Ferrata dei Finanzieri, Canazei (Colac)

The Ferrata dei Finanzieri climbs the NW Face of the Colac. This mountain, seen from Canazei in the early morning light, is not particularly attractive and some even consider it repulsive. The ferrata however leads up to its summit and one of the most spectacular views onto the Marmolada and the Sella massif. Technically speaking the section at half-height up steep, stepped terrain is the most demanding both physically and mentally and should pose no particular problems as the ferrata is well-equipped throughout.

Getting there: From Canazei in Val di Fassa drive to Alba and the cable car Funivia del Ciampac. Take this to the top at 2170 m.

Access: From the cable car descend along the piste east to a small artificial lake. Walk up the opposite slope along a narrow path past hairpin bends to the start and the first cables (15 mins).

Ascent: The ferrata begins immediately with an equipped section that leads to a path which continues leftwards to the base of a large sloping ramp directly beneath a steep vertical face. Climb up the ramp, keeping close to the wall: the ramp poses no particular difficulties but is covered in rubble and scree. After a short descent climb up a steeper section that leads to the ferrata’s crux. Ascend this difficult, vertical face via a series of stepped terrain (well-equipped). The face soon levels out and the ferrata continues more easily over less demanding terrain. A steep section leads to the final gully and then, leftwards, to the finishing crest. Follow this directly to the summit.

Descent: From the summit scramble down the SE face past sections equipped with cables. The route now leads pleasantly onto the Ciampac face before descending steeply (cables) onto the Contrin face. Traverse beneath beautiful yellow/grey limestone towers and descend a gully on its right to the metal cables. A nice path now traverses at altitude before rising up to Forcia Neigra at 2509m and then descending quickly SW to Ciampac.

Surce: www.dolomiti.org

Val di Fassa - Territory and Nature

The Val di Fassa, in the heart of the Dolomites, occupies the northeastern corner of Trentino, on the borders of the provinces of Bolzano (Alto Adige) and Belluno (Veneto). It is reachable accross different resorts: from the south across the San Lugano Pass and the Val di Fiemme, from the north across the Costalunga or Sella Passes and from the east across the Pordoi, Fedaia and San Pellegrino Passes. There are seven municipalities: Moena, Soraga, Vigo di Fassa, Pozza di Fassa, Mazzin di Fassa, Campitello di Fassa and Canazei. It is crossed by the River Avisio which then flows through the Fiemme and Cembra valleys into the River Adige near Trento.
The Val di Fassa. Mountains of legend, culture, traditions, sport and much more to be discovered amongst these enchanted mountains, the kingdom of the legendary King Laurino. The famous king was the guardian of this enchanted valley, where even today a fire is lit every evening at dusk giving origin to the unforgettable phenomenon of light called Enrosadira. Over time the Ladins of the Valle di Fassa have guarded this valley of incomparable beauty, stretching over about 20 km and surrounded by some of the Dolomites’ most famous peaks: Roda di Vael, Catinaccio, Sassolungo, the Sella group, Pordoi, Monzoni, over which Marmolada stands undisputed. Since tourism began in the nineteenth century the Val di Fassa has opened its doors to an ever-increasing clientele, making the most of its economic potential. Tourism today has become the principal industry of the valley and the results are tangible. There is a large network of paths and walks, endless opportunities for sport and relaxation, tradition and culture, hospitality and fun, and nine ski resorts with 200 km of pistes.

Surce: www.fassa.com

Dolomites Skyrace

Canazei, JULY 29, 2007

Dolomites Skyrace is one of the most important high mountain races. It celebrates its 10th year and is one of the prestigious 2007 World Championship races. The course passes through paths, mule tracks, screes and snowfields, at the feet of the most impressive Dolomite peaks.The race starts in Canazei (m. 1.450); competitors then go up to Passo Pordoi (m. 2.239), the world renowned mountain pass that is the destination for thousands of mountain lovers from all over the world that reach it thanks to the "Strada delle Dolomiti" (the Road of the Dolomites) and that has been the arrival of many epic stages of the Italian Cycling Tour over the years.

From Passo Pordoi, competitors climb up to the col of Sass Pordoi (m. 2.829), and finally reach the highest peak of the Sella Massif, i.e. Piz Boè (m. 3.152).

From there, competitors begin to go down and after passing near to the alpine lodge Rifugio Boè they run along the magnificent Val Lasties to reach Canazei again.

The course has a vertical drop of 1.750 metres and is 22 km long.

Website:

http://www.dolomiteskyrace.com/

Cortina Apine Guides

The Dolomites are always been considered a paradise for all the real alpinists. From the first nobles who climbed up to the summit to see the world from the top, to the hunters who chased their preys along ledges and gorges, to the curious who climbed just to arrive a little further, all these have been the pioneers of the alpinism. From that time, things have changed a lot, equipment are different and techniques evolved as well as the aim of the alpinists. Classic itineraries are always there, they are always the same and shout always the same defiance. The Apine Guide will help you go over again the tracks of the first climbers, you will reach the summit following different difficult routes. Prices of these ascents vary according to length and difficulty grade.

http://www.guidecortina.com

Vie Ferrate in the Tofane Group

Ferrata Gianni Aglio


The ferrata leads up the highest of the three Tofane. When joined to the Giuseppe Olivieri ferrata at Punta Anna (see related itinerary) it makes up a long and difficult, but highly satisfying traverse for the well-trained. Even though the route is made easier by the cable car which leads to the summit, because of its height and the possibility of bad weather it shouldn’t be taken lightly.


Getting there
From Cortina take the “Freccia nel Cielo” cable car as far as the second station of Rif. Ra Valles.


Access
The starting point, unless coming from the G. Olivieri Ferrata or the Sentiero attrezzato G. Olivieri, is the middle station of the Ra Valles cable car. From here, ignore signs for the “Olivieri” and Punta Anna, and ascend (SW) along the marked path to the Doss de Tofana, where the ferrata begins (2900m).


Ascent
From the Doss de Tofana, after some steps and a vertical drop, equipped with a ladder, the itinerary leads onto the SW face and along ledges to the Torre Gianni Aglio gorge. Use the fixed cables to traverse the east face of the Torre (difficult and exposed, keep rope tight). After another airy traverse on the north face, reach the large Bus de Tofane “window” at 2920m up steps and rubble. It is possible to descend the scree slope from here to path no. 403, which links to Rifugio Giussani and Rifugio Dibona. For the summit, however, continue up slopes (at times snowy) and, after a ramp with avalanche barriers and two vertical drops equipped with ladders, follow the marked rocky path to the cross at the summit.


Descent
Descend to the Rifugio Cima Tofana and the cable car station. N.B. the last descent is at 16.00!



Surce: http://www.dolomiti.org/


Enjoy the Dolomites with Accommodation Dolomites

Cortina: Hotel Villa Argentina

In Cortina d'Ampezzo, Dolomites, Hotel villa Argentina (3 stars) is a house of great tradition, for its high-quality services. At the dawn of 1900 it was just a small inn, to host the first tourists travelling along the Road of the Dolomites that had just been built. In the 1920s it was transformed into a pension and this marked the beginning of the hotel activities. The hotel has always been run by the same family, who have put all their enthusiasm and commitment to satisfy the guests of this enchanting site in the best possible way.

In the summer season as well, Hotel Villa Argentina is a dream spot for tourists. From the hotel you can set out on a number of hikes or beautiful walks through the woods. And the perfectly equipped wide park adds to the hotel's attraction for those seeking a relaxing holiday.

Enjoy your stay in the Dolomites with Italia Lodging - Charming Hotels in Italy

PANORAMAPASS: only one pass for all the lifts in the Val di Fassa
This summer the mountains are closer than ever! The Panoramapass, our "summer skipass", gives you the possibility of using not only all the lifts open in the Val di Fassa in summer but also the Sellarondabus and the local busses. Moving from one place the other will be incredibly easy and comfortable thanks to this special card. You’ll be able to discover and get to know the Dolomites, from Marmolada to Pordoi, from Sassolungo to Catinaccio, Monzoni and Costabella group, go for a hike or just sit down and enjoy the sun and the view from a refuge. Panoramapass is a special card that gives free access to all the lifts open in summer in the Val di Fassa (unlimited number of trips per day). The pass can be bought at the lift ticket office.

http://www.accommodation-dolomites.com