The Italian Dolomites are home to some of the most spectacular via ferratas in the Alps. From the dramatic towers of Tre Cime and the high mountain routes of the Sella Group to the spectacular peaks around Cortina d’Ampezzo, there is an incredible variety of routes to explore.
Some via ferratas are short and suitable for beginners, while others involve exposed climbing, steep ladders and demanding descents. This guide helps you explore Italian Dolomites via ferratas by region, compare different types of routes and find detailed guides for planning your next climb.
Explore the Italian Dolomites by Region
Browse all published via ferrata guides from the Italian Dolomites. Each guide includes route-specific information to help you understand the difficulty, duration, approach, descent and other planning details. Grading systems and estimates can vary, so read the full guide before choosing a route.
Tofana Dolomites
Explore steep rock faces, high mountain routes and spectacular via ferratas above Cortina d’Ampezzo.
All via ferrata route guides in the Italian Dolomites
Browse the published guides below. Route details and grading systems can vary, so check the full guide for the information specific to each climb.
The Best Routes to Piz Boè: Hiking and Via Ferrata in the Dolomites
Piz Boè is one of the most accessible 3,000-metre peaks in the Dolomites, with routes ranging from an easy hike from Sass Pordoi to challenging via ferratas. Discover the best ways to reach the summit, where to stay, what to expect on the trails and how to plan your visit.
Via ferrata Giovanni Lipella | Dolomites
Via ferrata Giovanni Lipella is one of the longest and most iconic routes in the Italian Dolomites. From a pitch black World War I tunnel to the majestic summit of Tofana di Rozes (3,225 m), this route demands endurance but rewards you with unforgettable 360° views.
Via Ferrata Ra Gusela in the Dolomites for Beginners
Rising in pure majesty above Passo Giau, Ra Gusela is easily one of the most photogenic peaks in the Dolomites. And yes, you can actually climb it! Check out the full guide to Via Ferrata Ra Gusela: an easy, beginner-friendly route featuring 360° summit views, best places to stay near Cortina d’Ampezzo and much more.
Via ferrata Giuseppe Olivieri and Gianni Aglio
If I had to pick just one favorite via ferrata in the Dolomites, it would be the route to Tofana di Mezzo (3,224 m). The combination of Giuseppe Olivieri and Gianni Aglio via ferratas delivers thrilling ledges, steep climbing and a natural rock formations that will blow your mind. Check this article to know what to expect, how to manage the time and for best options where to stay.
Via ferrata Averau: beginner friendly route in Dolomites
Looking for an incredible Dolomites experience without the extreme effort? Via Ferrata Averau is a short, beginner-friendly route that leads to a stunning 2,649-meter summit right next to the famous Cinque Torri. Recently updated with separate climbing and descent lines to avoid crowds, this route features fun ladders and rock sections that are perfect for beginners and families alike. Read on for the full guide on where to stay, how to get there, and how to combine it with nearby trails for the perfect day in the mountains.
How to choose via ferrata in the Dolomites
The right via ferrata depends on more than the difficulty grade. Before choosing a route, think about your previous experience, how comfortable you are with exposure, ladders and steep terrain, and how much time you have available.
Check the route’s difficulty rating and make sure you understand the grading system used in the guide. Also consider the total time, elevation gain, descent, approach and whether lifts or public transport are available. A route that looks short on a map may still require a long approach or a demanding descent.
Mountain conditions can change quickly, so check the weather, snow, storms, closures and current local information before setting out. Choose a route that matches your experience, fitness and comfort level rather than simply selecting the most famous one.
New to via ferratas?
Before choosing a route, learn about the equipment, grading systems and basic considerations involved in via ferrata. My beginner’s guide will help you understand what to expect.