Dolomites, Italy -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/21/2009 -- Littleton, CO, December 19, 2009 - One of the greatest thrills an expert hiker can get is to walk a Via Ferrata, the “iron paths” in the Dolomites. Newly established adventure travel company Dolomite Mountains offers travelers the opportunity to experience some of the most famous Ferratassuch as Piz da Lec, Col dei Bos, delle Mesules, Lipella, Tridentina and Monte Paterno among others.

The first Ferratas were fixed to the rock faces during First World War. Since then, this wartime network has been restored, with many new routes added which aid ascent to places normally reserved for expert rock climbers. It is a different way of enjoying the sheer magnificence of this awesome mountain environment in which travelers will be stopped in their tracks by amazing views and mountain situations.

Travelers can experience the Via Ferrata even if they are new to it. To make this fascinating “game” even safer, they will need simple mountaineering equipment such as a harness, helmet, some rope and a few karabiners. Guides will teach travelers how to use the equipment and give hints on climbing techniques for complete security.

Via Ferrata week in the Dolomites Itinerary:

Day 1 ~
Arrival in Alta Badia or Cortina D’Ampezzo.
Meeting with UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide. Brief orientation of the whole itinerary and equipment control.
Day 2 ~ Via Ferrata Averau or Col dei Bos

Start with an easy Via Ferrata, and train on the basics. There will be a choice of two ferrate: Via Ferrata Averau or Col dei Bos.

Via Ferrata Averau (easy)
The guide will be on hand to teach participants the basics of travelling over the near vertical walls, and this ferrata is a good confidence builder for beginners. The views of the Tofane group to the north are outstanding on this route, and the historic training ground of generations of rock climbers. Cinque Torri, is just below the imposing bulk of Averau.

or

Via Ferrata Col dei Bos (moderate)
This Via Ferrata is not signed on maps or guiding books as it is one of the Via Ferrate that the Italian alpine military units use for training. The approach is quite impressing as the first stretch is quiet exposed and vertical. From the top of Col dei Bos the views of the surrounding mountains and the Ampezzo Valley are unforgettable.

Day 3-7 ~ Via Ferrata
Ascent of Via Ferrata each day, with learning of useful rope techniques, and with some extra tuition at times to give participants a range of skill for climbing and scrambling on different rock features.

Below is a list of the Via Ferratas that will be ascended in the following days depending on the ability of participants and weather conditions.

- Via Ferrata Tridentina (Sella Massif)
- Via Ferrata delle Mesules (Sella Massif)
- Via Ferrata Lipella (Tofana di Rozes)
- Via Ferrata delle Trincees (Padon Massif)
- Via Ferrata Marino Bianchi (Cristallo Massif)
- Via Ferrata Piz da Lec (Sella Massif)

To learn more about Via Ferratas in the Dolomites contact Dolomite Mountains on 347-826-6271 or visit http://dolomitemountains.com

For over fifteen years the staff at Dolomite Mountains has been providing the ultimate active experience and crafting adventures to help travelers uncover, with style, the region’s true spirit. Adventure opportunities include hiking, biking, skiing, climbing and experiencing the thrills of a Via Ferrata. The only local company in the Dolomites specializing and providing unique experiences in adventure travel, Dolomite Mountains seeks to provide every adventurer with the experience of a lifetime. For more information visit: http://dolomitemountains.com or call (347) 826-6271

Contact:
Alexia Nestora
Dolomite Mountains
Littleton, CO
347-826-6271
alexia@lassocommunications.com
http://dolomitemountains.com