Brenta Dolomites – Bocchette Trail Via Ferrata

Brenta Dolomites – Bocchette Trail Via Ferrata Itinerary

*Your trip is 7 days in total – the first and last days are travel days and the 5 numbered days are guided via ferrata days*

Arrival/ Travel Day – Madonna di Campiglio

Arrive in Madonna di Campiglio for lodging in our preferred hotel. We recommend arriving in the afternoon to allow yourself some time to explore the town, buy snacks at the supermarket, finish any last-minute packing for the hut trip and, and have a leisurely dinner before an early start tomorrow.

Please pack a lunch for day 1!

Day 1 – Madonna di Campiglio to Tuckett Hut 

Meet our guide after breakfast in the hotel lobby for a trip briefing and distribution of OnTop technical gear. A short drive and a gondola ride to the Groste Pass(2442m) . We will travel on the Via Ferrata Vidi, a partially equipped path with some sections that are unprotected and exposed and others, including a challenging downhill section, that are equipped with cables and ladders.  It’s a good day to warm up with lots of ledges to wander along, a panoramic ridge walk, and some fun ladders to descend as we approach the Tuckett Hut(2272m) for dinner and lodging.

From Groste Pass Gondola to Tuckett Hut via Via Ferrata Vidi: 600m = 1970ft ascent, 800m = 2625ft descent, 9km = 5.6mi, 6 hrs walking time.

Notice: Our usual itinerary includes the Benini Via Ferrata which travels below the Cima Falkner (2999m) on airy ledges with stunning views of 10 peaks over 3000m. It connects Grostè Pass(2442m) to Bocca di Tuckett with a final descent down to the Tuckett Hut. In July 2025 a series of landslides on the Western and Eastern sides of Cima Falkner imposed an immediate closure of all trails in surrounding area, including the Benini Via Ferrata. The end of the closures is not yet known.

Day 2 – Tuckett Hut – Alimonta Hut 

Breakfast at the Tuckett Hut. we start with a hike on a steep trail into the Tuckett Saddle (sometimes the use of crampons is necessary). We soon approach the Via Ferrata Bocchette Alte which is our favourite route on this itinerary. The via ferrata is long with some technical sections and lots of exposure, ladders, and narrow ledges. The via ferrata finishes a short distance from the Alimonta Hut(2580m) where we’ll have dinner and comfortable lodging for the night. Don’t let the short 5km distance fool you, with 1000m of cumulative elevation gain you can expect to be on your feet for up to 8 hours! We walk and climb for about 7-8 hours and arrive at the modern Rifugio Alimonta where we overnight.

From Tuckett Hut to Alimonta Hut by way of Bocchette Alte Via Ferrata 1000m = 3300ft ascent, 700m = 2300ft descent, 5.6km = 3.5mi, 7-8 hrs walking time.

Bad Weather Option: we have the option to reach the Alimonta Hut via the easier and lower-level SOSAT trail.

 If the SOSAT via ferrata is chosen for the day 590m = 2000ft ascent, 270m = 890ft descent, 5.4km = 3.4mi, 5.5 hrs walking time

Day 3 – Alimonta Hut – Agostini Hut

Breakfast at the Alimonta Hut. Another highlight of the trip today as we travel on the Bocchette Centrale Via Ferrata. We start the day with a climb into the Bochetta delle Armi (small glacier, sometimes crampons necessary). Lots of hand-railing along narrow and exposed ledges and amazing views, including the narrow pinnacle of the Campanile Basso / Guglia. The via ferrata concludes at the Tosa Pedrotti Hut(2439m), where we will have lunch. For custom trips,  this is also a good spot to interrupt the trip, should you prefer a shorter trip duration.

In the afternoon we take the Brentari Via Ferrata, an easier route with less technical sections (some ladders and exposed ledges) through the Sella di Tossa Pass down to the Ambiez Glacier (crampons can be useful) and further down along glacial moraines to the Agostini Hut(2410m), our favorite of the Brenta Huts, for dinner and lodging.

From Alimonta Hut to Agostini Hut by way of Bocchette Centrale and Brentari Via Ferratas: 900m = 2952ft ascent, 1000m = 3300ft descent, 7.5km = 4.6mi, 7-8 hrs walking time.

Bad Weather Option: As so often, both of todays’ sections can be bypassed by use of non-technical hiking trails which saves some vertical and quite a bit of walking time in times of bad weather or fatigue.

Day 4 – Agostini Hut – Brentei Hut

Breakfast at the Agostini Hut. After a short climb from the hut, the Via Ferrata Castiglioni awaits. Much steeper than most others we have travelled so far, it leads into the Bochette dei Due Denti saddle, before descending (initially a few cables) to the 12 Apostles Hut for an early lunch. The rest of the day involves mainly non-technical hiking with a few cable equipped passages. We follow Sentiero dell’ Ideale into the Bocca dei Camosci, then down the Sentiero Martinazzi which skirts around the gigantic rock wall of the Crozzon for dinner and lodging at the Brentei Hut(2200m).

From Agostini Hut via Dodici Apostoli Hut to Brentei Hut by way of Castiglioni Via Ferrata, Ideale and Marinazzi Equipped Trails 880m = 2900ft ascent, 1120m = 3700ft descent, 9km = 5.6mi, 6-7 hrs walking time. If descending directly from 12 Apostoli Hut to the valley for taxi transport to Madonna di Campiglio 500m = 1650ft climb, 1580m = 5200ft descent, 10.8km = 6.75mi distance, 6 hrs walking time.

Day 5 – Brentei Hut – Madonna di Campiglio 

Breakfast at the Brentei Hut. We have a few options to return to Madonna di Campiglio:
a) We climb up to the start of the SOSAT trail (first some long and steep ladders to descend, then along some ledges with cables) we descend back to the Tuckett Hut where we spent our first hut night. From there we can still descend all the way down to Vallesinella or climb back up to Groste Pass to take the gondola and return by bus or taxi to Madonna di Campiglio.

750m = 2500ft ascent, 480m = 1600ft descent, 9.5km = 6mi, 6-7 hrs walking time.

b) Single-pitch rock climbing from the Brentei Hut. The Brentei Hut is a climbers mecca surrounded not only by classic multi-pitch routes but also by 2 crags and multiple areas for bouldering. We’ll stick to the single-pitch climbing at the crags and your guide will rent climbing equipment from the hut. Please keep in mind that it is not possible to rent rock climbing shoes. After climbing, we will descend to Vallesinella as described in option c.

c) Alternatively we take the easy way down, first in the alpine with a few cables and handrails, then steeper down through lush mountain forest to the hamlet of Vallesinella. 10 min taxi or bus ride back to Madonna di Campiglio.

750m = 2500ft descent, 100m = 330ft descent, 5.6km = 3.5mi, 2.5-3 hrs walking time

Departure/Travel Day 

Final breakfast before hotel checkout. Thank you for joining us on a via ferrata adventure in the Brenta. If you had a great time and are ready for another exciting trip, check out our Haute Route Glacier Trek or Palaronda Classic Via Ferrata.

Inclusions

Included:

• 5 x days of guiding by an internationally certified (UIAGM / IFMGA), English-speaking mountain guide or guide aspirant under supervision
• 2 x nights lodging at a 3-star hotel in Madonna di Campiglio (double or twin room)
• 4 x nights lodging in huts or mountain lodges with dinner
• Luggage storage
• 6 x breakfasts
• Gondola to Groste Pass on day 1
• Local bus or taxi transfers from Madonna to trailheads and back
• Equipment use: Harness, helmets, shock absorber set for via ferratas, crampons for glacier travel
• Guide expenses
• All trip organization, reservations as well as assistance with all pre- and post-trip preparations.

Not Included

• Single hotel room supplement (please inquire)
• Airfare
• Transport to and from Madonna di Campiglio
• All beverages (water, alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• All lunches and snacks
• Dinners for the nights in Madonna di Campiglio
• Insurance
• Any additional cost due to changes in the itinerary, may they be caused by weather, mountain conditions or personal preference

Transportation

Our Brenta Dolomites Via Ferrata Bocchette Trail begins from Madonna di Campiglio.

Airports

There is a choice between seven international airports in northern Italy, Austria and Germany that are suitable, listed below in sequence of proximity:
Bozen / Bolzano – 104 km / 1 hr 30 min but few international connections!
Verona – 173km / 2 hrs 5 min
Bergamo – 177 km and one hour shorter than Milano Malpensa but few international connections
Milano Malpensa – via country road: 260km / 3 hrs 45 min. Via highway A22 and Trento: 330km / 4hrs
Venice – 295km / 3 hrs 10 min
Innsbruck, Austria – 224km / 2 hrs 45 min
Munich, Germany – 421km / 4 hrs, 50 min

Driving to Madonna di Campiglio

Madonna di Campiglio can be reached using the Brenner Highway (A 22). Turn off at Trento (or exit Mezzolombardo if approaching from Austria) then it’s about 1 hr 20 min drive on slow local roads to Madonna di Campiglio for the 70km distance from Trento.

Getting to Madonna di Campiglio by Train / Bus

From Munich (via Innsbruck) you will need to catch a Train to any larger Italian city via German Rail.  Click here for the AutoBahn website and schedules.
From there, take a train with Trenitalia to Trento (depart twice hourly and fast train connections available).  There is no need to pre-purchase tickets to Trento due to the abundance of services and try to avoid train travel on Sundays if possible.
The public bus leaves Trento train station almost hourly between 6.40 and 18.40 (depending on the season) and takes about 2 hrs to Madonna di Campiglio via Tione and Pinzolo.
Please click here for the current bus schedule and bookings.

If you would like to avoid bus transfers,you can take a taxi from Trento to take you to the Hotel.  You can pre-book if needed: Taxi Bacca (Marco): info@taxibacca.it

If you arrive at Verona Catullo airport best take the Airport Bus T2 in about 15 minutes to the Verona Porta Nueva Train Station. From there it takes about 1 hour to the main station in Trento (click here for the Trenitalia, make sure you choose the “Trento” option when choosing from the 3 Trento stations).

Madonna di Campiglio Taxi Services

Please inquire with us for a quote for your group size and timing with our driver from Madonna di Campiglio.
Driving time from Trento is about 1 hr 20 min.  Or you can pre-book a taxi yourself:  Taxi Bacca (Marco): info@taxibacca.it

We can gladly help you organize your transport logistics to Madonna di Campiglio.

Brenta Via Ferrata Private Trip Pricing

Perfect for families, friends, social groups, and more! Book a private trip and reap the benefits, including:

• Discounts for groups of groups of 6 or more
• Custom itineraries available on request
• Private rooms for smaller groups (when available)

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: 20% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
5 participants: Our advertised per-person price
6 participants: 10% discount from our advertised per person price

For groups larger than 6, please contact us for a custom quote.

Custom trips are available any time from June – October, any duration > 3 days

Brenta Private Group / Custom trips Itinerary Options

Additional days

A great way to connect the Brenta Via Ferrata Hut Trek with mountaineering in glaciated terrain is to add a few days in either the Ortler or Adamello range both of which are located within a one-hour drive.

Shorter trip duration

The itinerary can also be fit into 4 days with 3 hut nights or the center part of the Bocchette trail can be done as a 3 day trip with 2 hut nights.

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

Trip Related Questions:

What are the Huts like? Double Rooms? Showers? Food Choices?

Most of the huts that we are using for this trek are rather like mountain lodges. Sleeping is mainly in 6 bed rooms with shared bathrooms with shared showers.

The food is always delicious and plentiful with choices during the 4 course dinners. Vegetarian preferences can be accommodated and best if you can tolerate eggs. Gluten-free diets can be a bit more tricky and may come with additional cost, we recommend to bring some gluten free bread and snack items to be on the safe side.

Is there a requirement for crampons on this route?

we have crampons available which our guide will hand out at the meeting point for those departures (usually early and late season) that the guide believes we will need them.

Trip Details

Meeting Point

Meet your guide on the first via ferrata day at 8AM after breakfast at our preferred Hotel in Madonna di Campiglio.

Climate, Weather, Temperatures

The Dolomites, being on the “sunny side of the Alps” are usually blessed with lasting high-pressure systems in September. However, there is also a chance to see some snow, if a storm hits. Hence, day time temperatures can range from -5C (23F) to 25C (77F).

Lodging at the huts

• The huts are heated and provide sheets and comforters or wool blankets – however, in some of the huts the sheets/blankets are not changed between each client stay, so it is mandatory to bring a sleeping bag liner. The lightest models available are made of silk and weigh around 100 grams (1/2 pound).
• The Huts included along our route vary in size from very large to small and rustic depending on their location – all are built in magnificent settings. Some of the huts only offer coed, multi-bed bunk rooms for 10 to 14 trekkers (when fully occupied).
• When lodging in dorm rooms/ non-private rooms, you will be sleeping with your fellow trekkers and most likely other trekkers as well. If you are a sensitive sleeper, we highly recommend ear plugs, an eye mask, and perhaps a sleep aid.

Breakfasts and Dinners at the Huts

• Breakfasts typically consist of tea/coffee, bread, jams, cold cuts or ham, cheese, muesli, cereal with milk or yogurt. More remote huts may have smaller breakfast offerings. If you have your preferred cereal for breakfast, granola bar or power snack, you should probably bring it along from home, as it might not be available in the small food stores in Italian mountain villages or at the huts.
• Dinners are usually between 3- 4 courses (“mezza pensione”) which consist mostly of pasta or soup, a meat entree and dessert and/or cheese.

Lunches 

Lunches are not included in our trip packages. We recommend packing a lunch for the first day of trekking. Packed lunches are available at each hut and must be ordered the night before. If you have a guide, please discuss as a group what the next day’s lunch plans are as some group may opt to dine-in at a hut along the way.

Luggage Storage and Transfers

You can use the hotel luggage storage facilities at your own risk. Neither OnTop nor the hotel accepts any responsibility for loss of or damage to the luggage or the contents (including any valuables, even if we have been advised) during storage, the disposal process or any luggage transfers that may be part of your trip package. That being said, we have never had any issues with lost luggage during storage or transfer.

Medical/Rescue and Trip Cancellation Insurance

We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance package that does cover adventure travel. Common policies sold by travel agents or policies included in your credit card contract tend to exclude “mountaineering”  if you read through the fine print. We recommend an adventure travel policy on our website at http://ontopmountaineering.com/travel-insurance/  which our clients had good experiences with in the past. *NEW: we now recommend including covid-19/pandemic coverage with your insurance policy.

Can I Do It?

This is a very challenging trip. We spend most of our 8 hr days on via ferrata trails on most days. The Brenta itinerary often involves travelling along narrow ledges, at times with cables to clip in and to hand-rail. Those ledges are connected by steeper via ferrata sections and long, steep ladders, all of which require some upper body strength, stamina and head strength. Most via ferratas sections are rated at the expert level. All that being said, the via ferrata travel is generally easier than rock climbing and whenever metal fixture are present, you can clip into the cables / ladder rungs to rest in your harness. The first day is pretty easy and ideal to warm up to the via ferrata travel to come.

We only recommend this trip for fit hikers who have previous via ferrata and/or rock climbing experience and / or a good head for exposure. The Brenta / Bochette trails do NOT require technical climbing skills. Most participants are ambitious hikers who enjoy exposed and “airy” trails. On one of the days we tend to get to the hut early in the afternoon and the guide may offer some single pitch climbing or a peak scramble as an option.

Feedback

References of prior guests

We will gladly put potential clients in touch with previous participants of each trip in order for interested guests to get personalized references and their questions answered from a more objective point of view than what our office could provide.

Guest Feedback

“Martino was a very good guide, he was always very concerned about the safety of the group, he decided to do ferrata Sosat instead of Bocchette Alta, his reasons were far enough for me, our group was quite heterogeneous ( wide range of age, previous experience on ferratas, selfconfidence, etc).  Trip organization/communication:  Was very good from the very beginning starting with Jorg advises, Heather tips and Cathy schedules.  The itinerary was ok for me, in spite of the change of Bocchette alta for Sosat, but some short days where we arrived to the Hut at lunch time I would have preferred to take a bit longer doing the trekking to be able to enjoy the landscape and have time to take good photos, in some moments I felt doing it in a rush ,the weather was fine, and not many people were doing the trails , so we could take longer on that. All the Huts were comfortable and the food very good in Q&Q also reasonable prices of the no included items. 10/10, I will recommend On Top anyway, Thank you for a great experience!!! ” Carla S., Chile

“The trip was great. Martino was excellent and we were lucky to have such an experienced guide. It was fantastic that we climbed Cime Tosa and did some rock climbing one afternoon as well as the VF hikes. The food was better than I expected (after being in Slovenian and Swiss huts in recent months!). Yes I would recommend OnTop to friends if they are looking for guided rather than independent trips. Thanks for an excellent trip. ” Elanie P., Australia

“Guide (Martino) performance: OUTSTANDING. PATIENT, LOW-KEY, COMPETENT, GENTLE HUMOR. ON TWO OCCASIONS HE SET UP TOP-ROPES AND LED CLIMBS WHEN WE ARRIVED AT TWO HUTS. OUR SON AND DAUGHTER IN LAW REALLY ENJOYED THAT UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITY! WE COULD NOT HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER GUIDE. SO THANKFUL FOR HIS EXPERTISE.
General trip organization / communication from our side: ALL FINE – NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. BTW – WE NEVER GOT ASKED FOR ANY IDENTIFICATION AT ANY OF THE HUTS, BUT WE HAD WITH US AS SUGGESTED.
Itinerary: THE 5-DAY VIA FERRATA WAS PERFECT FOR OUR GROUP OF 6. WE GOT A GREAT SAMPLING OF THE VARIOUS HUTS, THE DOLOMITES, THE MOUNTAIN CULTURE. ON THE 2ND DAY, I OPTED FOR THE “EASY ROUTE” AROUND TO THE 2ND HUT AS MY FEET HURT SO BADLY. THE TRIFECTA OF PACK WEIGHT, UNFORGIVING ROCK SURFACES AND DESCENDING JUST IS TOO MUCH FOR MY ANYMORE. AFTER THAT ONE DAY, WE WERE ALL TOGETHER FOR THE REMAINING TRIP. (too many years (40+) of chasing tennis balls on hard courts, running races on asphalt and backpack trips has caught up with my feet)
Lodging/Food quantity and quality: EXCELLENT ON ALL FRONTS. WE ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE HOTEL ARISTON, ANDRE AND THE FAMILY-RUN ATMOSPHERE. IT WAS A GREAT PLACE TO START AND END THE TRIP. WISH WE HAD STAYED IN MADONNA ANOTHER DAY EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER.
“Based on your experiences on this trip, and on a scale of 1-10, how likely are you to recommend OnTop to your friends?”
10 – REALLY. WE WOULD HAPPILY RECOMMEND ONTOP TO ANY AND ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN TRIPS YOU OFFER. THAT SAID, THE ‘OLD GREY MARE’ TYPING THIS IS STEPPING BACK THESE MORE EXTREME ADVENTURES – although Martino told us he did the via ferrata with his Dad when there were no clip in set. I believe he was still in diapers too! – I’M GOING FOR THE TRIPS THAT ACTUALLY HAVE VEGETATION IN THE EQUATION! LIKE MEADOWS, FLOWERS AND TREES.” Trish & Tennis O., UT, USA

” We have had such a fantastic trip – so thank you firstly. Martino was a perfect guide. Very knowledgable and willing to go out of his way to help. For example he sorted out some rock climbing one afternoon when we arrived early which was a real highlight. He spoke good English and was fun to have around. Trip organisation was clear and communication was very prompt.
The lodging standard was far higher than we expected so perhaps it may be worth highlighting this on your marketing. We are five hungry guys and we were always full after big suppers. It was always great when the huts provided a towel. One point to mention was the short days were sometimes a little too short and anything extra to do in the afternoon would have been great. 10/10. We will certainly recommend (and have already done so) you guys.”
—James E., United Kingdom

” The brenta trip went really well and both Carter and I really liked Christjan. Great guide and nice guy. ”
—Trent and Carter M., Canada.

” Paul and Christjan were both very good. Both were professional, personable and nice to spend time with. I give them the highest marks. Lodging and food quality were excellent with exception of the Tuckett hut where the lodging was was not as good as the other three huts. Still, I enjoyed my stay at Tuckett and wouldn’t remove it for any reason.
With respect to everything else, I rate the trip a 10 out of ten and currently rates as the best trip I have ever done. I will recommend it to friends and plan to find another trip with your organization for next year. My thanks and very warm regards for everyone that helped to make this trip unbelievable. ”
—Charlie A., USA