A beginner's guide to Trentino’s vie ferrate
Experience the mountains like never before with 7 vie ferrate for beginners
If you are an outdoors enthusiast and have a head for heights, in Trentino you can try your hand at the vie ferrate: high altitude routes, mostly across rocky mountain faces, supported by bolted in metal ladders, thick iron cables, gorge-spanning bridges and wooden footbridges.
To undertake this activity in safety you need to be fully equipped with a climbing harness fitted with karabiners, suitable footwear, a helmet and gloves for grip.
If you are a beginner, we recommend to start with easy routes and join a guided tour with a qualified mountain guide. Browse our beginner’s guide to 7 easy vie ferrate in Trentino, from the sunny cliffs of Lake Garda to the lofty heights of the Dolomites.
Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni - Lake Garda
A fun and safe family-friendly via ferrata that runs inside a gorge. You walk along the stream bed and pass the steepest points using ladders bolted to the rock walls. At the end of the via ferrata, a short path will take you to Castel Drena.
Ferrata dei Laghi, Cermiskyline - Val di Fiemme
If you are looking for a place to learn the ropes, the “Bombasél Highway” part of the Ferrata dei Laghi – Cermiskyline is an ideal route around the alpine lakes of the Alpe Cermis with few short suspended stretches. From atop the Castello di Bombasèl, enjoy the view across the world famous peaks of Val di Fiemme and Fassa and the wild crests of Lagorai.
Ferrata del Burrone Giovanelli - Piana Rotaliana
Suitable for families and beginners, this via ferrata is an easy traverse across the Burrone Giovanelli on Mount Mezzocorona. It offers plenty of opportunities to take in the beautiful sceneries from the lush mountainside to the stunning canyon carved between rocky outcrops and waterfalls dropping from a height of 100 meters.
Ferrata Fausto Susatti, Cima Capi – Ledro Valley
Simple via ferrata suitable for beginners, although it has a lot to offer to the most experienced mountaineers as well! Along the via ferrata you can admire the Ledro Valley to the west, with its meadows and villages, and Lake Garda to the east, with Monte Brione in the background. Along the way back, you will also find the Arcioni Hut, always open for those who want to rest and refresh themselves.
SOSAT Equipped Via Ferrata – Dolomiti di Brenta
SOSAT is one of the most famous via ferratas in the Brenta Dolomites. Born as a link between the Alimonta and Brentei Huts and the Tuckett and Sella Huts, it is one of the most popular and spectacular via ferratas of the Bocchette route. Classic itinerary with low technical difficulties, it requires nevertheless a certain physical preparation, given the considerable length to reach the point of arrival.
Ferrata Rio Secco – Piana Rotaliana
Given its low altitude and scarce exposure, it is the classic excursion to prepare for the most demanding via ferratas. Even non-experts can try their hand at this via ferrata, which does not expose hikers to great risks and does not present particular technical difficulties. But fear not, strong emotions are still guaranteed!
Val di Scala Via Ferrata for beginners – Valle del Vanoi
Before taking on the Dolomite Via Ferratas, we suggest starting at the “Val di Scala”. Located a short distance from the village of Caoria, it’s an ideal training ground for beginners and families trying out the activity for the first time. Easily accessible by car, the route winds its way along a very impressive path, skirting a waterfall and crossing a 12-metre long Tibetan-style bridge!
