Yamnuska Mountain Adventures’ Dolomites Climbing Adventure features quality stone, countless routes, short approaches, and route options for all levels of climbers. When it comes to rock climbing, there are few places more sought after than the Dolomites of Northern Italy. The allure of the Dolomites doubles through the equally accessible and abundant Via Ferrata scattered throughout the limestone spires. Originally developed for ease of mountain access for the Italian Military in World War I, Via Ferrata have become a popular and exhilarating way to reach the heights of the mountain range. Let Barry Blanchard be your guide through this rock paradise for a week of food, culture, history and climbing. With renowned Chef, Theresa Calow, preparing your meals out of our private alpine mountain chalet based in Cortina d’Ampezzo, you are sure to find relaxation, challenge, and a full belly with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures’ Dolomites Italy Climbing Adventure. Sign up for this exciting rock climbing trip in Europe!
Our Approach: Guiding and Instruction
Each participant will get a minimum of three guided days at a low guide to client ratio. We will do our best to pair up the climbers to ensure that everyone is challenged and having fun. On rock climbing days we will have 2 clients with each guide, and on Via Ferrata days we can have up to 4 clients with each guide. You will have two or three free days where you can explore downtown Cortina, or even go explore nearby cities like Venice!
The trip objective is to provide the opportunity to climb challenging routes for all levels of ability.
Program Agenda
Day 1 (September 7): Arrival. We will meet at the chalet in Cortina at 4:00pm for introductions, discussions of route options and an equipment check. We will enjoy a freshly prepared Italian-inspired meal before heading to bed in preparation for our week of excitement ahead.
Days 2-7 (September 8-13): Climbing Days! We will select climbing routes and Via Ferratas based on the energy levels and objectives of the group. Within this 6 day period, you will have two or three rest days which you can use to explore Cortina, go hiking, or even make a day trip to Venice! Climbing days will operate on a 1:2 guide to client ratio for rock days and a 1:4 ratio for the Via Ferrata. Popular routes in the area would include: Hexenstein – South Ridge (5.6), Cinque Torri – Via delle Guide (5.6), Tofana – First Piller (5.7), Cinque Torri – Myriam (5.8), Cima Piccola – Yellow Edge (5.8), among countless others. The options are truly endless.
Day 8 (September 14): Departure. After our final breakfast, we will say our goodbyes. Guests are invited to head back to Venice for their flights home at their leisure, or perhaps you may decide to prolong your stay in the area. The choice is yours.
Instructors & Group Size
Your guide(s) are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guide (ACMG) and the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA). There will be a maximum of 4 clients per guide on Via Ferrata, and 2 clients per guide on rock routes.
Location
This program will be based out of our private chalet in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The chalet has WiFi and a wrap around balcony. The chalet is a short 1- minute walk from downtown Cortina. Cortina is the perfect place to base yourself out of for a Dolomites rock adventure and is easily accessible by shuttle from Venice, Italy.
Meeting Time and Place
We will meet the group at 4:00 PM on the first day at the chalet in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Luggage may be dropped off at the chalet earlier so that you can enjoy visiting the town once you arrive.
Accommodations & Meals
7 nights shared accommodation in our private chalet is included. You will spend your time at our luxury chalet with a spectacular view of Cortina and the Tofane mountains thanks to its large and 180° terrace. The flat is on the first floor and has 4 comfortable rooms, 3 bathrooms, a fireplace and WiFi.
All meals are freshly prepared and Italian-inspired by our host and private chef, Theresa Calow. We will provide all meals less one dinner from dinner on day 1 through to breakfast on day 8. Alcoholic beverages are not included.
Transportation
Participants are responsible for their return flights to Venice (VCE). They will also be responsible for their return transfer shuttle from the Venice airport to Cortina (approx. 2.5 hours), and any transportation required on rest days. Yamnuska will provide the return transportation from the chalet to the climbing areas.
Equipment and Clothing
The course fee includes use of group technical gear although you should feel free to bring any gear you already have.
The weather encountered on this program varies greatly, with the courses at the beginning and the end of the season more prone to cool conditions. The clothing list below covers all possibilities. Should sunny warm conditions be forecast some items may be unnecessary. Remember that weather can change quickly so even if the day starts out sunny you may still need rain gear in the afternoon. Conditions on the higher climbs are often colder.
Clothing and Equipment List
- Day pack – 25-35 L (large enough for spare clothing, your lunch & personal and group climbing gear)
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Rain Gear
- Clothing allowing for easy and complete range of movement
- Warm weather gear
- Rock shoes
- Approach shoes or running shoes for the hike to the climbing area and via ferrata.
- Harness
- Helmet
Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require a 35% deposit on booking.
It is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident whilst there. Obtain extra coverage if necessary.
We urge guests to obtain separate rescue insurance. You can do this by joining the Austrian Alpine Club UK section, as comprehensive rescue insurance is included in this membership.
Detailed booking instructions and conditions.
Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the program. Please view our sample waiver copy.
Please ensure that you have appropriate travel and medical insurance.
Dates:
September 7-14, 2019
Call Yamnuska at 1.866.678.4164 to Book
PRICE:
$4995 CDN – includes 7 nights twin accommodation, all meals with the exception of one dinner, 3 days of professional guiding.
Not included: Airfare, land transfers, alcoholic beverages, personal climbing gear; expenses incurred in event of early departure (evacuation fees, transport, additional hotel nights, etc). Trip cancellation and medical travel insurance is highly recommended.
