Via Ferrata Custom Trips & Private Guiding
Alps / Italy + Switzerland + Austria + France + Germany
Custom via ferrata trips in the Dolomites, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and France
Day trips, hut-to-hut or valley-based
All year round, all levels of difficulty
Via ferrata routes include the use of cables, ladders, rungs, and occasional bridges and zip lines to facilitate safe passage across exposed mountain faces and ridges. The first via ferrata routes were built and used by soldiers in Italy’s Dolomites during World War I. Many of these historic routes are still in use, but via ferrata climbing has become a sport in itself and the development of new routes is ongoing throughout Europe.
Climbing fantastic via ferrata routes on perfect limestone amongst stunning scenery is only part of the attraction. Each day we will lap up the luxuries and views offered at the high mountain huts or, on valley based trips, we will enjoy the sights and tastes of the surrounding villages. Each country has a genuinely distinct culture and history, and castles, vineyards, and medieval villages are dotted throughout the landscape.
Having organized well over 1,000 guided via ferrata trips since 1996, we consider ourselves THE via ferrata specialist in Europe. The only tough decision you need to make is, “Where to go?”
- The historic World War I via ferratas in the Dolomites, scattered amongst modern routes
- Athletic, adrenaline-inducing via ferratas in France, Germany, and Switzerland
- A via ferrata hut-to-hut trek in Austria or the Italian Dolomites
- A high-mountain via ferrata with glacier travel
- A front country via ferrata – close to the comforts of quaint mountain villages
Tell us the ingredients of your perfect custom via ferrata trip and we will gladly give you a proposal at no obligation.
2027 Pricing
from€130EUR / person
HIGHLIGHTS
- Choose from five European countries
- Fully catered huts, quaint hotels
- Warm climate in Provence and Garda Lake regions
- Short approaches and descents with chairlifts and gondolas
- Ideal for families and groups
DIFFICULTY
- Any level – Beginner to Advanced
Detail and Logistics
Need Ideas for your custom via ferrata trip? We can help with that.
Italy
Cortina
Alleghe
Madonna di Campiglio
Lake Garda
France
Chamonix
Marseille(Provence)
Switzerland
Lauterbrunnen
Zermatt
Austria
Innsbruck
Neustift (Stubai)
Germany
Mittenwald
Garmish
Customize It
We can provide you with a quote for a custom package that includes any or all of the following:
- Mountain guide + guide expenses
- Valley-based hotel lodging with ensuite bathrooms and breakfast
- Mountain hut or mountain lodge accommodation in either private rooms, small shared rooms, or dorm rooms. Half board (dinner and breakfast) meal plan included
- Airport transportation
- Transportation (via private taxi, with guide, or bus) during trip
- Luggage transfer (only available in some locations)
The options are endless.
The beauty of private guiding and custom trip packages is the flexibility to make it your own. Whether you have a vision for your trip or need some help, we will help turn the dream into reality.
When to Go
Via ferrata season is generally from mid-June to early October in the Alps and Dolomites. Year-round trips are possible in the Mediterranean climates of Provence in the South of France and Arco / Garda Lake in northern Italy.
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
You need to have a good, overall level of fitness for any via ferrata trip. For the easier via ferrata trips, only hiking experience is necessary. For some of the difficult via ferrata trips, you need prior via ferrata or rock climbing experience.
The difficulty of the routes ranges from easy, but exposed ridge walks with cables for hand-railing to “sport via ferratas” with overhanging sections that will both challenge your upper body strength and your courage!
Tell us your experience and comfort levels, and we’ll find the right trip for you!
Via Ferrata Day Trip Gear List
Via Ferrata Day Trip Gear List.PDF
Please download a PDF copy to use as a checklist when preparing for your trip.
Technical Gear
Provided by OnTop Mountaineering:
The following equipment will be provided to you by OnTop Mountaineering for the duration of your day trips. 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
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 (18-20L 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)*
Legend:
Early and Late Season Trips: June and September can be considered early and late season trips – depending on residual snowpack (June) or early snow/colder temps (September)
*Optional
**Optional but recommended
Clothing
Please dress for the weather. 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. 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. Examples:
- Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Lightweight wind and water-resistant over pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Lightweight synthetic climbing 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
- Warm hat, covering your ears
- Lightweight synthetic gloves
- Sun hat, preferably with a wide rim
- Bandana or Buff (optional)
Other Items
- Sunglasses with high UV protection
- Sunscreen and lip protection with high SPF
- One or two, one-liter water bottles
- Headlamp with new battery (for Lagazuoi Tunnels only*)
- Your favourite hiking snacks – candy bars, dried fruit, nuts, etc.
- Personal first aid kit and other needs (eg. blister kit, prescription medicine, anti-inflammatory, contact lenses, prescription glasses, etc.)
- Small container bug spray or cream*
- Camera and charger*
2027 PRICES
The rates quoted are base rates per person, per day, and per guide for average day trips in each region, commonly up to 8 hours door to door.
1 Participant: EUR € 570
2 Participants: EUR € 285
3 Participants: EUR € 200
4 Participants: EUR € 165
5 Participants: EUR € 145
6 Participants: EUR € 130
Minimum two days engagement
For groups larger than 6 we would add a 2nd guide
CUSTOM TRIP DEPARTURES
- June-October in the Alps and Dolomites
- Year-round in Provence, France and Lake Garda, Italy
- Custom trips of any duration with a 2-day minimum
TRIP INCLUSIONS
- 1 day of guiding by an internationally certified (UIAGM / IFMGA), English-speaking mountain guide or aspirant under supervision
- All expenses of your guide such as driving, food etc.
- Equipment use: Harnesses, helmets, and shock absorber set for via ferratas
Not Included:
- Transportation and parking/road tolls for participants
- Insurance
- Anything not mentioned above
Want to Make it an Overnight Trip?
Additional costs could include:
- Overnight costs in huts or hotels
- Gondolas and chairlifts
- Guide’s travel, lodging, and food expenses
- Premiums for longer or more difficult climbs
We can quote you an all-inclusive price – just ask us!
GROUP TRIP SIZE
1-6 Clients: 1 Guide
