NEED TO KNOW: CLIMBING THE VAJOLET TOWERS

The Vajolet Towers is easily one of the most beautiful of the Dolomites. In just under 3 hours you can take one of the most popular 'Via Ferrata' routes (mountain paths that have been created for the average person - making the mountains accessible to more than just professional rock climbers!). On this track, you can climb 2700 metres high - then stay the night in a hut in the sky at the Refuge Alberto.

Here’s what you need to know:

GETTING THERE

There are many ways to reach the base – some involve climbing with ropes, harnesses and clips. But the easiest way is to park your car at Pera, in Val di Fassa. From there, you can buy a shuttle ticket (€10 return) to Gardenia. This is the furthest you can go in a car.

Show me where Pera, Val di Fassa is on google maps

THE CLIMB

From Gardeccia it’s a sometimes steep, but easily achievable, one hour walk to the next hut (or “Refugio”) of Vajolet. From there – the real fun begins. You climb up rocks for another hour – with wire ropes bolted into the rock face for extra support. Now, that may seem a little overwhelming – but it’s not bad at all. In fact, we saw a 5 year old do the walk – and a man in his 80’s!

THE HUT

The Refugio Alberto sleeps 60 and it pays to book ahead by visiting their website. You’ll pay around €27 for a bunk bed, €35 for a bed and breakfast and €52 for dinner, breakfast and the bed. The hut is open from 18th June – 25th September.

Show me where Refugio Alberto is on google maps

THE VIEW

It is spectator. The hut feels as if it's in a crater surrounded by peaks. Walk to the top end of the valley for a moon like photo of the hut, with the Vajolet peaks in the background and an infinite view of Italy stretching out behind you.