes mountain hut. Transfer back to Briançon or Oulx.
The trip ends at approx. 3 pm.
Ascent/descent: + 550 m / - 850 m
Meal included: breakfast and picnic
Please note this itinerary is an example of a via ferrata trip in the Dolomites near Cortina d'Ampezzo. The guide may adjust certain itineraries according to weather conditions, cable cars and mountain hut accessibilty as well as participants' abilities. We kindly ask you to respect such decision.
This trip was created in October 2018. Prices are based on practices and customs of the moment. In case the latter are modified (ex: number of clients allowed per guide, for safety reasons), Azimut respects these guidelines, and we may adjust our prices accordingly.
Please wear your outdoor clothes on day 1.
We always do our best, but we can't guarantee the exact time of arrival at the train station (due to traffic or weather conditions). Therefore we strongly recommend you to buy train tickets that can easily be modified. If you're travelling by car, we'll meet you at the one of the indicated meeting points, or at one of the drop of points where you'll be able to leave your car during the entire trip.
Access
Train & TGV access: www.voyages-sncf.com
Car access: www.mappy.fr
Car sharing: www.blablacar.fr
Parking
Public parking free of charge can be found in Briançon and Oulx (both unattended) or just in front of our accommodation.
Skill level
We progress on ridges, climb up chimneys and other steep terrain independantly. Some sections are technical and demanding.
Stamina level
You should be used to outdoors' sports and do endurance sports on a regular basis.
Good to know: If you haven't got the level required, the guide will be able to ask you to leave for the well-being of the rest of the group. If any doubt, please do not hesitate to ask us!
5 to 7 participants
You'll be led by one of our mountain guides.
All AZIMUT mountain guides are certified. We choose them for their sympathy, their teaching and organisational skills. We stay tuned in, work hands in hands, and make sure their working conditions are the best.
Meet our guides and instructors just around the corner
Bring a small day pack large enough to carry your personal belongings for the day such as (extra) layers, a few snacks, your picnic and security equipment.
The price includes
- Trip arrangements & organisation upon arrival
- Minibus transfers upon arrival at one of the indicated meeting points
- 5 nights accommodation on half-board basis and picnics for 6 days
- Safety & rescue equipment training/reviewing
- Certified and expert mountain guide services for 6 days (including all his expenses: meals, accommodation, transportation, ski lift fares)
The price does not include
- Transportation to/from the meeting point
- Gear rental if required
- Personal insurance
- Drinks (including those with meals at the hotel), personal extras, and any other expenses not mentioned under the above section “the price includes”
A 30% deposit, as well as the insurance cost if you choose to subscribe the latter, is required to secure your booking. You will receive a reminder email 35 days prior to departure for the outstanding balance due latest 30 days prior to departure.
We strongly recommend you to be properly insured for the chosen activity. You should be covered for medical expenses, personal accident & liabilité, third party risks and rescue (helicopter), as well as trip cancellation or curtailment.
Repatriation and research insurance are mandatory when booking a trip with Azimut. We have a full range of insurances on offer to suit the trip you select and the risks that it may incur.
Tipping is no obligation. However participants usually hand round an envelope for those who wish to tip the guide.
Azimut's minibus is used throughout the whole trip. Not only does this make the trip easier, but it also makes it more pleasant and open: we can chat, sleep and listen to our own music !
During the trip
- Depending on the size of group, you may share a room with someone of the opposite sex
- Half board in a gite, shared showers and toilets. Bed sheets, linnen and towels supplied.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner: we have breakfasts and dinners at the gite, and provide picnics for lunch. Picnics consist of good quality products including charcuterie, cheese, bread, a chocolate bar and a piece of fruit or a compote
- Snacks: to boost your energy we've chosen to provide Mulebar, tasty and great quality cereal bars
Before & after ski touring trips
Once we've received your booking, we'll provide you with a list of accommodation in case you need to book a night before or after the trip. All accommodation listed is close to the meeting points. You may often benefit from preferential rates.
In case of emergency or delay, you can either contact your guide (a phone number will be provided before departure) or contact Azimut on: (+ 33) 04 92 23 07 24.
Please inform your friends and family with these details before departure.
Wifi is free of charge in our accommodation.
Good mobile & 4G coverage.
Make sure to wear bright colours, it's good for the soul and gives photos a funky edge !
Technical gear
- Harness, helmet, via ferrata set
- 35/40 liter backpack with hip belt
If you don't have the adequate equipment for the trip, don’t worry and travel light: we rent out the required gear and hand it over at the start of the trip ! Our equipment is relatively new, if not brand new, of good quality and adapted to your choice of activity.
Via ferrata kit (harnes, helmet, lunges) | € 50 |
Clothes
This list of clothes is designed to give you an idea of clothes it may be a good to have with you. By no means do you need to have the latest brands or the latest gear, but if you need to renew your wardrobe, this guide would be a good start. Always have in mind that good, comfortable, light and warm gear contributes to the success of a trip !
Headwear
- Light hat or buff
- Light cap for approach walks
- Sunglasses: photochromic glasses adapt to light intensity, varying from factor 2 to 4, and optimize visibility between sun and shade. Very useful.
Bodywear
- Upper layer: light fleece jacket
- Outer layer: jacket with a breathable waterproof membrane (Goretex type), light and compact so it doesn't take up too much space in your backpack
- Bottom layer: hiking or mountaineering trousers (softshell type fabric)
- Hands: light gloves (such as cycling gloves)
A tip: merino wool is breathable and has anti-bacterial properties and is therefore less likely to smell as opposed to synthetic fabrics. Take this into consideration if you need to update your wardrobe.
Footwear
- Hiking socks
- Light and comfortable hiking boots
Odds & ends
Toiletries and first aid kit
- Personal toilet bag
- To make your a first aid kit, please find all information on Ifremont's website.
Our guides use the following brands for their gear and you'll have the opportunity to test them during the trip:
Don't forget to
- Leave contact details with your friends and family
- Bring your papers and I.D. (passport and visa if necessary)
- Bring your contract number and documents related to your insurance (if you've chosen not to have insure coverage with us)
- Bring your “carte vitale” and your European health card (EU member states) - if you don't have one you can order one for free online www.ameli.fr
- Check that you have the right equipment
- Take spare batteries and a charger for your electronic devices (camera, video recorder, tracking devices etc)
- Bring some cash and your credit card
- Bring a delicacy from your home country or area to share with the group
- Leave in a good frame of mind: we're going to have a great time even if we may not happen to not make it to the summit !
- Before leaving: water the plants, empty the rubbish bin, turn off the water and gas, and tell your partner that you're going to have a great time (not by text message), that you've well deserved it... If you don't follow the latter recommendation, you'll may kick yourself when you get back !