Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites Volume 2 : 77 routes in the southern Dolomites a?? Brenta, Lake Garda, Pale di San Martino

With explosive shapes and unique colours, the Dolomites can be regarded as the crown jewels of the European alpine range. Via Ferratas are a range of protected routes, with fixed cables, ladders and even gorge-spanning bridges, which aid ascent to places usually reserved for expert rock climbers. This guidebook covers 77 via ferrata routes in the Italian Dolomites, covering the southern Dolomites, Brenta and Lake Garda regions.

Routes range from 1 to 60km (½-37 miles) and take 1 to 12 hours, with some options combining into longer multi-day excursions. For the high mountains the season runs from June until late September, though lower altitude routes in Lake Garda, Adige valley and 'Piccole Dolomiti' (Vicenza and Rovereto) can be climbed throughout the year. The routes are suitable for walkers, scramblers and climbers who are comfortable with exposure.

Routes are graded by technical difficulty and seriousness, requiring helmet, harness and via ferrata lanyard. Coverage includes Brenta, Lake Garda, Trento, Schiara, Südtirol, Civetta and Pale di San Martino. 1:50,000 maps are provided for each route, plus photo topos, alongside practical advice on equipment, safety and choosing the best base. Part of a two-volume set, Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites Volume 1 is also available.