Translating to “iron route” in Italian, via ferrata is a form of protected climbing that ascends steep rock faces and traverse exposed ledges through the use of ladders, pegs, stemples, rungs, and even the occasional bridge, bringing those with limited climbing experience to incredible heights.[...]
More than 1,000 alpine mountain huts (rifugi, in Italian) comprise the incredible Dolomite hut system— and they are a huge part of what makes hiking and climbing in this region such a unique and accessible experience, providing basic but comfortable accommodation and amenities in staggeringly bea[...]
If you’ve always dreamed of climbing but don’t have heaps of technical mountain experience or you’re a solo climber looking for adventure without a partner, this classic form of protected climbing needs to be on your radar! Once unique to the Italian and Austrian Alps (and still closely as[...]
For all the thousands of kilometres of incredible mountains that comprise the European Alps, there's hardly an equal to the Italian Dolomites. Characterised by jagged limestone (dolomite) peaks, dramatic glacier-carved valleys, and the kind of alpine lakes that seem painted from the pages of a stor[...]
Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is one of Mexico’s most important spiritual traditions and an incredible celebration of life that dates back thousands of years to the country’s rich pre-hispanic roots. Although festivities take place all over the country, there is absolutely no better p[...]
The towering monarch of the Alps and the highest peak in Western Europe at 4,809m (15,778ft), Mont Blanc has drawn climbers for centuries with its jagged ridges, sprawling glaciers, and ever-changing alpine conditions. Despite being one of the most popular high-altitude climbs in the worl[...]
Winding around Triglav National Park for more than 300km, the Juliana Bike Trail offers unparalleled access to Slovenia’s small but spectacular Julian Alps, as well as its many gorges, turquoise rivers, alpine meadows, and charming historic towns. With nearly 10,000m of elevation gain, it’s no[...]
Alta Via 4 comes to an end over the next day or two as you meander through a stark glacier valley and begin dropping into the forest to eventually return to town. This too is an incredibly quiet section of trail, and the en route via ferrata offers plenty of intrigue up and over Forcella[...]
Today’s route is dominated by a long and exhilarating via ferrata, two-thirds of the epic Giro di Sorapis that circumnavigates a dramatic peak of the same name. This is the most challenging of AV4's unavoidable via ferrata, and together with tomorrow's route over Forcella del Ghiacciaio, it is al[...]
Day 3 of AV4 descends into the bustling town of Misurina, a great place to restock on supplies or access services before heading back onto the trail for the second half of the trek. You'll also have the option today to take a gondola into town to save the descent (not worth it, unless you're injure[...]
Today is the most visually spectacular day of AV4 (not including the via ferrata side trips yesterday), with a meandering path that parades around Tre Cime, leading to the serrated peaks of Cadini di Misurina and finally taking in the dramatic beauty of Torre Wundt from above. It’s not a[...]
Following the traditional AV4 route, today is neither long nor difficult— but there are two spectacular via ferrata and a handful of small sidetrips within Parco Naturale Tre Cime that absolutely shouldn’t be missed! Get an early start to allow 8hrs of trail time, not counting breaks.[...]
From San Candido to the trailhead and finally taking your first steps on AV4, what I’ve recommended in this post is a pseudo-“day 0” with just 90min of hiking that will perfectly set you up for trek to come. Rather than spending the night in San Candido before starting AV4[...]
The final day of AV2 features dramatic and often unexpected views of yet another spectacular National Park, Dolomiti Brunello. At 21km, it's no slouch for a final day, so soak in the final stage of this epic route before finishing in Croce d’Aune, a tiny town just outside of Feltre, where pizza a[...]
Today is slightly longer than the previous day's leisurely stroll, with the initial climb up to Passo Comedon presenting the greatest obstacle. Once over the pass, descend through wildflower-dusted meadows and lush mountains, savouring the peaceful setting and the feel of an almost entirely differe[...]
Climbing gently out of the forest into a spectacular landscape of verdant foliage and misty Dolomite pillars, today marks a distinct change of scenery from the first 2/3rds of AV2. Gone are the arid lunarscapes and high-altitude peaks, but so are the bustling mountain passes, leaving you to enjoy t[...]
Today is an interesting contrast, with truly spectacular views from both the trail and via ferrata routes (which are among the best on AV2, yet woefully underrated and very quiet!), followed by an absolutely miserable 1,300m descent that will traumatise even keen hikers. Enjoy the highs a[...]
From the lunar landscapes of Cima Rosetta to the striking tower of Cima Canali, the Palo di San Martino are on full show today as you journey towards Rifugio Pradidali. There are several sections of cable along the standard AV2 route, as well as a quick side summit to enjoy, making this another exc[...]
Following what may have been a large day yesterday, day 7 is short and undemanding as it journeys through the Pale di San Martino to charming Rifugio Mulaz. Aside from a few short trails you might wish to scamper up, there isn’t much in the way of extension or side-trips (and only a short, e[...]
Today’s recommended route features a wonderful via ferrata just out the door of Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada. Ascending and eventually wrapping around the distinctive Padon Ridgeline, its volcanic rock at immediate odds with the limestone (dolomite) that dominates this region, Via[...]