The via ferrata delle Bocchette in the Brenta Dolomites, called in short Via delle Bocchette by the locals, is a combination of from 3 to 5 days of via ferrata Dolomites and trekking sections that cross the Brenta mountains (part of the western Dolomites). The Via delle Bocchette is the most famous, oldest and classic via ferrata trek of the Dolomites. If this sounds good, you can to adjust some part of it, to match your schedule or wants-and-needs, in flexible form, ask me your preferences. This is the first step to arrive at your customised program!
This is also a medium hut-to-hut via ferrata Dolomites trek. Every good trekker can complete this long combination of the Via delle Bocchette in the western Dolomites, because the climbing is aided with many iron rungs, iron ladders, and long cable sections, and has only a moderate exposure factor. Don’t worry, if you need it, I can assist you with my additional rope. I’m ready to help you!
There are different combinations of this long Via delle Bocchette in the Brenta Dolomites:
– 3 days for only the classic combination of Sentiero Benini and the Via delle Bocchette Alte + Via delle Bocchette Centrali.
– 4 to 5 days for the full combination of all the via ferratas in the Dolomites of Brenta.
It depends only on your level of fitness and the weather conditions.
1. Via delle Bocchette: basic info
READ THE INFORMATION ON THE RIGHT BAR
Read these basic information about Via Ferrata in the Dolomites and logistics for organizing your travel in Italy. Then, don’t hesitate to ask me any other specific questions you may have.
2. Via delle Bocchette: modular program
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Via delle Bocchette: THE DAY BEFORE (our briefing)
Upon your arrival in Bolzano, you’ll be welcomed by your mountain guide at your hotel. Sipping a cup of marvelous Italian espresso (or an “aperitivo”), we’ll have a briefing to go over your chosen program.
Via delle Bocchette: DAY 1 – Via ferrata “Sentiero Alfredo Benini”
Walking time for the approach: 1.30 hrs
Climbing time: 3.30 hrs
Walking time for the next Rifugio: 0.30 hrs
Total time of this day: 5.30 hrs – Total vertical gain (up): 600 m.
Early in the morning, we start by car from your hotel in Bolzano. In two hours we’ll arrive at Passo Campo Carlo Magno where our adventure begins. First we will ride the Grostè cableway and then we’ll climb the via ferrata “Sentiero Alfredo Benini”, finishing at Rifugio Tuckett (about 5 hrs).
Via delle Bocchette: DAY 2 – Via Ferratas “Via delle Bocchette Alte” or “SOSAT”
Walking time for the approach: 1.30 hrs
Climbing time: 5.00 hrs
Walking time for the next Rifugio: 1.00 hrs
Total time of this day: 7.30 hrs – Total vertical gain (up): 900 m.
Today we start by climbing the highest segment of Via delle Bocchette Alte to Cima Brenta (7 hrs). In case of unstable weather or too much snow on the Via delle Bocchette Alte, we’ll climb a variation: Via Ferrata SOSAT (4 hrs). Both via ferratas arrive at Refugio Alimonta where we’ll be surrounded by marvelous peaks.
Via delle Bocchette: DAY 3 – Via Ferrata “Via delle Bocchette Centrali”
Walking time for the approach: 1.00 hrs
Climbing time: 3.00 hrs
Walking time for the next Rifugio: 0.30 hrs
Total time of this day: 4.30 hrs – Total vertical gain (up): 600 m.
The most famous section of the Via delle Bocchette is here! The via delle Bocchette Centrali is not particular long (4 hrs), so we can have out time to take many photos along this incredible climbing path! Don’t exist a similar via ferrata in the rest of the world! We arrive at the historical Rifugio Tosa – Pedrotti in time to rest and enjoy a little bit of the “refugios life style”.
Via delle Bocchette: DAY 4 – Via ferrata “Sentiero Livio Brentari + Via dell’Ideale”
Walking time for the approach: 1.00 hrs
Climbing time: 3.00 hrs
Walking time for the next Rifugio: 1.30 hrs
Total time of this day: 5.30 hrs – Total vertical gain (up): 500 m.
We start from the rifugio and climb the via ferrata “Sentiero Livio Brentari”. Then we descend a short section of the glacier of Ambiez and continue to the pass of Ambiez for the Via Ferrata dell’Ideale. Finally we descend the glacier of the Camosci to Madonna di Campiglio. This is end of the classical 4 days tour of the Via delle Bocchette (about 8 hours). In alternative we go to Rifugio Agostini to continue our trek.
Via delle Bocchette: DAY 5 – Via ferrata “Ettore Castiglioni”
Walking time for the approach: 0.40 hrs
Climbing time: 2.00 hrs
Walking time for the next Rifugio: 2.30 hrs
Total time of this day: 5.10 hrs – Total vertical gain (up): 700 m.
If we descend on “DAY 4” to the Rifugio Agostini, then we can use this additional day to climb the via ferrata “Sentiero Ettore Castiglioni.” After that we would continue to Rifugio 12 Apostoli and end this long tour at the southern end of the Dolomites of Brenta at the town of Pinzolo (about 7 hrs).
Via delle Bocchette: a new great opportunity!!!
Every rifugio along the line of the Via delle Bocchette have a new and near rock-climbing cliffs (prepared for sport-climbing mono pitches) where, if you have a basic rock climbing skill, we can climb every afternoon in fantastic allocations and panoramas. If you are interested at this unique opportunity: write me this preference in your request! I will bring a long rope and some quickdraws with me and you will carry your personal climbing shoes.
Are you looking for others programs about the via ferratas?
Via Ferrata in the Central Dolomites
The most extensive and modular combination of Via Ferrata in the Dolomites (2-10 days).
Via Ferrata course in the Dolomites
The best target for your holiday in the Dolomites, a customized via Ferrata course (1-3 days).
More specific programs and thematic informations are available in my dedicated web page: “Via Ferrata Dolomites”
Via Ferrata in winter at the Garda Lake
Only the Dolomites offer us the possibility to climb in winter (1-7 days).
Via Ferrata in the Pasubio Dolomites
A amazing area of the Dolomites, theatre of the most great battles of the WW1 (2-4 days).
Via Ferrata in the Eastern Dolomites
The great Dolomites! With the longest and difficult via ferratas on enormous walls (3-10 days).
Via Ferrata in the Southern Dolomites
The Pale di San Martino are a “mandatory” trek for expert hikers (2-4 days).
Via Ferrata Program for beginners
Are you a total beginner? This is your “tailor made trekking tour” (1-6 days).
Via Ferrata Program for families
A unforgettable experience for kids / youngs and terrified moms… (1-7 days).
One day on the best WW1 Via Ferrata
Have you only one day free? And not in summer?…. No problem! This is your solution.