Courses  Dolomites Via Ferrata  Via Ferrata Weekend Introduction  The Bocchette Way

Photo Steve Banks

Participation Statement Adventure Walks/Peaks recognises that climbing, hill walking and are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

Adventure Travel – Accuracy of Itinerary Although it is our intention to operate this itinerary as printed, it may be necessary to make some changes as a result of climatic conditions, limitations of transport or other operational factors. As a consequence, the order or location of overnight stops and the duration of the day may vary from those outlined. You should be aware that some events are beyond our control and we would ask for your patience.

101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected] Via Ferrata Weekend Intro Dolomites Via Ferrata

OUTLINE ITINERARY Key to inclusions (H-hotel, Day 1-3: As per the Weekend Introductory course. R-refuge, B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner/evening meal) Day 4: Via Ferrata Ettore Boverol – Col Rosa Via Ferrata Ettore Boverol (Grade 3) to Col Rosa is Based in Cortina () - fly to Venice (Treviso) an excellent and quite strenuous route on good rock This course is suitable for the keen hill walker who with some superb positions on steep solid limestone. enjoys scrambling (no rock climbing experience Approx 900m of ascent and descent. Highest altitude necessary). After some initial instruction on Via 2166m. A 5-6 hour day. (H,B) Ferrata equipment and safety we will tackle a number of routes graded 1-3 within spectacular Day 5: Via Ferrata Delle Scalette – Torre Toblino scenery. You will experience all aspects of this We move our base to the Refuge Auronzo, situated exhilarating sport, including exciting walkways, beneath the Cima Grande di Laverado, the home to ladders and suspension bridges; all protected by steel some of the most spectacular and difficult rock climbs cables! in the Alps.

The Via Ferrata Delle Scalette (Grade 3) on the Torre Toblino is steeped in wartime history (1915-17) and a classic Via Ferrata. The day combines a fine approach, a classic Via Ferrata and an interesting descent by the original route via the Sentiero del Curato making it a good day out. Around 5 hrs. (R,B,D)

Photo Steve Banks

An exact programme is difficult to confirm as we operate according to the weather conditions and the progress of the group, but typically we would aim to do:

Day 1: Arrival You should arrive in time for the evening briefing at Photo Steve Banks 6pm, where there will be an overview of the week, equipment checks and a look at the weather forecast. Day 6: Monte Paterno (H,B) This route provides an opportunity to explore a system of tunnels dating from the Mountain War of 1915-17 Day 2: Introductory Day and to ascend a shapely peak ‘Monte Paterno’ offering Introduction to Via Ferrata, equipment and techniques unparalleled views of the surrounding , for safe movement whilst combining a journey along notably Tre Cime di Lavaredo. the Via Ferrata Marino Blanchi (Grade 2) and Ivano The route begins with a 600m long tunnel complex, Dibona (Grade 2). This takes in the longest suspension which climbs in a spiral up inside the mountain before bridge in the Dolomites, Monte Cristallo-Cima di opening up and following the now familiar cables! Mezzo. (H,B) (R,B,D)

Day 3: Via Ferrata Michielli Strobel - Punta Fiames Day 7: Via Ferrata Merole – Cima Del Cadin We go a little higher and a little more technical using Our final route will be the Via Ferrata Merole (Grade the Via Ferrata Michielli Strobel (Grade 3) to Punta 3), an impressive finale, airy but not too difficult. This Fiames. This provides an excellent route with fine is a 5-6 hour day with 920m of ascent reaching an views and good airy situations. Approx 950m of altitude of 2788m. (R,B,D) ascent and descent. Highest altitude 2240m,. A 5-6 hour day. (H,B). Day 8: Breakfast and depart (H,B)

Day 4: Breakfast and depart (H,B)

101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected] Val Brenta and our Refugio, the Casinei. 5-6 hrs The Bocchette Way (R,B,D)

Based out of Madonna di Campiglio (Italy) - fly to Day 7: (Fri) Rifugio Casinei - Refugio Vallesinella. Milan (Bergamo) A final short day provides the flexibility in the itinerary for poor weather somewhere on the route, but Based in the Brenta Dolomites, the course involves a nevertheless, a lovely climax. (R,B,D) hut-to-hut traverse of the main taking you through some of the most spectacular rock scenery in Day 8: (Sat) Breakfast and depart (H,B) this region. The Bocchette Way is a classic, and as famous as the ‘Haute Route’ in the Alps.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE The route is never extreme, but you will encounter spectacular high traverses along very narrow ledges, ladders, cables, snow and glaciers. It is suitable for strong walkers who have had some previous experience of Via Ferrata such as our Via Ferrata Introduction course, rock climbing or grade 3 scrambling

OUTLINE ITINERARY Key to inclusions (H-hotel, R-refuge, B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner/evening meal)

Day 1: Saturday WHAT IS INCLUDED You should arrive in time for the evening briefing at All accommodation on a B&B basis in the valley on a 6pm, where there will be an overview of the week, twin room basis equipment checks and a look at the weather forecast. DBB in the mountain huts, dormitory accommodation (H,B) Instruction and leadership ratio 1:4 Road transport for the course (airport transfers extra) Day 2: (Sun) to Rifugio Tuckett All group equipment After a final equipment check we leave the valley for the Refugio Vallesinella for our hut-to-hut traverse of WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED the main Brenta group. Our objective today is the Transport between the UK and the course venue ‘Sentiero Sosat’ a classic warm up on Via Ferrata with Airport Transfers (possibly available at a cost of £30 its normal ladders and cables, mixed with a good per person) assortment of scrambling. A walk of about 6hrs (4hrs Personal clothing and equipment on the via Ferrata) takes us to the Rifugio Tuckett. Lunch and Valley meals (R,B,D) Cable and mechanical uplift costs

Day 3: (Mon) Rifugio Tuckett - Rifugio Alimonta ALTERNATIVE DATES We start out on snow up the Vedretta di Tuckett to pick All courses can, on request, be run on alternative dates up the ‘via Sentiero della Bochette Alte’ which takes for three or more people booking together. an impressive line across the east wall of . Optional descent of the Sentiero Detassis. 5hrs (R,B,D) WEATHER CONDITIONS The season begins around the middle of June, at this Day 4: (Tue) Rifugio Alimonta - Rifugio Pedrotti time there can still be a little winter snow remaining Today we take the via Sentiero della Bochette Central, which lasts until mid to late September. You would under the great rock tower Campanile Basso, a day expect to have several days of fair weather with warm made famous by the film ‘Cliffhanger’. 5hrs (R,B,D) temperatures and blue skies mixed with some wet stormy days, with snow high up. Valley temperatures Day 5: (Wed) Rifugio Pedrotti - Refugio XII 16-30 ºC, mountain temperatures could fall below zero. Apostles We combine via Sentiero Brentari and the via Sentiero Walkers should realise that weather in the high Castiglioni to pass , the highest summit in mountains is unpredictable and be prepared for the Brenta group and the great walls of Cima d’Ambiez this. As a result we may not be able to take in all to reach the Agostini Hut for lunch. A further ascent the planned routes. takes us to the Refugio XII Apostles. 5-6hrs (R,B,D)

Day 6: (Thu) Refugio XII Apostles - Rifugio Casinei The Sentiero delle Ideale takes us back up to reach the glacier Vedretta dei Camosci which we descend to the Brenta Alta and onwards to the lovely and picturesque

101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected] EQUIPMENT worn-in boots are not. Pack important items in strong A detailed equipment list is provided on booking but in plastic bags. addition to normal mountain clothing you will need the following specialist equipment that can be hired at a TIPPING total cost of £15 when booked in advance: Lanyard, If you wish to tip our group leader/guide a suggested Harness and Helmet. You will need a 35-40 litre sac. guideline would be approximately £1-£2 per person per day. ACCOMMODATION We will use a combination of hotels and mountain BOOKS & MAPS refuges, each varying in standard and facilities. In the Introduction Course valley we aim to provide twin rooms (occasionally Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites Vol 1 triples). Couples will always be given twins or Cicerone Guide £12.95 doubles. In some hotels there maybe en-suite facilities, but in others the bathroom may be shared. Singles may The Bocchette Way not be available and our flexibility reduces during the Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites Vol 2 high season. Whilst in the mountain refuges, sleeping Cicerone Guide £12.95 arrangements may be in mixed dormitories, standard Kompas Carta Escursionistica Map 1:25,000 sheet 688 for this type of accommodation. Bedding is provided, Or 1:30,000 and 1:50,000 versions but you may wish to bring a sheet sleeping bag (silk or cotton) for added comfort.

MEALS Once we leave the valley all meals are provided on the following basis. Breakfast is continental and will normally include tea, coffee or hot chocolate, bread, croissants and jam. Evening meals are taken in the refugio and will be a set menu for the group as a whole. If you wish to order separately it will not be possible to reimburse you for any set meals not taken. Drinks other than at breakfast are not included with meals and you will need to pay for these. Lunches are not included but opportunities will be given to purchase picnic style supplies of bread, cheese, cold meats, fruit and snacks. On some days you are welcome to take alternative hot snacks, not included, at conveniently located refuges. Photo: Steve Banks

HEALTH All our leaders hold first aid certificates and carry a fully equipped first aid kit for medical emergencies. However you should bring your own supplies of plaster, blister prevention pads (compede), paracetamol etc. and any medication you are on.

INSURANCE Insurance which covers mountain rescue, helicopter evacuation and medical expenses is essential. We recommend Ault Insurance (0121 569 8772) but whatever agent you choose, we will require a copy of your insurance prior to departure.

LOCAL CURRENCY You will require Euros. All meals described are included so unless you wish to buy extra you will just require drinks and lunch snacks money, payment for cable cars (in case of bad weather or a need to save energy/time) plus of course your celebratory meal at the end of the trip!

USEFUL TIPS Just in case your main luggage goes missing en route, it is a good idea to wear your boots on the plane. Most other things can be replaced but comfortable, well

101 Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DB Telephone: 01539 433794 www.adventurepeaks.com [email protected]