Via ferrata

From the Garda lake to the Dolomites

Via Ferrata or "iron path" is a half way between trekking and climbing, where safety, in exposed and steep sections, is guaranteed by a system of anchored cables to which we hook onto using specific climbing gear.

The first Via ferrata was build in Austia at the end of 1800, on the south-west ridge of the Großglockner. Short later in Italy, the Mountain Guides of Campiglio, in the Brenta group, created a Via Ferrata path to secure the climb to the East side of the Brenta peak, which is now known as 'Via Ferrata delle Bocchette'. Nowadays there are many more via ferrata paths leading to several mountain summits, many of which follow the original front-line of WW1, offering Mountaineers an exciting way to discover the mountains.

The Garda area is the perfect place to approach this activity. The via ferratas Colodri in Arco and Rio Sallagoni in Drena are perfect for beginners, both routes are short and allow to get confident with the environment and the gear used: a ferrata set, made of a harness and carabiners. Experienced hikers can try more challenging and longer routes such as 'Via Ferrata Che Guevara' at Monte Casale, 'Via Ferrata dell'Amicizia' at Cima Capi, the extraordinary “Smugglers path” overlooking the Garda Lake, or the difficult Via Ferratas of Monte Albano in Mori, and Pisetta at Piccolo Dain.
The Via Ferratas located around Arco and the Sarca valley are the ideal staring point for those whishing to tackle the Via Ferrata routes available in the Brenta group and the Dolomites. Our Mountain Guides will be happy to accompany you to these locations, on one or more day trips, with overnights in local mountain huts.