Arco & Lake Garda Via Ferrata

Itinerary

The Arco and Lake Garda areas have many via ferrata routes to choose from. The difficulty levels vary from beginner to expert, and the climbs take between two and eight hours. Some, like the Cima Capi, are historic and were built by soldiers in the first World War (they’ve since been retrofitted, of course!) Others are modern masterpieces that take climbers into areas that would otherwise be impossible to reach.

Given the abundance of via ferrata routes at Arco, we can adjust the itinerary during our climbing week to the preferred challenge level of our clients and the weather. Following are just some of the routes that we can choose from:

Monte Colodri: 2-3 hours. A perfect via ferrata for getting our systems dialed. Fantastic views over the Arco Valley and Lake Garda.

Cima Capi: 4-6 hours. Climbing above Garda Lake along a via ferrata that was first built by soldiers in World War I. Along the way, we will see trenches and bunkers from the Great War.

Gerardo Sega: 6-7 hours. Climbing on Monte Baldo on the east side of Lake Garda. This via ferrata follows ladders up a massive overhanging wall, cables along a very exposed ledge, and trails by the pretty Preafessa waterfall and other scenic landscapes.

Burrone Giovanelli: 3-5 hours. Climbing through a sometimes narrow ravine with lovely waterfalls.

Ottorino Marangoni: 4-6 hours. Climbing on Monte Albano, east of Lake Garda. This challenging via ferrata provides plenty of exposure and a good full body workout!

Sentiero dei Contrabbandieri: 4-5 hours. Was it an old smuggler’s path or a century-old attempt at a high-level road? Legends vary, but the modern use of this narrow ledge carved into an exposed cliff 200-metres above Lake Garda is as a spectacular via ferrata.

Details and Logistics

Meeting place

We will meet at our 3-star level B&B or hotel in the Arco Valley.

Climate, weather, temperatures

The best seasons for via ferrata climbing in Arco are spring and fall, with temperatures normally between 20 and 25°C. One of the reasons Arco is a popular climbing destination is because it is normally protected from bad weather by the nearby Dolomites and Alps, so we can expect to enjoy many days of sunshine.

Getting There

Arco is most easily reached from Verona or Bergamo international airports (85 and 130 km away, respectively). Alternatively, you could fly to Milan, Venice, Bologna or Innsbruck, all of which are within a 250 km radius of Arco.

Transport options: Rent a car, or take a train or bus from the airport cities to Arco. Find the details here: gardatrentino.it.

Alternatively, we can arrange for a private shuttle – ask us for details.

Can I Do It?

Via ferrata routes in Arco range from beginner to expert levels. We will try to match experience levels ahead of the trips, but we will always start with an easier via ferrata to get the systems dialed and to see how the group performs with regards to fitness and comfort with exposure. Most days will have us on our feet for five to eight hours at a moderate pace and involve a mixture of hiking and via ferrata climbing.

Beginners are welcome, but you should have a good level of general fitness, a big sense of adventure, and you should not be intimidated by exposure.

One strength of the itinerary is the high level of flexibility to adjust the program to adverse weather or the group’s preferences.

Arco and Lake Garda Via Ferrata .PDF

Please download a PDF copy to use as a checklist when preparing for your trip.

Considerations

Arco is a sports enthusiast’s shopping mecca. There are at least 17 outdoor stores along a 300-metre stretch of the old town, intermingled with gelaterias, pizzerias, and coffee shops. If you need clothing, footwear, or gear for the trip, come a day early and shop to your heart’s desire.

Technical Gear

Bring or Rent the Following:

• Rock climbing shoes
• Light trekking boot or sturdy approach shoe with a fairly stiff sole for walking over rocky terrain and for climbing ladders and rungs
• Daypack (25-30 litres) with rain cover specific to the pack
• Good quality, thin, well-fitting leather gloves for via ferrata sections
• Lightweight, collapsible ski poles**

Provided by OnTop Mountaineering, Upon Request:

Should you require the use of this gear, please inform your Trip Coordinator. This rental is included as part of your trip package.

• Via Ferrata Clip In Set
• Climbing harness
• Climbing helmet
• Two conventional locking carabiners

*Optional
**Optional but recommended

Clothing

We recommend the ‘layering system’: Bring light, technical clothing that doesn’t take much space in your backpack and dries quickly when sweaty or wet. Layers must be put on and taken off quickly as weather conditions change during the day. There may be days when you can wear cotton, but your main clothing choices should be synthetic or wool. Merino wool is a nice material for base layers and t-shirts because it is comfortable, warm, and it does not retain odours, even after many days of use.

• Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or similar)
• Lightweight wind and water-resistant over pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
• Lightweight synthetic trekking pants or zip-offs
• Medium weight Primaloft jacket with hood
• Medium weight fleece sweater
• Synthetic or wool base layers – top and bottom
• Synthetic shorts and t-shirt
• Quick-drying sports bra
• 2-3 pairs good quality trekking socks
• Warm hat that covers your ears
• Lightweight synthetic or wool gloves
• Sun hat, preferably with a wide rim
• Bandana or neck gaiter (eg. Buff)*

Lodging

• Casual clothing, spare socks and underwear, and comfortable footwear for the nightly accommodations
• Toiletries

Other items

• Sunglasses with high UV protection
• Sunscreen and lip protection with high SPF
• Small container bug spray or cream
• One or two, one-litre water bottles
• Headlamp with new battery
• Your favourite hiking snacks – candy bars, dried fruit, nuts, etc. Lunches and snacks can be purchased at the huts or in the villages
• Personal first aid kit and other needs (eg. blister kit, prescription medicine, anti-inflammatory, contact lenses, prescription glasses, etc.)
• Pocket knife*
• Passport, health and travel insurance documents
• Light stuff sacs or Ziploc bags to keep your backpack organized and important items dry**
• Camera, spare batteries*
• Maps, GPS, altimeter watch*
• Hand sanitizer or sanitary hand wipes
• Feminine hygiene supplies
• Toilet paper – small amount for daytime emergencies
• Telephone with charging cable*
• Adaptor for European charging system*

Feedback

We will gladly put potential clients in touch with previous participants in order for interested guests to get personalized references and questions answered from an objective point of view.

References of prior guests (from a Dolomites trip)

“Christoph was a really great mountain guide as well as a really cool and nice person. 10/10! The communication was clear so there were no problems with forgetting important things.

The itinerary was very relaxed and everything we did turned out to be so much fun. I really appreciated and liked the fact that Christoph would run what we were going to do by us before we went to do it. The way he handled the planning of our trip was great. Every place and everything we ended up doing was so much fun!

The food and lodging were well priced and suited the type of trip we were carrying out. Whenever we went out for food we would always walk out of the restaurant feeling like we couldn’t eat anymore, so as you can tell the food quantity and quantity was really great!

I would rate that a 10/10, because I feel like in Europe, finding the suitable guide is hard, especially for teenagers. But OnTop seems to help everyone who needs their help! When I go on my next climbing trip, I will definitely use OnTop Ltd! ”
—Pierce B., Hong Kong

“Christoph was extremely friendly, accommodating while provided strong encouragement to perform well. He was not only very safety conscious but also imprinted that mindset onto us.

A good balanced plan that covered a range of activities. Nice and flexible giving us good choice in what to do based on circumstances, happy that we were given voice in the timetable. A fine balance between traveling and activities.Plenty of food. Exceptional food at mountain hut, all reasonably priced. Comfortable living arrangements throughout. ”
—Hugh S., Hong Kong

Arco and Lake Garda Vis Ferrata Custom Trips / Private Group Departures:

Why not find some friends and put together your own group?

For private groups, we can offer the following premiums or discounts on our advertised prices

2 participants: 60% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
3 participants: 40% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
4 participants: 8% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
5 participants: Our advertised per person price
6 participants: 8% discount from our advertised per person price

For groups larger than 6, please reach out to us for a custom quote.

Custom Trips

Custom trips are available any time from April – November, anywhere in the Arco and Lake Garda

FAQ

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here