Via ferrata in the Dolomites was “born” after the war, retracing most of the rocky trails that were used by the military to reach a strategic outpost or the top of a mountain. Even today you can see and explore trenches, caves or artifacts of the First World War (1915-18). The path is now well-equipped with a metal rope fastened in the rock by strong metal nails that secure the passage of the hiker and are seasonally monitored by qualified persons. The climbing routes in the Dolomites vary in difficulty, length and physical demands. The easiest are called “shod” trail where hikers always walk along a rocky path protected by a metal rope on the most exposed passages. The via ferrata climbs a rock wall more or less vertical, where the hikers can help themselves with the metal rope.
