We stayed at Camping Olympia, just north of Cortina d’Ampezzo. The campsite is decent enough, and very well positioned for a wide range of mountain areas, with several via ferrata accessible by foot from the campsite itself.
Although some protected paths pre-date the First World War (being used to ease access to some of the higher climbing areas in the range) it was during and following the war that the iron ways became widely used. Many of the routes now equipped for sport started out as a means for troops to access precarious observation posts, and relics of barbed wire, trenches and dugouts are a regular feature of the mountain scenery even today. The other main relic of those terrible years is the large number of tunnels that remain, some dug through entire mountains (such as those in Kleine Lagazuoi, which can be navigated in their entirety from top to bottom even today).
The modern day Alpine Troops still train to navigate and fight at altitude, and they are responsible for building several very well equipped via ferrata in recent years.
The Dolomites of course are also home to some classic rock climbing, with perhaps one of the most recognisable massifs in the European alps, the mighty Tres Cime.
With a fair network of cable cars and ski-lifts that run during the summer months for the benefit of walkers and climbers, it is very easy to get up to proper altitude. Revealing stunning views in every direction
The via ferrata themselves obviously lend themselves to drama, with a great combination of stunning exposure, and (mostly) excellent protection.
The routes vary and are graded to reflect their differing nature. On the harder routes however you will find a combination of wire protection, stemples (large metal staples used as steps), wire bridges and ladders.
The Dolomites, as with most alpine areas, do have their greener side, with some very beautiful green meadows marking the lower slopes. In the background though, the peaks are never far away.
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