JSC 2The pleasure and exhilaration displayed onthe faces of those returning from a day onthe Via Ferrata bears testimony to the sheerexcitement on offer in the Dolomites.Originally built to assist the movements ofmilitary units in WWI, Via Ferrata is a keyDolomites attraction. They are, in effect,protected scrambling routes, comprised ofskillfully installed fixed cables, ladders andgorge-spanning bridges, which aid ascents todramatic high terrain and/or summits, afterwhich you can walk on to a nearby rifugio orreturn to the starting point via a path. Graded from 1A (a protected scramble) to 5C(considerable experience required), they arenot solely the domain of the technicallyadept rock climber. Indeed, whilst it isessential you are vertigo-free and sure-footed with a reasonable level of fitness andan awareness of alpine dangers, some routesallow the man on the street to get furtherfrom the street than he ever thoughtpossible. We are close to arguably the bestconcentration of Via Ferrata in the world,but having your own transport isdays of sheer exhilaration in the home of via ferratarecommended if you come here primarily forthis exhilarating pursuit, as, by their verynature, several routes are off the beatentrack and not serviced by public transport.Many Via Ferrata routes have been built inrecent years and today we have an extensiveand well-charted network maintained by theC.A.I. (Club Alpino Italiano). Trail signs tostarting points are excellent and the routesare well waymarked. Usually it's a case offollowing the cable!Via FerrataHigh Level Adventure on Cables, Ladders and Gorge Spanning Bridgesorganised via ferrata with collett'sFive days a week (not Wednesdays orSaturdays), Collett's offers twoorganised Via Ferrata. One is likely to bemore technically challenging andexposed than the other. Remember: allVia Ferrata require a head for heightsand surefootedness.self-guidingIf you prefer to venture out on the ViaFerrata on a self-guided basis, thesupport and local knowledge of our ViaFerrata Organisers is at hand, notablyeach evening at Office Hour. They willgive you a helpful insight into thecharacteristics of local routes, so thatyou can create suitable and excitingdays out, whether you intend joining agroup or self-guiding. Dotted around our chalets, there arealso our Ideas & Information Files, whichdocument about 20 popular local routes.We have easy-to-carry Route Laminatescorresponding to each of these routesand you are welcome to borrow theseon a daily basis.If you are coming here for the ViaFerrata, we suggest you acquire theDolomites Via Ferrata guide by JohnSmith & Graham Fletcher, two formerCollett's VF team members. It is a good guide andincludes useful noteson safety. It is published byCicerone and isavailable throughCollett's for £15.95. ISBN: 185284592923

guided glacier treks guided summit ascents guided mountain bikingWorking in conjunction with local guides, Collett'soffers a range of guided days out. These excursionsshould be booked and paid for before your holiday.We will send you a booking form and information onhow these days work. All necessary equipment isprovided. Prices do not include lifts or lunch but asmall snack pack is provided. If bad weather causescancellation, your money is refunded. guided glacier trek£55 per person (Every Tuesday)Our highest peak is the Marmolada, 'Queen of theDolomites'. Her summit (Punta Penìa - 3343m) andbrilliant glacier dominate many a beautifulpanorama. Each Tuesday, you can trek across theglacier, traversing crevasses and touching snow andblue ice. To start the trek we go to the snout of theglacier via the 'yoghurt pot' lifts. See positions takenup by soldiers in the Great War and make your wayto the Marmolada's second summit, Punta Rocca. Asound level of fitness is required for this trek butalpine experience is not necessary.guided summit ascents via the west ridge via ferrata£75 per person (Every Friday)The summit ascent starts as above. You trek acrossthe glacier to a ridge at the western end of the vastsouth wall (800m high and 3kms wide) before usingone of the area's most famous and most exposed ViaFerrata to access the summit (Grade 4C). You returnby descending a wall just below the summit andtrekking down the glacier. You will require somealpine experience, a head for heights and a goodlevel of fitness. guided mountain biking days£35 per person (Every Wednesday & Saturday) Each Wednesday and Saturday we offer a guidedmountain biking day, following thrilling tracks amidststunning scenery. Departing around 9.30am, you arelikely to be out until mid/late afternoon, stoppingperiodically for refreshment and to absorb thepanoramas. A good level of fitness is required.These guided days need to be booked in advance ofyour holidays if possible. Cost £35 per person, notincluding bike hire, which can be arranged locally(costs around ?20-25 per day). For keen mountain bikers and road cyclists we canalso arrange dedicated 7 day packages, whichinclude 5 days professionally guided days out. Pleasecontact us for more information.24