Last updated September 27, 2025
Mountains. History. A physical and mental challenge. That’s what via ferrata (“iron path” in Italian) promised, if I were to believe tales told by fellow travelers over pasta and Aperol. Spoiler? They were right.
Far from the Oreo and whipped cream peaks of the Alps or the patchwork hills of Piedmont, this 6,155 square mile limestone mountain range punctures the horizon like jagged teeth—imposing, yet impossible to resist.
The Delle Trincee via ferrata route, near the Marmolada massif—the Dolomites’ tallest mountain—wastes no time. Starting with a 60-meter vertical climb, this eight-hour trail leads to the undulating Padon ridge, where I’d creep through tunnels hollowed out by World War I soldiers over a century before and wobble over rickety wooden bridges, as shaky as my heartbeat.
It was my first via ferrata, and not one recommended for beginners—and I was green as they come. But in the spirit of going hard or going home, I was ready. Armed with a harness, carabiners, lanyards and a helmet rented from a local outdoors store, I hiked to the starting point.
The sheer rockface loomed above, taunting, “Go on, try me.” And below? The turquoise Lake Fedaia, alpine meadows and marmot-littered rockpiles. Looking down was a luxury for later. For now, the only way was up and through, and there was no way I was turning back.
Learning to Trust the Cable (and My Intuition)
I’d love to tell you I was up the rockface faster than a mountain goat. The reality? More like Bambi finding her feet. I clipped in—in via ferrata, that means securing your carabiners to a steel cable, always keeping at least one attached—unless plummeting to your doom is on your to-do list.
The toughest part was having faith in the integrity of the cable and my equipment, and in my own ability to make smart maneuvers. It doesn’t come easy, but it comes. Flexibility, control and the ability to hoist your body weight are all essential to via ferrata; shaky legs will hinder you, and palpitations leave you in freeze mode—neither of which is conducive to a successful climb.
When fear set in, I breathed. I paused. I stayed present, focused on the raw texture of weathered limestone under my fingertips, the cool wind on my face and the endless ridges, pinnacles and spires that dominate the landscape like nature’s open-air cathedral.
The higher I ascended, the more I felt my earthly worries fall away like loose rocks tumbling down a cliff—every inhale and careful step demanded undivided attention. Slowly but surely, I scaled the rock face, contorting my body in ways that honored those years of yoga practice.
Clinging on, I realized the mountain wasn’t something to conquer, but to befriend. Learn its nooks, cracks, and hidden holds, and it becomes your guide. In return, you give it your ultimate focus. I’d never thought of climbing as a path to “flow state.” In reality, it’s nothing short of meditation—all that matters is the present, and that’s beautiful.
Among the Peaks, Not Beneath Them
A 60-meter ascent? Tick. Delle Trincee eases off into a comparative walk in the park after the initial baptism of fire. The more gentle route across the remainder of Padon ridge allowed for time to stop and look around.
From venturing into the dark, dank caves formerly used by World War I soldiers to sitting atop a ledge, feet dangling, I drank in the rugged beauty of the Dolomites, with its sun-dappled meadows and endless valleys not yet blanketed by snow.
It was summer, the pastures were green, the wildflowers were thriving and every ray of sun seemed sharper. I’d earned this, and I was going to savor the experience to the fullest.
Practical Tips for Via Ferrata Beginners
Don’t let the iron and steel lore scare you off. Via ferrata is actually a beginner-friendly way into the world of climbing. You’re secured by a harness (unlike traditional climbing), and you have a network of rungs and ropes to help you out.
To get started, you’ll need your “via ferrata set,” which you can usually rent as a one-and-done from any local outdoor store. Expect to pay €15-25 per day for the equipment.
Essential Via Ferrata Gear
- A sturdy harness
- Shock absorber
- Two stretchy lanyards
- Auto-locking carabiners (attached to the lanyards)
- Well-fitting helmet
Shop around outdoor stores to find the best prices, and don’t be afraid to ask for tips on the best local routes for your level. The staff typically know the region like the back of their hand, and they’re usually happy to impart their wisdom.
Five Beginner-Friendly Via Ferrata Routes in the Dolomites
With over 700 via ferrata routes in the Dolomites, narrowing it down can be tricky. Bear in mind that via ferrata routes are categorized by levels of difficulty, ranging from Class A (easy, mostly walking and minimal exposure) to Class E (extremely difficult, requiring technical skills, strength and endurance). If you’re a rookie, seek out Class A to D.
Via Ferrata Averou
Starting at the Averau hut, this route is 0.75 miles long and has an elevation gain of 230 meters, taking around two hours. Time it right, and you’ll be rewarded by a glorious sunset, bathing the craggy peaks in golden-hour glow—just be sure to make the 30-minute descent before dark hits.
Class: A/B
Via Ferrata Sassongher
This 4.4-mile round-trip hike takes approximately four hours, with an elevation gain of 510 meters. Summit this mountain (it’s easier than it looks) and be blessed with spectacular views across Corvara, Colfosco and the Sella peaks.
Class: A/B (easy to moderate)
Via Ferrata Stragla degli Alpini
What it lacks in difficulty, this via ferrata makes up for in duration. The 10-mile round-trip will test your endurance, taking approximately eight hours to complete and boasting 1,134 meters of elevation gain. And the payoff? Breathtaking views of the surrounding Tre Scarperi and Cima Una peaks (to name a few). This route is worth the sweat.
Class: B (moderate)
Via Ferrata Ra Gusela
Standing proud in the Giau mountain pass is the Ra Gusela. Despite its grandeur, it’s actually a straightforward summit. At 4.2 miles, it takes approximately four hours to complete and involves an overall elevation gain of 337 meters. You’ll definitely want your camera for this one, as the views across the pass are second to none.
Class: A/B (easy to moderate)
Via Ferrata Croda Rossa
Challenging you to over 1,000 meters of elevation gain, Croda Rossa’s 6.3-mile route is all about the up. For those seeking summits, Croda Rossa ticks the boxes, and you can reach the top in around four hours. Not to mention, it’s a magnet for history buffs with its plethora of World War I memorabilia, from forgotten bunkers to barbed wire; these mountains hold many memories, and this route offers a glimpse of their war-ravaged past.
Class: B (moderate)
To Guide or Not to Guide?
I didn’t take a guide, though I spoke to several locals beforehand to gauge the lay of the land. However, if you’re nervous (totally understandable), it’s easy to find a via ferrata guide in the Dolomites, whether you’re based in the rustic Marmolada region, the fancier Cortina d’Ampezzo or the gentle pastures of Alpe di Suisi. Check on Airbnb Experiences, GetYourGuide or Viator for countless options. Better safe than sorry, after all.
Beyond Steel and Stone: Lessons From the Ledge
I might have left the Dolomites behind; nevertheless, the memories of those mountains remain imprinted in my psyche. Not only did I conquer my fear and embrace the unknown, discovering via ferrata also opened up a new, vertical world of possibility—a fresh way of exploring the mountains, sitting comfortably between hiking and full-blown mountaineering.
Now, I’m happy to build my climbing skills with the safety net of rungs and cables. Next, who knows? Anything’s possible with a little know-how and a lot of trust.
About the author:
Molly Wolfe is a travel writer, exploring the world armed with a First-Class Creative Writing degree, half an MA and the inherent desire to experience everything possible, all at once. She’s lived as a digital nomad for the past decade, traveling to 39 countries (so far). Her adventures have provided her with unique insight into different cultures, and she infuses every piece with on-the-ground knowledge, wanderlust and inspiration.
Snapshot Summary
Via ferrata offers beginners accessible vertical climbing using steel cables, harnesses and fixed routes. The author’s first Dolomites experience on challenging Delle Trincee required overcoming fear while navigating World War I tunnels and vertical ascents. Essential gear includes harness, shock absorber, lanyards, carabiners and helmet (€15-25/day rental). The Dolomites feature 700+ routes from Class A (easy) to E (extreme), with beginner-friendly options like Averau, Sassongher and Ra Gusela offering stunning alpine views.
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