Join us for seven days in the Dolomite Alps: we will climb via ferratas, explore military tunnels and walk through the Fanes Valley. The plan includes Lagazuoi, rock ledges above Cortina, Monte Paterno next to Tre Cime and the Merlone ladders among the Cadini peaks. We start with a gear session so that you can then put the skills to use on the routes. We will spend all six nights in tents at the same campsite and return there after each outing. This means we can leave the camping gear in place and take only a daypack into the mountains.
Don't worry if you have no climbing or mountaineering experience. We have chosen routes that are accessible to people with trekking and hiking experience. Via ferrata is a way to make difficult mountaineering routes and summits accessible to most people!
We spend all six nights in tents at the same campsite. There is no need to break camp every day and move your things to a new place to sleep.
After each route we return to the campsite. Tents, sleeping bags and other camping gear stay in place, and we take into the mountains only what we need for the day.
On the first day we practise using the harness and the via ferrata set. Before heading into the mountains we go over re-clipping carabiners and the rules for moving along equipped sections.
The program has one to five participants per team leader. This group size lets us pay attention to how each person handles the gear and gets through the technical sections.
We don't cancel or reschedule groups. Once your consultant gives the go-ahead to buy tickets, you can buy them with confidence. The program will not be cancelled through our fault.
Travel with the best Kuluar team leaders, who will share outdoor life hacks and great stories.
MEETING AT THE CAMPSITE AND GEAR SESSION
The team leader meets us at a campsite near Cortina d’Ampezzo. We will spend six nights here in tents, returning every day after our outings in the mountains. We settle in, get to know each other and prepare our gear.
In a practical session we will learn how to put on a harness correctly, use a via ferrata lanyard set and re-clip carabiners on the steel cable. We will go over the basic rules for moving along equipped sections.
If there is time left after the session, we will take a walk to the lake Lago di Pianozes.
Kaiserjäger AND THE HISTORIC LAGAZUOI TUNNELS
We set off for Passo Falzarego. From here we start the ascent along the Kaiserjäger route to the summit of Piccolo Lagazuoi. During the First World War this route was used to supply the high-mountain positions of the Austro-Hungarian army. Trenches and fortifications have survived along the way.
On the ascent we will cross a suspension bridge, rock ledges and sections with steel cable. In good visibility we can make out the Tofana massif, the peaks of Averau and Nuvolau, the Cinque Torri rocks and the Marmolada.
The goal of the ascent, conditions permitting: Piccolo Lagazuoi, 2,778 m. The descent is planned through the Lagazuoi military tunnels. After the route we return to the campsite.
Via ferrata grade: Via Ferrata Kaiserjäger (A).
Distance: 7 km. Elevation gain: 700 m. Highest point: 2,778 m.
THE Terza Cengia ROCK LEDGES AND THE SUMMIT OF PUNTA ERBING
We head to the Pomagagnon massif. Today we follow the Terza Cengia equipped path, also known as Sentiero Attrezzato Zumeles.
The main feature of the route is its long, exposed rock ledges above the Cortina valley. Attentiveness and a confident step on the narrow sections are important here. We will move along the wall, cross traverses and sections with a safety cable.
Conditions permitting, we will climb Punta Erbing, from where you can see the Cristallo massif and the surrounding peaks. Then we descend via the Forcella Zumeles pass, return to Cortina and from there to the campsite.
Via ferrata grade: Terza Cengia / Sentiero Attrezzato Zumeles (A+).
Distance: 11 km. Elevation gain: 1,000 m. Highest point: 2,301 m.
THE FANES VALLEY AND A PASSAGE BEHIND A WATERFALL
Today we head into the Fanes Valley. Instead of high summits, we will explore a gorge with a river, waterfalls and rock passages.
We will walk a forest trail along the river, cross footbridges and come out at the waterfalls. The program includes an equipped section with a passage behind one of the Fanes waterfalls. Here we can see the stream from an unusual angle, standing between the water and the rock wall. After the walk and the equipped sections we return to the campsite.
Via ferrata grade: Cascate di Fanes (A–B).
Distance: 12–17 km. Elevation gain: 400–650 m. Highest point: 1,500–1,750 m.
Passaportensteig AND MONTE PATERNO NEXT TO TRE CIME
One of the most spectacular days of our trip. Today we reach the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The route passes through old military tunnels, and part of the way is literally carved into vertical walls. Next we come out at Forcella Passaporto and follow the famous Passaportensteig – a narrow rock ledge with a fantastic view of Tre Cime.
After that we climb to Forcella del Camoscio, where the final section of the via ferrata to the summit of Monte Paterno begins. A few steep vertical metres – and one of the most famous panoramas of the Dolomites opens up before us: Tre Cime di Lavaredo right opposite.
Via ferrata grades: Passaportensteig (A) + Monte Paterno, 2,744 m (B).
Distance: 12 km. Elevation gain: 700 m. Highest point: 2,744 m.
VIA FERRATA Merlone IN THE CADINI DI MISURINA MASSIF
We spend the last mountain day of the program in the Cadini di Misurina massif. First we climb to the Rifugio Fonda Savio hut, then head to the start of the Merlone via ferrata.
On the route we will tackle series of steep metal ladders, rock passages and exposed sections above the slopes. Here we will need the gear-handling skills we have been practising over the previous days.
The goal of the climb: the summit of Cima Cadin di Nord-Est, 2,788 m. In good visibility you can see the Cadini peaks, Tre Cime and the Cristallo massif from here. After the outing we return to the campsite for the final dinner.
Via ferrata grade: Via Ferrata Merlone (B+).
Distance: 11 km. Elevation gain: 750–1,000 m. Highest point: 2,788 m.
END OF THE PROGRAM AND DEPARTURE
We take down the tents, pack our things and gear and say goodbye to the group.
If there is time before departure, you can take a walk around Cortina d’Ampezzo on your own or stop for a coffee before the journey.
Via ferrata routes require special equipment that has maximum weight and size limits. Participants weighing no more than 110 kg and with a waist of up to 115 cm can take part. This is critical, as your safety depends on it.
Depending on the weather, the group's condition and overall wishes, the team leader may make changes to the route.
If the weather does not allow us to go to the summits, a training session is held that day.
To take part in the trip, you must not have any of the conditions on this list.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date – check this before buying tickets.
You need to be ready for several hours of walking on mountain trails, with long ascents and descents. Over the program we will cover about 55 km, and on some days we will gain up to 1,000 m of elevation. Mountain hiking experience will help you assess your own endurance. Besides walking, the routes include rock ledges, cables and ladders.
Terza Cengia has narrow, exposed ledges, and Merlone has ladders and passages above steep slopes. If heights frighten you a lot, discuss this with a consultant before signing up. The gear session does not guarantee that you will feel psychologically comfortable on the exposed sections.
The campsite is 4 km from the centre of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
During the trip we sleep in tents. The campsite has hot showers, toilets, washing machines and a small kitchen area (where we wash the dishes). There are also sockets to charge your devices.
No. The tent, sleeping bag and other things for the night stay at the campsite. On outings we take a daypack with what we need for the day and the special via ferrata gear.
You need a helmet, a harness and a via ferrata lanyard set with an energy absorber. The full list is in the gear section. On the first day we hold a session on using the set. Be sure to bring a working headlamp for the tunnels.
Yes. If the weather or the condition of the route doesn't allow us to complete a planned section, the team leader may change the day's program. Summit ascents and completing all the listed via ferratas are not guaranteed. Any specific change will be decided according to the conditions on the spot.
As always, we recommend buying tickets in advance. But buy them only after we have confirmed your place on the trip.
You're probably wondering what we'll eat on the trip. Let us say right away: there's nothing to worry about.
If there are foods you don't eat, be sure to tell your consultant so the team leader can adjust the menu a little for you. We also recommend bringing some pocket snacks – gels, nuts or sweets.
Team leaders usually have their signature dishes that they love to treat participants to.
Food for vegetarians – if you don't eat meat, be sure to read this. We explain how we'll feed you and give a 5% discount if you bring your own food.
If your team leader met or even exceeded your expectations, we recommend thanking them with a tip of 20–50 euros per participant. You can also leave a tip online on your team leader's page.
You can also tip your consultant (online, on their page) if they did something amazing for you.
Tips are not mandatory, but the team usually gives it their all and will appreciate your gratitude.
If you didn't like the work of your team leader or consultant, of course there's no need to tip – please email us or write directly to the head of the company with your comments. We will look into it and improve our service.
Insurance covering extreme sports in Italy at altitudes up to 3,000 m is mandatory for this program. Please send the policy to your consultant a few days before the program starts. You will find our insurance recommendations here: "Insurance for Kuluar trip participants"
Minimum group size for this program: 3 participants
Mandatory expenses not included in the price come to about 150 euros in total: around 90 euros for transfers under the program and 60 euros for Venice – Cortina d’Ampezzo – Venice tickets. On top of the mandatory expenses, we recommend bringing about 100 euros extra for food or drinks at the cafés you will come across in the mountains, and for souvenirs.
If the deposit is too much for you right now but you'd like to book a place, write to your consultant and they will split it into comfortable instalments.
👉 See: payment methods and refund terms in case of cancellation or leaving the route
Friends! Please don't bring 500-euro notes. They constantly cause problems when paying partners in Europe. Thank you for understanding!
*Please note: your consultant will help you choose and find flights and recommend an insurer, but buying them is not part of their job. Participants do this themselves or contact our partners; all contacts are in the article: tickets, hotels and insurance
