Gwent Mountaineering Club Bocchette Way Via Ferrata

Discover the Bocchette Way 

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.

What to Expect
This is not rock climbing, you’ll be secured to the cables and ladders for safety, but it is a full alpine adventure. The via ferratas here are not technically difficult, but they can be long, with sections that feel high and exposed.

Who is it for?
If you:

• Can walk confidently on uneven, rocky paths

• Have a reasonable level of fitness (think 5–7 hours of steady movement in a day)

• Have some upper-body strength to climb up steeper sections.

• Don’t mind heights, or are comfortable tackling them with a safety system in place - then you’re ready for this trip.

No previous via ferrata experience is needed just an adventurous spirit, good balance, and mobility. Our guides will coach you through the techniques and ensure you feel secure every step of the way.

2026

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

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

Your Financial Protection
ATOL
£2.50 per person of the cost of any air package is paid to the Civil Aviation Authority to provide ATOL Protection to you. This means the money paid for these arrangements is fully protected. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2911. For more information see our booking terms and conditions.
ABTOT
ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in Holiday Information.
Ski Club Winter Arrangements limited (trading as Mountain Tracks)
Registered in England No. 2099115. VAT No. GB 461 5692 34

We accept the following payment methods

• Via Ferrate - Miscellaneous
   

  • 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
• Via Ferrate - Technical

  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.

• Via Ferrate - Footwear

  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.

• Via Ferrate - Clothing

  • 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

• Getting to Madonna di Campiglio

  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/ 

• ETIAS & EES

  ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) 

  1. What is ETIAS?

     • Starting in the first half of 2025, travellers from over 60 visa-exempt countries will be required to have an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter most European countries within the Schengen Area.
     • ETIAS enhances security by checking the details of travellers before they arrive.
     • It is similar to systems like the ESTA (USA) and eTA (Canada).

  2. Who Needs ETIAS?

     • Travellers with British passports or passports from other visa-exempt countries must complete the ETIAS process.
     • Holders of EU or Schengen Area passports or valid EU/Schengen Area visas are exempt.

  3. Application Details:

     • ETIAS costs a 7EUR processing fee, waived for those under 18 or over 70.
     • Validity: Three years from application, tied to your passport’s validity.
     • New passport = new ETIAS.

  4. Application Form Questions:

     • Basic personal details (e.g., passport info, name, address, citizenship, gender).
     • Additional questions during the process (e.g., criminal history, past travel, health).

  5. Application Fee:

     • 7EUR euros.
     • Electronic payment via debit/credit card.

  6. Approval:

     • Most applicants receive approval within minutes.
     • Valid ETIAS visa waiver for three consecutive years.

  Remember to apply for ETIAS approval to explore your favourite European destinations! More details will be confirmed by ETIAS authorities. You can find additional information at the following links:

  • ETIAS Official Website 

   

   

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  EES (Entry/Exit System)

  The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system developed by the European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems. Its primary purpose is to register travellers from third countries each time they cross an EU external border. Here are the key points:

  1. What is EES?

     • The EES is an automated IT system designed for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay.
     • It records and stores the date, time, and place of entry and exit when these travellers cross the external borders of European countries using the EES.
     • The system calculates the duration of the authorized stay and generates alerts to EU Member States when the authorized stay expires.

  2. Who Is Affected?

     • The EES applies to non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay (up to 90 days within any 180 days) to European countries using the EES.
     • Exemptions apply; for example, holders of EU or Schengen Area passports or valid visas are exempt from EES registration.

  3. Advantages of EES:

     • Saves time by replacing manual passport stamping.
     • Automates border control procedures for more efficient travel.
     • It helps identify travellers who overstay or use fake identities or passports.
     • Contributes to preventing, detecting, and investigating serious criminal offences.

  • EES Official Website

   Remember, additional information about the EES system will be confirmed by authorities, including application acceptance details. For further resources, check out the ETIAS and the official EES website. 
  
    

• Trip level & Stamina requirements

  To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, all participants must meet the specified skill and stamina levels required for each trip, as outlined on the trip’s page at the time of booking.

  Please keep the following in mind:

  1. Trip Requirements: Before booking your trip, please review and confirm that you meet the necessary skill and stamina levels. These requirements are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

  2. Guides' Discretion: Our guides and instructors are dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards. They have the authority to exclude any participant who does not meet the required skill or stamina levels or whose participation could compromise the group's safety. This decision will be made with the utmost consideration.

  3. Responsibility for Costs: Should you be unable to continue with the trip due to inadequate skill or stamina, any additional expenses incurred will be your responsibility.

  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Our goal is to provide a memorable and safe adventure for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns about the requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.

  For further information please refer to the Terms & Conditions. 

• Mountain Tracks Benefits Community

  When you book with Mountain Tracks, you’re not just securing your adventure—you’re joining our exclusive benefits community. As part of this community, you'll receive discounts from trusted suppliers, including retailers, transfer companies, rental shops, and more. Ski more, spend less!

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  Knowledge

  • WeMountain: 90% of avalanches are triggered by the victim or someone in their party. WeMountain offers e-learning courses that aim to educate and inform, helping to reduce accidents and save lives in the mountains. Enjoy a 20% discount with our code.
    Use code: SAFEWITHMOUNTAINTRACKS
  • Backcountry Books: Guidebooks and maps for ski touring, off-piste skiing and snowboarding. Please contact us directly for your discount code. 

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  Equipment

  • Lockwoods: Enjoy 15% off store-wide and 20% off avalanche safety equipment at this specialist ski and outdoor store.
  • Profeet: Get 10% off at Profeet, a London-based store known for their BASI certified platinum* boot fitting services.

  Note: For discount codes, please contact us directly. Existing clients will find these in our newsletter.

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  Rentals

  • Intersport: Save 10% on all rentals.
    Use code: mountaintracks
  • Skiset: Enjoy 5% off rentals.
    Use code: mountaintracks

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  Transfers

  • Mountain Drop-Offs: Get 10% off transfers.
    Use code: MTRKCHX
  • Alps2Alps: Save 10% on transfers.
    Use code: mountaintracks
  • LiftsTo

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  With these exclusive discounts, we make it easier for you to enjoy your mountain adventures. If you have any questions or need more details, don’t hesitate to contact us!