Italy, Europe

Bocchette Way Via Ferrata

Millions of years of steady erosion have created narrow natural ledges unique to these mountains. The use of these ledges as routes for non-climbers to journey through the mountains goes back to the 1930s when groups of local climbers and enthusiasts first started to install the ladders, rails, bridges and ropes thus creating a path through the needles, spires and gorges through these wonderful mountains. Bocchette Way is one of the variations of Via Ferrata, starting in Madonna di Campiglio.

This fantastic route is an exciting yet safe journey for which no previous alpine experience is required. The via ferratas used are never technically difficult but they are long and of alpine proportions and there is considerable exposure on some sections. Reasonable fitness, a head for heights and good balance and mobility on rocky, uneven terrain are the only pre-requisites.

Day Itinerary

  • Travel to Madonna di Campiglio and meet your guides for the week. We deliver a detailed briefing on safety, equipment, weather and the plans for the days ahead. We stay overnight in a hotel in the town.

  • From Madonna di Campiglio we take the cable car to Groste Pass (2442m) and set out along the Sentiero Benini and Sentiero del Fridolin to arrive at our first hut, the Rifugio Brentei (2410m).

  • From the Rifugio Brentei along the Bocchetta alta di Molveno and the Ferrata delle Bocchette Centrali to the Rifugio Pedrotti (2491m). Stunning views along the route of the Campanile Basso.

  • Today's route takes us from Rifugio Pedrotti to the Rifugio XII Apostoli (2483m) along the Sentiero Brentari and the Ferrata Castiglioni. A wonderful but challenging route with considerable exposure.

  • From Rifugio XII Apostoli to the Rifugio Tuckett (2272m) along the Sentiero dell’Ideale, the Sentiero Martinazzi and the Ferrata Sosat

  • From Rifugio Tuckett to the Rifugio Alimonta (2580m) along the Sentiero della Sega Alta and the Ferrata delle Bocchette Alte. There is significant exposure along the route.

  • Leaving the Rifugio Alimonta we follow the Bocca dei Armi / Sentiero Spellini / Sentiero Orsi and Bocca di Tuckett to the Rifugio Casinei, which is the perfect place for a late lunch before catching the bus back to Madonna di Campiglio where we celebrate the end of a great week!

  • Depart after breakfast.

The price includes:

  • 6 full days guiding fees & expenses
  • 5 nights of HB accommodation in mountain huts
  • 2 night of B&B accommodation in Madonna di Campiglio

The price does not include:

  • lunches & drinks
  • ski pass/lift costs
  • travel to and from Madonna di Campiglio
  • insurance
  • equipment hire
  • local transfers

*Single rooms are subject to availability and supplement.

 

 

 

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

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ATOL
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ABTOT
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Ski Club Winter Arrangements limited (trading as Mountain Tracks)
Registered in England No. 2099115. VAT No. GB 461 5692 34

ATOL        ABTOT

We accept the following payment methods

 

 

This list gives you an idea of the equipment you will need for our Via Ferrate holidays in the Dolomites. 

During the summer months the weather in the mountains is usually sunny with warm temperatures and you will find that often t-shirts and shorts can be worn throughout the day.

However the weather changes quickly and you always need to be prepared for cold and wet weather – we recommend that you bring 2-3 thin layers that you are able to put on/take off as the conditions change. Thin layers also allow better movement as opposed to one layer of bulky clothing.

On the Dolomites trips you will need to carry a pack with most of the gear that you require for the trip as you will be spending nights high in the mountains in one of the rifugios (alpine huts).

Try to limit the amount of gear you carry. Once you’re in the mountains you’ll quickly realise the benefit of ‘travelling light”.

If you are uncertain or need further information, please contact us.

    • Base Layer Top and Bottoms - 1-2 thermal tops and 1 pair longjohns

    • 2 midweight fleece tops or 1 fleece and 1 lightweight duvet jacket - More thin layers is preferable to fewer thick layers between your skin and the outer shell as it gives better heat retention and good flexibility

    • Lightweight trekking trousers

    • Walking shorts or a pair of trousers with zip-off legs

    • Weather Layer Top - Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable jackets

    • Shirts - Long-sleeved and short-sleeved cotton or synthetic shirts

    • Lightweight over-trousers with long side zips

    • Sun hat and warm hat

    • Gloves - it is important to have a pair of gloves for Via Ferrata which are durable and robust, half-finger gloves are a good option Another option is to use some full or half finger cycling gloves 

    • A pair of warm waterproof gloves in the event of cold weather

    • Gaiters - Good fitting pair of ankle gaiters to keep socks and boots dry

    • 3-4 pairs of good quality socks

  • You will need a good hiking or lightweight mountaineering boot that can take either a strap-on or clip-on crampon.  Key features of a good hiking boot include vibram soles, reversed leather uppers (which protects the best site of the leather from scuffing and abrasion and improves durability and water resistance) and ankle flex and a higher cut which give control, mobility and support.

  • Essential items: 

    • VF shock absorbers

    • Harness - sit harness with adjustable leg loops and large enough to be worn over all clothing layers

    • Helmet

    • Slings and karabiners

     

    The following items may be required depending on the conditions: 

     

    • Ice Axe - general mountaineering axe – 55-70cms long depending on your height

    • Boot crampons with anti-balling plates

     

    All items can be hired from our guides.

  •  
    • A rucksack with the capacity of between 35 - 40 liters
    • Lightweight sleeping bag liner - now compulsory in all alpine mountain huts
    • Water bottle (at least 1 liter) or Thermos
    • Head torch spare with batteries
    • Penknife
    • Personal medications and first aid kit for blisters, sunburn and headaches (Note: Guides will have comprehensive first aid kits and are qualified in mountain first aid)
    • Adjustable trekking pole(s)
    • Sun Glasses, minimum category 3 for high altitude
    • Sunscreen and Lip Protection
    • Snack food - we advise you take some of your favourite hill snacks with you for each day to supplement food you can buy for lunches in the huts
    • Duffel bag - for gear not required on the trip. Will be left at first hotel and collected on return
    • Passport
    • Money - You will need some cash for food and drinks. There are ATMs in the towns plus most hotels, shops and restaurants will accept credit cards. Huts are also increasingly able to accept credit cards but many still only take cash (Euros or Swiss Francs depending on the trip)
    • Small wash kit with quick drying towel
    • Alpine club card if you are a member of one
    • Book, diary, pen, playing cards - for afternoons/evenings in the hut
Dolomites Freeride 2015-16.JPG

Dolomites

Renowned as one of the worlds most stunningly beautiful mountain ranges, the Dolomites offers dramatic ski touring to match. This tour includes many of the best descents in the area - long runs down remote valleys, dominated by the towering limestone cliffs that characterise the region.

This area is historically important as it was the front line between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces during the First World War. Evidence of this conflict can be seen on our journey in the form of tunnels, trenches and fortifications.

  • It is a condition of booking that you are insured for your chosen activity and the cover must include medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, third party risks and rescue (including helicopter rescue). You are strongly advised also to take out cover against cancellation and curtailment.

    For UK residents Ski Club Travel Insurance may be a suitable option.

    For more details and to purchase a policy online visit http://www.skiclubinsurance.co.uk/
    If you need assistance arranging your personal insurance please let us know.
     

  • It is a condition of booking that you are fully vaccinated (unless exempt) and you comply with the entry rules to a destination country.

  • Brexit advice for anyone going to the EU 

     As of January 1st 2021, there are new rules for UK residence when travelling to the EU and other European countries. 

    The Ski Club of Great Britain has compiled some of that advice to help travellers understand the changes, and what they might need to do if they are travelling after the Brexit deadline. 

    Entering the EU and other countries within Europe 

    At Border control, you may have to show your return ticket and money 

    At border control, you may need to: 

    • Show a return or onward ticket
    • Show you have enough money for your stay
    • Use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing 

    Visas for short trips: you will not need one if you’re a tourist 

    If you’re a tourist, you will not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. 

    Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. If you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. 

    You may need a visa or permit to stay for longer, to work or study, or for business travel. 

    Passports 

    On the day you travel, you’ll need your passport to both: 

    • Have at least 6 months left 
    • Be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left)

    If you do not renew your passport, you may not be able to travel to most EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

    Holidays 

    Most holiday companies have taken measures to ensure that there will be minimal impact to their guests’ experience. 

    If you are taking a package deal that is covered by ABTA, ABTOT & ATOL you will have the same buyer protection as before. You should always purchase travel insurance to make sure you are covered in case of delays or cancellations. If in doubt about arrangements contact your tour operator to make sure there aren’t any changes.  It is probably worth adding a little extra time before passport control just in case things aren’t running as smooth as normal. 

    Both Ski Club Freshtracks and Mountain Tracks holidays are covered by ATOL & ABTOT protection and are guaranteed to run regardless of the new Brexit rules. Take a look at our holidays here. 

    Travel insurance 

    Most travel insurers will offer the same amount of coverage in EU countries as they did before if you already have a policy with them, in fact, many of them are underwritten by large EU corporations. It is possible that premiums might go up after December 31st as we leave the EHIC scheme and other shared healthcare and insurance organizations. If you aren’t sure whether your insurance still covers you, head to their website or give them a call. 

    Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will be valid up to 31 December 2020. It’s particularly important you get travel insurance with the right cover if you have a pre-existing medical condition. This is because the EHIC scheme covers pre-existing conditions, while many travel insurance policies do not. 

    Ski Club Insurance will continue to provide the same cover whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations. For full Insurance, policy details go here.

    Driving

    A ‘green card’ is proof that you have motor insurance cover when driving abroad. You should plan to carry one for the vehicle you’re driving in the EU and EEA, including in Ireland, from 1 January 2021.

    You will need to carry multiple green cards if:

    • You have fleet insurance – you’ll need a green card for each vehicle
    • Your vehicle is towing a trailer or caravan - you’ll need one for the towing vehicle and one for the trailer/caravan (you need separate trailer insurance in some countries)
    • You have 2 policies covering the duration of your trip, for example, if your policy renews during the journey

    Contact your vehicle insurance provider 6 weeks before you travel to get green cards for your vehicle, caravan or trailer. The green card can be emailed to you by your insurer for you to print. For more information head to gov.uk

    Mobile roaming 

    From 1 January 2021, the guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway will end. 

    A new law means that you’re protected from getting mobile data charges above £45 without you knowing. 

    You can find all the latest information on gov.uk. 

  • The closest airports are Verona, Venice, Brescia and Milan. We generally recommend travel to Venice or Milan-Bergamo. The transfer from either airport to Madonna di Campiglio requires a combination of train and bus travel and takes at least 3-4 hours. For groups of 3-4 people car hire is often the best option.

    For train schedules click on http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en 

    There are some links on this page to bus timetables from Trento and Brescia http://www.campiglio.it/orari/ 

  • Our Bocchette Way Via Ferrata trips are usually led by Guido Candolini or one of his team of IFMGA Mountain Guides from Inmont Guides. We have worked with them for several years and they are extremely professional and popular guides.  They all speak good English and will ensure your week is fun and rewarding and totally safe.

    The maximum guide-client ratio for the Via Ferrata is 1:5.

     

  • In Madonna di Campiglio our preferred hotel is the Hotel Cima D'Oro a comfortable 3* hotel, they offer spacious rooms with great views of the mountains, a comfortable lounge and breakfast area with WIFI, games room, sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath and free car parking.  You can see more information on the hotel here: http://www.hotelcimedorocampiglio.it/en/ 

    Throughout the week we stay in mountain lodges, known as rifugi. The rifugi in the Dolomites are like little guesthouses: very cosy and comfortable when compared to the rifugi in the Western Alps. However they are not hotels and the lack of privacy make this experience suitable for flexible and group oriented people! In some rifugi hot showers are available for a small extra charge.

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