Guided Via Ferrata in the Dolomites

Anyone! Seriously—via ferratas are a fantastic way to get a taste of climbing in a safe and exciting way. The Dolomites are a true paradise for via ferrata lovers – with routes for all skill levels, and especially plenty of great options for beginners looking to try their first adventure!

Of course, we recommend this activity for people in good general health, without major physical issues, who aren't afraid of heights and have some hiking experience.

If you've already tried real rock climbing, you'll love the challenge of a medium-difficulty via ferrata too!
And yes—kids can join the fun as well, starting from around age 7!

To get the most out of your adventure, it’s a great idea to prepare your body a little beforehand!

We recommend running or cycling to boost your aerobic fitness and stamina. Gym workouts are also a big plus—they’ll help you build a strong, resilient body that can handle the climbs and long days outdoors.

And if you're aiming to take on our more challenging via ferratas, why not try some indoor rock climbing? It’s a fun and effective way to build grip strength, coordination, and confidence on vertical terrain!

Depending on the season, we’ll help you choose the right outfit based on the day’s weather conditions. In general, we recommend technical mountain clothing that’s stretchy, breathable, and comfortable.

You might also need a light rain shell and a down jacket or insulating layer in case of colder days.

For footwear, the ideal choice is approach shoes with a stiff sole—ankle support is optional but can be helpful on rocky terrain.

You’ll also need a 20-liter backpack for single-day routes, and a 25–30 liter backpack for our multi-day hut-to-hut Via Ferrata Safaris. If your backpack isn’t waterproof, be sure to bring a rain cover to keep your gear dry.

No need to worry about the technical equipment—we’ll provide via ferrata gloves, harness, helmet, and the via ferrata lanyard set.

And don’t worry—we’ll send you a complete gear and clothing checklist when you book your adventure, so you’ll be fully prepared!

In general, summer—from June to the end of September—is the ideal season to climb the via ferratas of the Dolomites! This is also when the mountain huts are open, making it possible to do incredible hut-to-hut traverses high in the mountains.

If you’re planning to book your Via Ferrata Safari in October, we’ll keep an eye on the weather: depending on the conditions, we may still climb in the Dolomites, or, if the days are too cold, we can switch to some beautiful lower-altitude routes in the valleys or even explore the stunning via ferratas around Lake Garda.

These lower routes are perfect in the shoulder seasons, and even on sunny winter days, offering a great alternative when the high mountains are out of reach!

Spending the night in a rifugio is a unique and unforgettable part of the Dolomites experience! Cozy atmospheres, breathtaking views, and the warm hospitality of the mountain hut keepers make it truly special.

Want to know more? Check out our dedicated page for everything you need to know about life in a Dolomites mountain hut—from what to bring, to how meals and sleeping arrangements work!

If you’re a beginner or have very limited experience but are in good aerobic shape, the Rosengarten Via Ferrata Safari is the perfect place to start. It features via ferratas ranging from beginner to intermediate level, combined with rewarding daily hiking. A great way to build skills while enjoying a true hut-to-hut Dolomites adventure.

If you prefer a hotel based program, then check our Via ferrata program for beginners.

If you already have some via ferrata or rock climbing experience, the Sassolungo & Sella Via Ferrata Safari is an excellent choice. This program combines beginner to intermediate routes with more challenging ferratas, including the famous Meisules and Piazzetta, making it ideal for building up to higher technical difficulty while exploring the very heart of the Dolomites.

If you’d like to experience a classic hut-to-hut adventure like our safari-style programs, we recommend the Rosengarten Via Ferrata Safari, which offers beginner to intermediate routes in a spectacular setting.

If you prefer a more flexible multi-sport family adventure, including rock climbing and a day of mountain biking, with a hotel base camp plus one night in a mountain hut to experience the true Dolomites atmosphere, we recommend our Family Program.