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Marmolada ascent via West Ridge Via ferrata, Dolomites

Via ferrata Marmolada West Ridge, Dolomites 1
Via ferrata Marmolada West Ridge, Dolomites 2
Via ferrata Marmolada West Ridge, Dolomites 3
Via ferrata Marmolada West Ridge, Dolomites 4

Follow Renato, an IFMGA mountain guide, on an amazing via ferrata adventure on the west ridge of the Marmolada massif, the highest in the Dolomites.

Private

Dolomite Mountains

1 Day

May - Sep

High


Highlights

* Reach the highest peak in the Dolomites.

* Enjoy an exciting via ferrata on the northwest ridge of the mountain.

* Contemplate spectacular views during the whole tour.

Description

Towering between the borders of Veneto and Trentino, Marmolada is the highest mountain in the Dolomites. Take part in this trip and discover one of the most popular via ferratas in Val di Fassa!

This classic via ferrata is very exciting and challenging. It will take us to Punta Penia (3,343 m), the highest summit in this peak. where you'll enjoy stunning views!

The starting point of this via ferrata adventure will be Alba, very close to Canazei, at 1500mt.

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. We have 3 options for this trip:

Option 1: 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.

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!

At the beginning of the season, I can take up to 4 participants. While in the end it is better to go only with 2.

Would you like to join this via ferrata challenge to the Queen of the Dolomites? Please, send a request! It will be my pleasure to guide you on this fantastic tour.

For other via ferrata routes in the area, consider Roda de Vael & Masarè via ferratas.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

Price details

The price quoted is for Option 1 (1-day ascent from Alba).

For option 2 (1,5 day trip, sleeping at Rifugio Contrin) price is 630 EUR.

For option 3 (2-day trip, sleeping at Capanna Punta Penia) price is 840 EUR.

In all cases, price includes guiding fee and via ferrata equipment. Accommodation for both client and guide in huts and meals are not included and are to be paid separately.


Details

More info

The price quoted is for the Option 1 (1-day ascent from Alba).

For option 2 (1,5 day trip, sleeping at Rifugio Contrin) price is 630 EUR.

For option 3 (2-day trip, sleeping at Capanna Punta Penia) price is 840 EUR.

In all cases, price includes guiding fee and via ferrata equipment. Accommodation in huts and meals are not included.

Meeting point


FAQs

Which route will we take to summit Marmolada?

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.

How fit do I need to be to summit Marmolada?

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.

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

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).

Is the Marmolada ascent suitable for beginners?

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/

What's the starting point for the Marmolada ascent?

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

Where do you recommend staying for this trip?

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.

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

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.

Will the equipment be provided or do I need my own? Can I rent? How much is the approximate cost of renting the equipment?

All the technical gear for the via ferrata is included in the price, so you don't have to rent anything.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration
Hotel Habicht Fulpmes Austria
See rooms
Aparthotel Krösbacher Fulpmes Austria
See rooms
Sporthotel Exclusive Fulpmes Austria
See rooms

About the guide

Guide profile image

Renato & Guides' team

4.80

(223)

Mountain Guide

Hi! I'm Renato, IFMGA guide from the Dolomites, and I work together with my colleagues Robert, Bruno, Patrick, Benedetta & Walter (German speaking). If I'm not available to guide you, one of them will take care of you.

I was born in 1961, I live in Campitello di Fassa, in the Dolomites, together with my family. I have two sons, one is a mountain guide, the other is a ski instructor. I am a certified mountain guide since 1982, an instructor of guides, alpine ski instructor and a Federal coach for ISEF.

Being in the mountains has always been my passion, guiding people, teaching them climbing, mountaineering... during the various seasons of the year. I very much enjoy drawing nice curves in fresh powder snow and discover the charm of the frozen waterfalls.

My curriculum and professional mountaineering is made of many ascents and some openings of routes in the Dolomites and the Alps. I climbed in Yosemite Valley (California), Ben Nevis (Scotland) and Norway, Greece, Spain and Sardinia. I did also several high altitude climbs like Mt Denali (Alaska), Ama Dablam (6828m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Manaslu (8163m), Shivling in India (6545m), Cotopaxi and Chimborazo in Ecuador (5897m and 6310m), Patagonia (Argentina).

Feel free to get in touch with me if you are coming in the Dolomites for skiing (alpine, freeride and ski touring), rock climbing, sport climbing and multi pitch climbing. It will be my pleasure to guide you here and let you discover my secret spots.

Languages

Italian | German | English

Certificates

UIAGM

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What people are saying about this trip

Gareth

3.00

The guide was excellent. The trip has to be cancelled due to an avalanche so I gave 3 stars. Explore share were none the wiser but the guide made contact and alternative arrangements were made and all worked out well.


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