FAQs

Brenta Dolomites Via Ferrata Grand Tour

Travel

  • Flights aren’t included, but we’ve listed some options that align with the group transfer times to make planning easier.

    Women join us from all over the world, so this isn’t a complete list — just a helpful starting point. You’re welcome to book any flights that work with the transfer times.

    Transfers run on a fixed schedule and can’t be delayed, even if your flight is listed. You’re responsible for arriving on time.

    We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections.

    Suggested Flights:

    London to Verona - British Airways

    • Arrival Day: LGW 7:50 ✈ VRN 10:55 | BA2588

    • Departure Day: VRN 17:50  ✈ LGW 21:00 | BA2590

    Flying from elsewhere? Get in touch — we can help you work out the best connection.

  • To make planning easier, we've listed some flight times that align with the group transfer. These are not official recommendations though, just helpful examples.

    You are welcome to get any flight that arrives in time to make the transfer. Think of the transfer like a train: it runs on time and can't be delayed.

    Please note, if your flight is late or cancelled, you'll need to make your own way to the start location, but we'll support you with local transport information on the day.

    We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections.

  • Transfers run on a fixed schedule and can’t be delayed, even if your flight is listed. You’re responsible for arriving on time.

    We include one shared transfer on both the arrival and departure days of your trip.

    • Arrival Day: Pick up at Verona Airport at 11:55

    • Departure Day: Drop off at Verona Airport at 15:50

  • The transfer takes approximately 2 hours.

  • Missed transfers are rare, but we want to be upfront so you can plan with confidence.

    If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you'll need to arrange your own transport to meet the group. We'll support you as best we can — your host will be your main contact on the day and can help coordinate locally. You can also contact our bookings team, available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm UK time, though replies may be delayed.

    Even if you booked a flight from our Suggested Flights, group transfers run on schedule and cannot wait for late arrivals. That's why comprehensive travel insurance is essential and needs to cover travel delays and missed connections — it could save you a significant amount if things don't go to plan.

  • Yes, private transfers can be arranged at an additional cost. Please contact us in advance to arrange this.

  • You should buy comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your trip — not just before you travel. This ensures you're covered in case you need to cancel before departure, as well as for any unexpected issues while you're away.

    Your policy should include cover for:

    • Travel delays and missed connections

    • Trip cancellation

    • Medical emergencies and evacuation

    • Baggage and equipment loss

    • All activities included in your itinerary

    Travel insurance is a requirement for joining any Gutsy Girls trip, and it's your responsibility to check that your policy includes the kind of adventure you've signed up for — especially outdoor or sporting activities.

    Booking your insurance early gives you peace of mind and protects your trip from the very start.

  • If you have extra time, Verona is absolutely worth exploring. It's a stunning historic city known for its Roman amphitheatre, charming medieval streets, and yes, as the setting for Romeo and Juliet. There are excellent restaurants, wine bars, and beautiful piazzas to wander through. You can find more information here: https://www.visitverona.it/en

Accommodation & Food

  • For the first and last night of the trip we will stay at a three star hotel in Madonna di Campiglio. The hotel has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and includes a small wellness center with a sauna, ideal for unwinding after long days in the mountains. Rooms are comfortable and basic, with views over the valley and surrounding mountains.

     For the rest of the adventure you’ll be bedding down each night in rifugi - the traditional mountain huts of the Italian Alps. Here you’ll be in shared dormitories. 

  • Towels are provided at the hotel for the first and last night of the trip. You will need your own lightweight travel towel to take with you for the rest of the trip. 

  • Laundry facilities are not available at the hotel or throughout the trip. You can bring travel wash or soap flakes for handwashing clothes in the bathroom sink if really needed. 

  • Food in the mountain huts is all about hearty, comforting meals to refuel after a big day in the mountains. Each evening you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner with traditional local dishes, served in the cosy dining rooms,  the perfect place to relax, share stories and take in the alpine atmosphere.

    Breakfast is simple but satisfying, with bread, butter, ham and cheese, jam and hot drinks to set you up for the day. Some huts may also offer extras like yoghurt, muesli, or even eggs and bacon.

    You’ll be provided with a packed lunch each day, usually including sandwiches, fruit, a snack and water, ideal for eating out on the trail.

    Drinks aren’t included (aside from hot drinks at breakfast), but you’ll be able to purchase these at the huts if you’d like something extra.

  • Yes. We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diets, however please let us know in advance. Options may be more limited than you’re used to, but get in touch with our Bookings Team to check. 

    Also just to note, if you don’t tell us in advance of the trip then we may not be able to cater for you.

Activities

  • You don’t need prior via ferrata experience to join this trip. It’s designed for regular hikers with good mountain fitness and a head for heights, who are ready to step things up. You should feel confident on steep, uneven terrain and comfortable with heights and exposure, as well as be used to hiking with significant ascents.

    If you’re active, train regularly, or hike often in the mountains, you’ll be in a good position to enjoy the experience. However, if it’s been a while since your last big hike or you’re unsure on exposed terrain, this may not be the right trip to start with.

  • This trip is rated as challenging.

    This is a challenging, high-altitude via ferrata adventure requiring strong fitness, stamina, and a head for heights. Expect 5–7 hours of activity each day across five consecutive days, with ascents of 700–1,000m over varied alpine terrain including rock, ladders and exposed ledges. Via ferrata uses your full body, particularly your arms and grip strength, and involves sustained sections with significant exposure. This trip is best suited to experienced hikers ready for a physically demanding week in the mountains.

  • Building strong cardiovascular fitness is key for this trip, as you’ll be active for 5–7 hours a day at altitude. We recommend regular hiking with elevation where possible, or training with incline walking (treadmill or stair climber), running or cycling to build endurance.

    Strength training is also important,  particularly for your legs, core and upper body. Via ferrata uses your whole body, so exercises like squats, lunges, step-ups, and pulling or grip-based movements will really help.

    If you can, practise walking on uneven terrain and get comfortable on steeper ground. Building confidence with heights will also make a big difference to your overall experience.

Gear & Packing

  • We recommend wearing quick-dry layers, hiking trousers or leggings.

    Bring a lightweight waterproof jacket for all days, as mountain weather can change quickly at altitude. Layering is key to staying comfortable throughout the day.

  • No you must have broken-in mountain boots with ankle support with good grip. This is for your safety and comfort.

    You will not be allowed to take part in the via ferrata if you come in trainers.

  • You can find a detailed packing list here.

  • Absolutely, a 45-50 liter backpack is recommended maximum weight 8kg with plenty of room for any extra layers, drinks and snacks.

    Small dry bags are also useful in your day bag to keep important items dry.

Other

  • Weather in the Brenta Dolomites can be varied and change quickly, especially at altitude. During summer, daytime temperatures in the mountains typically range from 10°C to 20°C, but it can feel cooler on exposed ridges or in the early mornings and evenings.

    The region is often sunny and clear, offering incredible views, but you should always be prepared for sudden changes, including wind, cloud cover or occasional rain, particularly in the afternoons.

    As you’ll be spending time at higher elevations on exposed terrain, it can feel significantly cooler than in the valleys. Layering is key, so you can adapt throughout the day as conditions shift.

  • You will need cash (euros) on this trip. While most places in Italy accept cards, connectivity in the mountains can be unreliable, so card payments at the huts may not always work. It’s usually better to assume they won’t work and bring enough cash with you.

    The mountain huts have small bars where you can buy snacks, drinks, ice cream and other extras.

  • We get guests of all ages joining our adventures. As long as you're active, up for the challenge and willing to get stuck in as part of the group, we don't care how old you are (as long as you're over 18, sorry!) The mix of ages in a group is actually one of the best things about our trips – you’ll click with women you’d probably never meet otherwise.

    We recommend you have a good read through all our information on fitness and experience levels for your chosen trip to make sure it's right for you, and to get in touch with the Bookings Team if you have any questions.

  • Most of our guests join solo. You'll meet adventure-seekers who share your mindset, and we'll connect you with your group via WhatsApp before the trip so you can start chatting.

  • We'd love to work exclusively with female guides, but the reality is there aren't enough in the industry yet.  As more women get into adventure sports though (hopefully through trips like ours), we really hope to see more women take guiding roles.

    Until then, our priority is finding instructors who are experienced, patient, and genuinely care about building women's confidence outdoors. We vet every guide carefully and monitor feedback closely.

  • If the weather affects the planned activities, we will just adjust the itinerary as needed. Safety is our top priority, and we always have backup options for alternative activities.

  • Absolutely. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so our guides adjust daily plans to ensure the best (and safest) experience. You'll still get everything promised where possible, just maybe in a different order depending on conditions.