Climbing Marmolada via the West Ridge via ferrata, Dolomites
Reach the highest point in the Dolomites on this 1-day ascent to the summit of the beautiful Marmolada via the spectacular West Ridge Via Ferrata.
Private
Dolomite Mountains
1 Day
Jun - Oct
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Reach the highest point in the Dolomites.
- Enjoy a thrilling via ferrata in a high-altitude environment.
- Relax and have a meal in the summit at Rifugio Capanna Punta Penia
Description
Climbing Marmolada is an experience you will never forget. At 3,343 meters, the “Queen of the Dolomites” is the highest summit of the range. On this 1-day adventure, you will have the chance to discover one of its stunning faces.
The main peaks of the massif are Gran Vernel, Piccolo Vernel, Punta Rocca, Punta Penia and Pizzo Serauta.
Its southern side is an impressive cliff wall, a challenge for mountaineers from all over the world, while its western side is a gentle slope forming a basin covered by the largest glacier of the Dolomites. At the foot of Marmolada’s southern side, the beautiful and charming Val Pettorina valley stretches out with the village of Rocca Pietore and its picturesque hamlets at its foot.
Climbing Marmolada is a great way to discover the many faces of this beautiful peak.
The Marmolada West Ridge via ferrata to Punta Penia offers a thrilling high-altitude experience without major technical challenges. Though the trail includes steep, slippery sections, it remains well-secured, particularly in more demanding areas, and features engaging stretches across a glacier.
This equipped route, ascending the Marmolada West Ridge, is supported by metal wires and brackets, with an elevation gain of 450 meters (1280 meters for the entire excursion).
Starting at Passo Fedaia, the approach takes hikers across the Ghiacciaio del Vernel glacier and up to Forcella della Marmolada, where the via ferrata begins at around 3000m. The descent can be done either the same west ridge, or via the normal north side route through the glacier.
So, are you ready to discover the might and glory of the queen of the Dolomites? Then contact us now and let’s start planning an unforgettable adventure to the top of Marmolada!
If you are interested in doing the normal route ascent, you can check this option for the Marmolada ascent.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Harness
- Helmet
- Group equipment
Price details
- All the technical gear for the glacier and via ferrata is included in the price.
- You need to bring appropiate boots (Hiking or approach shoes or boots with semirigid sole are the ideal footwear for this trip. Sneackers are not recommended, as they can be quite slippery).
Details
Accommodation
Let me know if you are interested in doing this trip in 2 days. There's a beautiful refuge at the summit of Marmolada where we can sleep and go back on day 2. For this option you'll have to pay the guiding fee for 2 days, plus accomodation and meals for you and the guide.
Meeting point
FAQs
Which route will we take to summit Marmolada?
We will take the West Ridge via ferrata route to summit Marmolada, starting from Fedaia Lake at 2000m.
How fit do I need to be to summit Marmolada?
You need to be fit and exercise regularly to summit Marmolada. Keep in mind we are going to hike and climb for around 8 to 10 hours, with an elevation gain of 1300m
Is the Marmolada west ridge ascent suitable for beginners?
I don't recommend this trip for absolute beginners. If you never did a via ferrata before, I recommend you to do first easier via ferratas such as Masare and Degli Alpini.
You can check more options 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 Fedaia lake, at 2000 Mt in Fedaia Pass. The meeting point with the guide is Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada.
Where do you recommend staying the day before for this trip?
Ideally you should stay in the Fassa valley for the Marmolada ascent, because we start very early in the morning from Fedaia lake (at 6/7 am).
What's included in the price?
The price includes the guiding fee and the via ferrata and glacier equipment. Boots are 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 and glacier sections is included in the price, so you don't have to rent anything.
What kind of shoes or boots should I bring for this trip?
Hiking or approach shoes or boots with semi-rigid or fairly stiff sole are the ideal footwear for via ferrata, as you have to be comfortable climbing on metal ladder rungs and walking on rocks. Sneakers are not recommended, as they can be quite slippery.
Do you offer also the North side normal route ascent to Marmolada?
Yes, you can check this option here: https://www.explore-share.com/trip/via-ferrata-marmolada-dolomites/
Can I join a group tour to do a via ferrata?
Yes, I offer weekly group departures for the Alpini via ferrata near Cortina. You can check all the information here: https://www.explore-share.com/trip/1-day-via-ferrata-dolomites-cortina/
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Renato & Guides' team
4.8
(335)
Mountain Guide
Hi! I'm Renato, IFMGA guide from the Dolomites, and I work together with my colleagues Robert, Patrick & Walter (German speaking), Paolo, Matteo and Davide.
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
What people are saying about this trip
Collin
Renato was a great guide with a lot of knowledge
Will
Wonderful experience. Highly professional guide with a wealth of knowledge about the mountains and culture. Highly recommended!!!!
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