Rosengarten Dolomites Via Ferrata Hut Trek

Rosengarten Dolomites Via Ferrata Itinerary

Please note 

Due to the lack of a generally accepted grading system for via ferrata (every via ferrata guide book has its own grading system), we describe the via ferrata used in this itinerary with general terms for difficulty and duration as well as indicate the time commonly required. Judging how long a via ferrata takes by merely the vertical and horizontal distance that is being travelled can be hugely deceiving as it may take several hours to travel a kilometre on a via ferrata while on a good hiking trail it usually takes 15 minutes, not to mention if conditions are adverse. We describe some but not all of the trip options available depending on the participant’s abilities and preferences as well as weather and mountain conditions at the time.

Please keep in mind that the following program may have to be adjusted to group abilities and preferences, weather and mountain conditions at the time at the discretion of the guide.

Arrival/ Travel Day:

Arrive in Canazei in the Fassa Valley by public transportation (scheduled buses from Bozen / Bolzano main station) or rental car & settle into the hotel. Please use this day to pack your trekking bag and prepare a lunch for Day 1 of the itinerary.

Rosengarten / Catanaccio Hut to Hut Traverse

Day 1: Passo Sella – Oscar Schuster Klettersteig – Plattkofel Peak – Plattkofel Hut / Rifugio Sasso Piatto

After breakfast, meet your guide for a trip briefing and distribution of rental gear. 15 min drive to the Sella Pass (2160m ), from where we have several options to reach the Plattkofel Hut / Rifugio Sasso Piatto (2300m ):
a) Gondola ride to the spectacular Langkofel / Sassolungo Notch (2680m )Via Ferrata Oscar Schuster to the summit of the Plattkofel / Sasso Piatto (2960m ), to enjoy one of the best views of the Western Dolomites. Descent to the Plattkofel Hut / Rifugio Sasso Piatto (2300m ).
b) In times of snow coverage during the early or late season, the Col Rodella via ferrata offers a shorter but beautiful and usually dry via ferrata facing south followed by a panoramic high-level trail (Friedrich August Weg) to the Plattkofel Hut / Rifugio Sasso Piatto (2300m ) 6 hrs.
c) The Plattkofel Hut / Rifugio Sasso Piatto (2300m ) can also be reached by two scenic non-technical hiking trails on either side of the Langkofel / Sassolungo

700m = 2,300ft climb, 1070m = 3,500 ft descent, 5.8km= 3.6 mi distance. 6.5 hrs total for the day with about 3 hrs on the Oscar Schuster via ferrata.

Day 2:  Maximilans Klettersteig / Via Ferrata – Tierser Alpl Hut

A beautiful panoramic trail with prime views of the highest and most glaciated peak of the Dolomites, the Marmolada, leads us to the Tirser Alpl Hut (2440m) in about 2.5 hrs, more of a mountain lodge than a hut with warm showers. With a light pack we set off to traverse the “Rosszaehne” (horse teeth) and Roterdspitze (2690m) on the relatively easy but wildly exposed Maximilan Klettersteig / Via Ferrata and return in a loop back to the Tierser Alpl Hut for the night.

750m = 2470ft climb, 630m = 2080ft descent, 11km = 6.9mi distance including the full Maximiliansteig via ferrata, 6-7 hrs with options to shorten the via ferrata.

Day 3:  Laurenzi Via Ferrata – Antermoja Hut – Rifugio Passo Principe / Grasleitenpass Hut

We start out the day with a relatively easy scramble to the Molignon Pass. From there starts the Laurenzi Via Ferrata, probably the most challenging via ferrata of the trip – largely following an airy crest all the way to the Molignon Peak (2850m) and down to the Antermoja Hut (2500 m) for late lunch. We retrace our steps for a few minutes, traverse the Antermoja Pass and arrive at the Grassleitenpass Hut / Rif. Passo Principe (2600 m) for lodging.

Alternatively, for an easier day, we can also skip the Laurenzi Via Ferrata and take one of two largely non-technical trails to the Rifugio Passo Principe while still maintaining the option of climbing the Kesselkogel / Catanaccio D’Anermoia by via an easier via ferrata traverse route.

800m = 2640ft climb, 640m = 2100ft descent, 7.1km = 4.4mi distance. 6 hrs total walking time with about 3.5 hrs on the Laureni Via Ferrata

Day 4: Rifugio Passo Principe / Grasleitenpass Hut – Kesselkogel / Antermoja Via Ferrata – Vajolet Hut – Santnerpass Hut

Usually, we start the day with the via ferrata traverse of the Kesselkogel / Catanaccio D’Anermoia (3020 m ) which is optional as we will return to the hut again (about 4 hrs round trip). We descend on an easy trail to the Vajolet Hut (2240m) for late lunch. With a few cables to handrail along, we will climb past the famous Vajolet Towers and the Gartl Hut to the Santnerpass Hut (2740m). The hut has been entirely rebuilt in 2021/22 and offers stunning views to the glaciated peaks of the Ortler and Presanella / Adamello ranges. One of our new favorites in the Dolomites!

1080m = 3560ft climb, 960m = 3170ft descent, 5.7km = 3.6mi distance, 7 hrs with about 4 hrs spent on the Kesselkogel via ferrata.

Day 5: Santnerpass Hut – Santnerpass Via Ferrata – Forcella Coronelle – Roda di Vael Hut

Descent on the moderate Santerpass Klettersteig / Via Ferrata for about 2 hrs, then we re-ascend easier with occasional fixed rope protection to the Coronelle Pass (2570m), then on easier trails via the Zigolade Pass to the Roda di Vael Hut (2280m) for lodging.

560m = 1,850ft climb, 1020m = 3,370ft descent, 8km = 5mi distance. 6 hrs with about 2 hrs spent on the Santnersteig via ferrata.

Alternatively, easier and faster but busy and less scenic is the route via Koelner Hut (2340m) and Hirzelweg to the Rotwand / Roda di Vael Hut (2280m).

Day 6: Masaree Via Ferrata – Rotwand Via Ferrata traverse – Paolina Chairlift

A super-classic via ferrata saved for the last day: A short walk takes us to the Maseree via ferrata – a beautiful ridge traverse with many exciting sections, possibly one of the best via ferratas in the Dolomites. Ideally we continue with a via ferrata traverse of the Rotwand / Roda Da Vael (2806m) and descend to the Paolina chairlift, which takes us effortless down to the Karerpass.

850m = 2,800ft climb, 1000m = 3300ft descent, 5.6km = 3.5 mi distance, 6 hrs with the majority spent on via ferrata.

Alternatively, we skip the Rotwand / Roda di Vael via ferrata and loop back to the hut to pick up our overnight gear. From there we can pick one of two panoramic hiking trails either to Campedie or Paolina, where a gondola takes us back to the main road for taxi pick up to return to our hotel in Canazei or optional into the town of Bozen / Bolzano for the first night, which is only a 30min drive away.

Departure/Travel Day:

Trip concludes after breakfast.

Detail and Logistics

Meeting Point

Meet on the first hiking day at 8.00AM at your hotel (lodging and breakfast included in trip price) for a trip briefing, distribution of rental gear followed by a taxi ride to the first trailhead.

Climate, Weather, Temperatures

The Dolomites, being on the “sunny side of the Alps” are usually blessed with favourable weather. However, as anywhere in the mountains, there is also a chance to see some snow, if a storm hits. This is rare in July and August but can happen in June and September. Day time temperatures can range from -5C (23F) to 25C (77F).

Can I Do It?

Our Rosengarten Western Dolomites Via Ferrata Trek is meant as an advanced via ferrata trip best suitable for participants who already have experience with via ferrata, scrambling and / or rock climbing. The trip may also work for fit and athletic via ferrata beginners who are not easily intimated by exposed trails and drop offs. Most days will see you on your feet for 6 – 8 hrs at a moderate pace and involve frequent scrambling on via ferratas, which is less strenuous in a cardio-vascular sense but requires good general fitness and head-strength to be comfortable on exposed trails that may or may not feature via ferrata fixtures.

One strength of the itinerary is the high level of flexibility to adjust the program to adverse weather or the group’s preferences. Most days offer multiple alternatives to arrive at the destination and / or we reach our destination by early afternoon and guests have the option between another via ferrata, a peak ascent or relaxing with a good book and a cappuccino on the hut terrace. On a custom trip basis, our guests have a daily choice between via ferrata itinerary and non-technical hiking trail while still arriving at the same destination every day. It also gives couples the option to split up for part of the day and reunite in the afternoon upon arrival at our daily destination.

Transport Options/Closest Airport

Our Rosengarten Via Ferrata Hut Trek begins in Canazei TN , Val di Fassa

For the Western Dolomites (Gardena and Fassa Valley) the closest airports are in sequence:
Bozen / Bolzano: 51 km = 50 min (small airport, not many connections)
Innsbruck – Austria: 120 km = 1.45 hrs (small airport, not many connections)
Verona: 190 km = 2.10 hrs
Venice Marco Polo: 200km = 3.20 hrs (via Cortina and Val Badia)
Munich: 320 km = 3.5 hrs (large airport, fast highway and train connections via Innsbruck)
Milan: 360 km = 3.45 hrs (large airport, fast highway and train connections)

By Car:
The Fassa Valley is best reached from the Eisack / Isarco Valley to the west, which hosts the Brenner Pass highway and the main train line connecting Germany and Austria with Italy.

Public Transport:

From the South (Bozen / Bolzano, Verona, Venice, Milan)

1. Train with via Trentitalia to Bozen / Bolzano

2. Bus Transport: line 180 from the train station in Bozen to the town Pera di Fassa. Takes about 1.15 hrs and departs 3 x hour from Bozen in summer. From there you can jump on the local bus going up and down the Fassa Valley departing every 15-30mins. It should be about 20 min bus ride from Pera to Canazei depending on traffic.

From the North (Munich / Innsbruck / Vienna)

1. Train to Brixen / Bressanone

If you arrive Munich, then train with Deutsche Bahn DB to Bressanone / Brixen

If you arrive Innsbruck, train with SBB services to Brixen / Bressanone

If you arrive Vienna, train with OEBB services to Brixen / Bressanone

2. Bus Transport: An hourly bus departs at the train station,  Click here for the local bus transport from Brixen/Bressanone to Selva di Val Gardena, from Selva, you will bus to Canazei.

Total travel time by train from Venice – Bozen for example is around 2.5 hrs, to Brixen from Munich about 3.5 hrs.

Please inquire for pricing should you be interested in a private shuttle transfer.

We also gladly assist you with your public transport logistics

Rosengarten Dolomites Via Ferrata Gear List .PDF

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

Considerations

Packing for a mountain trip is a balancing act. You want your pack to be as light as possible so you can truly enjoy the trek. But you also need to have enough gear to be warm (or cool), comfortable, and well-fed and watered. When buying, renting, or borrowing gear for the trip, please keep weight, performance, and function in mind.

Technical Gear

Provided by OnTop Mountaineering, Upon Request:

The following equipment will be provided to you by OnTop Mountaineering for the duration of your trek. This rental is included as part of your trip package. Should you not require the use of this gear, please inform your Trip Coordinator.

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

Bring or Rent the Following:

• Light trekking boot or sturdy approach shoe with a fairly stiff sole for walking over rocky terrain and for climbing ladders and rungs
• Daypack (30-40 liters) with rain cover specific to the pack
• Good quality, thin, well-fitting leather gloves, preferably fingerless. Bike and belay gloves work well.
• Lightweight, collapsible hiking poles*
• Yaktrax-type traction devices that fit your boots or shoes (for early and late season trips)
• Short summer gaiters (for early and late season trips)*

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 of good quality trekking socks
• Warm hat that covers your ears
• Lightweight synthetic or wool gloves
• Sun hat, preferably with a wide rim
• Spare socks and underwear
• Bandana or Buff*

Lodging

• Sleeping bag liner for the huts – silk is lightest (MANDATORY for HUT LODGING)
• Toiletries and small towel (quick-drying/ microfiber)
• Cash – euros for lunches, drinks, snacks, showers, etc.
• Ear plugs**
• Light hut slippers or crocs*
• Alpine Club card*

Other items

• Lightweight, packable backpack (foldable backpack that easily fits inside your pocket when not in use. Useful for via ferrata side trips when you can leave you 30-40L pack at a hut)
• Sunglasses with high UV protection
• Sunscreen and lip protection with high SPF
• One or two, one-liter 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.)
• Passport, health and travel insurance documents
• Toilet paper – small amount for daytime emergencies
• Light stuff sacs/ Ziploc bags to keep your daypack organized and important items dry**
• Smartphone with charging cable**
• Portable power bank*
• Pocket knife*
• Water purification tablets or small personal water filtration system*
• Hand sanitizer or sanitary hand wipes*
• Small container bug spray or cream*
• Camera and charger*
• Compass, maps, GPS, altimeter watch*
• Feminine hygiene supplies*
• Adaptor for European charging system*

Rosengarten Dolomites Via Ferrata Custom Trips / Private Group Pricing

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
7 participants: 12% discount from our advertised per person price

For groups larger than 7, please reach out to us for a custom quote.

Custom Trips

Custom trips are available any time from June – September, any duration > 2 days

Feedback

“Hello On Top Crew, Greg and I just finished unpacking from a VERY FABULOUS trip. We truly feel blessed to have spend 5 amazing days climbing around the Dolomites with Christjan. Your team did a great job from the start. I appreciated Jorg and crew answering my questions prompting and helping us choose the right trip for us. The logistics went smoothly and everything thing seemed well planed. Christjan- you exceeded our expectations with your knowledge and expertise. I was a bit nervous a few times during areas with high exposure, but you made me feel very confident. We truly appreciated your experience with weather and good judgment. We really enjoyed you’re company. Thank you for allowing us to experience such an amazing and breathtaking place!!! Good luck with all your endeavors. Thank you all for such an AMAZING TRIP!! Hope to see you next year!” Lacey and Greg W., CA, USA

” With 10 being highest, probably 9…I had a great trip, and you guys did a great job from headquarters…scenery and itinerary were A++…guides were not a highlight of the trip, but they were authentic and competent…food was generally very good.
For someone thinking about a hiking trip to dolomites I would insist they check you guys out..
I would absolutely do another ON TOP trip! But a great experience and total success! Already miss my climbing buddies! ”
Stewart C., USA

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