Marmolada ascent via West Ridge Via ferrata, Dolomites

Question 1

Which route will we take to summit Marmolada?

Answer

We will take the northwest ridge via ferrata route to summit Marmolada. Since the closure of some lifts, and the avalanche that happened in 2022, the ascent and descent must be done through the northwest ridge via ferrata.

Question 2

How fit do I need to be to summit Marmolada?

Answer

You need to be fit and exercise regularly to summit Marmolada.

If you want to do the 1-day ascent (going up and down on the same day, all the way from the valley), you need to be very fit, in order to walk all day and do a 1800 elevation gain ascent-descent on the day.

If you want to do the 2-day ascent, sleeping on the hut, it's a bit more relaxed, since we go up one day, and down the following day. But you still need to be fit enough to hike up 1800 meters.

Question 3

Which are the options to do the Marmolada ascent in 1 or 2 days?

Answer

We have 3 options for this trip:

Option 1 (which is the one quoted on the price): We do the whole ascent and descent from Alba to Marmolada summit in 1 day. Keep in mind it's a very long day, with 1800 meters gain, and we will start around 5am, so this option is only suitable if you are very fit.

Option 2: We do the trip in 1 day and a half. On day we will start from Alba (1500m) in the afternoon and go up to Rifugio Contrin (2000m), where we will spend the night. On Day 2 we will go to Marmolada summit and down to Alba. For this option price is 630 EUR (includes guiding fee and via ferrata equipment. Accommodation in the hut and meals are not included).

Option 3: We can do the trip in 2 full days. On Day 1 we will go from Alba to Marmolada summit and sleep in Capanna Punta Penia, right below the summit. On Day 2 we will go down from there to Alba. This option is the more relaxed, and gives us the opportunity to enjoy both the sunset and the sunrise from Marmolada summit! For this option price is 840 EUR (includes guiding fee and via ferrata equipment. Accommodation in the hut and meals are not included).

Question 4

Is the Marmolada ascent suitable for beginners?

Answer

I don't recommend the Marmolada ascent if you are a complete beginners, as it involves a long hike up, and a big elevation gain (1800m). If it's your first time doing a via ferrata, and you don't have experience in long hikes up with considerable elevation gain, I recommend you requesting for an easier via ferrata here: https://www.explore-share.com/trip/1day-via-ferrata-dolomites/

Question 5

What's the starting point for the Marmolada ascent?

Answer

The starting point for the Marmolada ascent is Alba (1500m), in Fassa Valley.

Question 6

Where do you recommend staying for this trip?

Answer

Ideally you should stay in the Fassa valley for the Marmolada ascent, especially if we do the 1-day ascent, for which we need to start very early in the morning from Alba di Fassa. If we do the 2-day ascent, it's ok if you stay in Cortina or surrounding places.

Question 7

What's included in the price for the Marmolada ascent?

Answer

The price includes the guiding fee and the via ferrata equipment. If we do the ascent in 2 days, the price for the accommodation in the hut and meals is not included.