GUIDED VIA FERRATA
& CLIMBING
IN THE DOLOMITES
With certified UIAGM mountain guide -
ULRICH SCHWINGSHACKL
SAFELY
GUIDING
SINCE
1995
Dolomites Mountain Guide for Via Ferrata & Climbing
Personal Guiding. Local Experience. The Right Tour for You.
More than 30 years of first-hand experience in the Dolomites. Personal tour planning, honest advice and carefully selected via ferrata and climbing. Along the way, I’m happy to share my knowledge and help you improve your skills, technique and understanding of the Dolomite mountains.
The Best Tour Is the One That Fits You
The most famous or difficult route is not necessarily the best one. The right tour is the one that matches your experience, fitness and goals – as well as the mountain conditions of the day.
Choose Your Dolomites Mountain Experience
Via Ferrata Hut-to-Hut Tour
The Dolomites are home to around 200 via ferratas, and some of them can be combined into a logical multi-day journey.
Especially in the Catinaccio/Rosengarten near Bolzano and the Brenta Dolomites, an excellent network of mountain huts makes it possible to link several via ferratas while spending the nights high in the mountains.
The video gives you an idea of what makes this experience so special. Jamie and Jason from Boston have returned to the Dolomites several times – just one example among many of my guests who discovered that a hut-to-hut tour is much more than simply connecting a few via ferratas.
Via Ferrata Day Tour
Are you planning a trip to the Dolomites and are you active, adventurous and curious to experience the mountains in a different way? Then a via ferrata day should definitely be part of your trip.
The six friends from the USA in the video are a good example of what such a day can look like.
But which via ferrata is right for you? The answer is not a “Top 10” list on the internet. With so many different routes, the best choice depends on your fitness, experience, expectations and where you are staying.
Rock Clibing Dolomites
The Dolomites are a world-class destination for rock climbing, with everything from enjoyable easier routes to demanding alpine climbs on some of the most spectacular walls in the Alps.
Already a rock climber and planning a trip to the Dolomites? Then let’s plan something. But keep one thing in mind: your climbing grade in the gym or on granite only tells part of the story here.
Dolomite climbing brings new factors into the game – route finding, exposure, long pitches, descents, changing rock and the alpine environment itself.
What my Guests Say – Real Experiences from Around the World
I guide guests from all over the world – from the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand to Europe and Asia. Here are some real reviews from recent tours. Every experience is unique, but the goal is always the same: a safe, personal and unforgettable day in the Dolomites.
Meet Ulrich Schwingshackl
More about my background, guiding and experience
Meet Ulrich Schwingshackl – UIAGM / IFMGA Mountain and Ski Guide in the Dolomites and South Tyrol, professionally guiding since 1995.
This video was not scripted or recorded in a studio. It is a spontaneous conversation during a day in the mountains – talking about my life as a professional mountain guide, my background in mountain rescue, safety in the mountains, climbing and what it takes to become an internationally certified UIAGM / IFMGA Mountain Guide.
Professional Mountain Guide Since 1995
I started the mountain guide qualification process at the age of 18 and became an international mountain guide at 21. At the time, I was one of the youngest professional mountain guides in Italy.
Becoming a UIAGM / IFMGA Mountain Guide requires much more than simply applying for professional training. Before being admitted to the examinations and training process, candidates must already demonstrate extensive personal experience in mountaineering, rock climbing and alpine terrain. The professional qualification itself then involves several years of practical and theoretical training and numerous examinations.
More than 30 years later, I am still professionally guiding international guests in the Dolomites, South Tyrol and the surrounding Alps. The mountains are not only where I work – climbing, mountaineering and skiing have been an important part of my life since long before I became a professional guide.
Via Ferrata, Rock Climbing, Hut-to-Hut Tours & Ski Touring
My work changes with the mountains and the seasons. During summer, I guide via ferrata tours in the Dolomites, alpine rock climbing, classic mountain routes, climbing courses and multi-day hut-to-hut adventures. In winter, my work includes ski touring and other guided mountain activities.
I guide people with very different backgrounds: from beginners experiencing their first via ferrata or rock climb to experienced climbers and mountaineers looking for more demanding alpine objectives.
This variety is one of the reasons why I still enjoy mountain guiding after more than three decades. Every guest is different, every day in the mountains is different and every tour requires new decisions.
Safety, Experience & More Than 20 Years in Mountain Rescue
Safety has always been one of the central elements of my work as a professional mountain guide.
For more than 20 years, I was also involved in mountain rescue and took part in serious rescue operations. Seeing mountain accidents and being involved in rescue situations gave me an additional perspective on risk management, prevention, decision-making and the responsibility that comes with professionally guiding people in alpine terrain.
During more than 30 years of professional guiding, I have never had a serious accident involving one of my guided clients.
For me, however, safety is not simply an accident statistic. It begins much earlier: with realistic tour planning, understanding the abilities and expectations of a guest, evaluating weather and mountain conditions, choosing appropriate objectives and being willing to change a plan when conditions or circumstances require it.
Professional mountain guiding is therefore much more than knowing the route and showing someone the way.
Choosing the Right Tour for the Individual Guest
One of the most important parts of my work is choosing a mountain experience that genuinely matches the person I am guiding.
Fitness, previous experience, climbing ability, confidence in exposed terrain, weather, current mountain conditions and personal expectations all influence my decisions. This is particularly important on via ferrata and alpine climbing tours in the Dolomites, where two routes that appear similar on paper can feel completely different in reality.
I do not believe that the hardest or most famous tour is automatically the best tour.
The best tour is the one that fits the guest, the conditions and the day – and leaves people wanting to come back to the mountains.
Why I Still Love Guiding in the Dolomites
During the spontaneous conversation in this video, I am asked why I still enjoy guiding after so many years.
My answer is simple: I never get bored of these mountains.
The Dolomites are my professional home and remain one of the most fascinating mountain regions I know. Their extraordinary variety allows completely different experiences within a relatively small area: exposed via ferratas, alpine rock faces, classic limestone towers, panoramic ridges, mountain huts and multi-day traverses.
That variety also allows me to adapt tours to very different guests. Someone taking their first steps into the vertical world needs a completely different experience from an accomplished climber – but both can have an exceptional day in the same mountains.
Experience You Can See – Not Just Read About
This video is deliberately informal. There is no prepared script and no studio setting. It is simply a conversation recorded while actually being out in the mountains.
For me, this is also an important way of showing what professional mountain guiding really looks like. The experience described on this website comes from decades spent climbing, guiding, teaching, planning tours and making decisions in real alpine terrain.
Many of the tours, recommendations and safety considerations you find on Klettern-Dolomiten.com are based on this first-hand experience and on routes that I personally guide repeatedly.
What My Guests Say About Guiding With Me
Professional qualifications and decades of experience are important, but the experience of the people I actually guide is just as meaningful.
In the following short video, guests talk spontaneously about how they experienced being guided by me in the Dolomites. These are real guests speaking about their own experience – not scripted testimonials or promotional statements.
Watch real guests talk about their experience with me as their mountain guide
You can also find further first-hand guest experiences and independent reviews from people I have guided on via ferrata tours, rock climbing trips and multi-day mountain adventures in the Dolomites.
Read genuine guest experiences and reviews
Read reviews on my Google Business Profile
About Ulrich Schwingshackl
Ulrich Schwingshackl
UIAGM / IFMGA Mountain & Ski Guide
South Tyrol, Italy
Professional Mountain Guide since 1995
More than 30 years of professional guiding experience
More than 20 years of experience in mountain rescue
Via Ferrata · Hut to Hut Via Ferrata Tours & Rock Climbing · Alpine Climbing · Climbing Courses · Skisafari in the Dolomites · Ski Touring
Dolomites · South Tyrol · Alps
Climb with Professionals – Safely Guided Since 1995.
What My Guests Say
“What My Guests Say About Guiding With Me”
What is it really like to explore the Dolomites with me as your mountain guide?
Instead of answering that question myself, I prefer to let the people I guide speak.
The video above brings together spontaneous comments from international guests during real guided via ferrata, rock climbing and multi-day mountain tours in the Dolomites. Nothing was scripted. The comments were recorded during our actual days together in the mountains.
Guests talk about feeling supported and encouraged, enjoying the right level of challenge and being able to concentrate fully on their mountain experience. They also describe the value of having route selection, mountain huts, logistics and the many practical decisions involved in a Dolomites tour taken care of for them.
“Ulrich is a really good guide, helping us all the way.”
“It was excellent from beginning to end.”
“You make everything easy for us, especially all the logistics.”
“We simply wanted a good athletic adventure without having to worry about anything.”
When Guests Choose to Return
One comment in the video is particularly meaningful to me because it comes from guests who decided to return to the Dolomites and plan another mountain adventure with me:
“What inspired me to book this trip was our first trip with you. It was so good that we had to repeat it.”
After their first trip, they considered other destinations, including France and Switzerland. In the end, they decided to return to the Dolomites for another journey together.
For me, this is a special form of trust. After experiencing my guiding and planning personally, they chose to come back and entrust me with organizing their next mountain adventure.
More First-Hand Guest Experiences
The video shares a small selection of personal comments. You can find additional experiences from guests who joined guided via ferrata tours, rock climbing days and multi-day mountain adventures in the Dolomites here:
Read real guest experiences from guided tours in the Dolomites
The Dolomites Through My Eyes – Filmed by Mountain Guide Ulrich Schwingshackl
A personal collection of Dolomites landscapes and mountain moments I have filmed during my years guiding in these mountains.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Do you speak English?
Yes, absolutely. All our UIAGM/IFMGA certified mountain guides speak English. Even if some of our detailed tour descriptions are currently available in German only, we guide all tours entirely in English.
What does UIAGM / IFMGA Mountain Guide mean?
UIAGM (also known as IFMGA) is the highest international mountain guiding certification worldwide. A UIAGM guide is trained for several years in all disciplines: rock climbing, via ferrata, glacier travel, ski mountaineering, rope rescue and high-alpine guiding.
In short: Choosing a UIAGM guide means choosing maximum safety, professionalism and experience in the mountains.
Which via ferratas are suitable for beginners in the Dolomites?
For first-timers, we recommend routes with short approaches and well-protected sections, such as Rotwand – Masarè, Cima Capi (Lake Garda), or the Santnerpass (Rosengarten). After a short talk and honest self-assessment, we plan your tour individually according to your fitness, weather and season.
Are the tours safe?
Safety is my highest priority. I have been working as a UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide since 1995, and I carefully plan every tour according to the weather, current mountain conditions, season and the experience and fitness of my guests.
I use modern equipment, professional risk management and, most importantly, choose a tour that is appropriate for the participants and the conditions of the day.
This allows me to safely guide beginners, active adults and families on via ferrata tours suited to their abilities.
Can children join a via ferrata?
Yes, depending on fitness, confidence and maturity. As a general guideline: from 10 years, but the child should be able to listen, focus and stay motivated for several hours. Together we select a route that ensures a positive, fun and safe experience.
How long does a via ferrata tour take?
We always plan a full day for each tour. This gives us enough time for a relaxed approach, proper safety checks, flexibility with weather and pacing — and most importantly, no pressure. The actual climbing and hiking time on many Dolomite classics is usually around 5–6 hours, but depending on the route, conditions and group pace, the total day can be slightly shorter or longer.
Our goal is that you enjoy the mountains without feeling rushed.
Do you offer private tours?
Tours are run in small groups when participants can be matched well in terms of fitness, experience and expectations. This helps us keep the group balanced and choose a suitable via ferrata or climbing tour for everyone involved. Every tour can also be booked privately for an additional fee.
Where do we meet?
I live near Bolzano, the gateway to the Dolomites. If you have a rental car, we can meet directly at the starting point of the via ferrata — this is usually the easiest and most flexible option. If you don’t have a car, a hotel pick-up can be arranged on request. For multi-day hut-to-hut tours, Bolzano is the ideal starting point. From here, we reach the major Dolomite groups quickly and efficiently, and logistics for luggage, transport and timing work perfectly.
What happens in case of bad weather?
In the Dolomites, the weather can change quickly — but thanks to our local experience and daily monitoring, it is extremely rare that a tour has to be cancelled.
In fact, over an entire season, only one or two tours are typically affected.
As UIAGM mountain guides, we know exactly where the weather windows are, which routes stay safe, and how to adjust plans without compromising the experience.
Even on days with mixed conditions, we almost always find a safe and rewarding alternative, sometimes even more atmospheric than a perfect sunshine day.
Your safety comes first — but flexibility and local knowledge mean that bad weather very rarely stops us.
How do I book?
Early booking is highly recommended especially for hut-to-hut tours, early reservations are essential — many mountain huts in the Dolomites are fully booked months in advance.
The ideal time to book summer tours is between November and March.
Via ferrata day tours, however, are possible throughout spring, autumn and even during mild winter periods in the lower regions.
Send me your preferred dates and your experience level
Tell me when you would like to come and what kind of experience you have — no long forms, just a clear message. I personally check availability and select the best options for your skills, fitness and expectations.
You receive a clear and personalised proposal including:
route details
schedule
equipment list
total price
meeting points
If I am personally unavailable on the selected date, I still manage all communication, planning and coordination myself. A trusted UIAGM-certified colleague from our team will guide you with the same level of professionalism, safety and local expertise.
My goal is simple:
You arrive relaxed — and we take care of everything else.
How much does it cost and what is included?
Every tour is individually planned, so prices depend on group size, route and duration.
For full transparency, all pricing is listed on my main German website — even if the page is in German, I am happy to explain everything in English.
You can always expect:
A UIAGM-certified guide
Complete route planning & weather assessment
Safety briefing and technical coaching
Personal support before, during and after the tour
View detailed pricing here (German page, English support included)
Where I See the Real Value of Guiding?
The Real Value of a Mountain Guide
For me, the real value of professional mountain guiding is not that you simply follow a guide through the Dolomites.
I want my guests to learn along the way.
Depending on your experience and the tour, this can mean improving your movement and climbing technique, learning how to use equipment more efficiently, understanding route choices or becoming more aware of the decisions we make throughout a day in the mountains.
With beginners, we start with the fundamentals. With experienced climbers and mountaineers, we can go much further. The idea is always the same: progressive learning based on your individual level.
I don’t want to make guests dependent on a mountain guide. Quite the opposite.
Sometimes one of the most satisfying things I can say after a day together is:
“A tour like this is something you can now do on your own.”
And when you want to progress to more difficult terrain, improve your skills or take the next step, we can do that together.
This is also why I personally don’t offer self-guided packages. A GPS track, written itinerary and pre-arranged accommodation can organize a trip – but they cannot observe you, teach you, answer your questions or adapt the experience to what is happening in the mountains and to how you are progressing.
For me, good guiding should give you a great day in the Dolomites – and leave you with more knowledge, skills and independence than you had before.
A Mountain Guide’s Perspective
In this video, I discuss these ideas spontaneously with guests during a real day in the Dolomites: the value of professional guiding, why I don’t offer self-guided trips, how tourism in the Dolomites has changed and why learning has become such an important part of the way I guide.
Get Ready for Your Dolomites Adventure
Every tour is unique – from spectacular ridge traverses to multi-day hut journeys and steep alpine routes.
If you want to understand how to prepare and what to expect, the following guides give you a clear, friendly and practical introduction.
They explain equipment, safety, preparation, seasonal advice and what a typical day on a hut-to-hut via ferrata tour looks like.
You will also learn what staying in a Dolomites mountain hut feels like – rooms, meals, comfort level, and what to pack.
All blog articles below will be published step by step and are scheduled to be completed by end of 2026.
Useful Guides & Insights
What a Via Ferrata Hut-to-Hut Tour Looks Like in the Dolomites
How multi-day via ferrata tours really work A via ferrata hut-to-hut tour in the Dolomites is a...
Insurance and Mountain Rescue in the Dolomites: What International Travellers Should Know
A practical guide from mountain guide Ulrich Schwingshackl I am writing this article for...
How to Get to the Dolomites: Best Airports, Trains and Local Travel Tips
Where are the Dolomites? The Dolomites are part of the northern Italian Alps and extend...
Essential Via Ferrata Safety Tips for Beginners in the Dolomites
How to stay safe on your first via ferrata Via ferrata is one of the best ways to discover the...
Via Ferrata Difficulty Ratings Explained: A Local Mountain Guide’s View from the Dolomites
A Brief History of Via Ferratas in the Dolomites Via ferratas have a long history in the Alps....
A Guide to Mountain Huts in the Dolomites
What to know about rooms, food, facilities and mountain hut etiquette before your trip From...
How to Prepare for Via Ferrata in the Dolomites
After more than 30 years of guiding in the Dolomites, I’ve learned that good preparation is not about strength alone. For most via ferrata tours, endurance, stamina and being comfortable walking uphill with a backpack are far more important than lifting heavy weights.
Packing matters too: every unnecessary kilogram has to travel uphill with you. My advice is simple – train regularly, spend time walking uphill, keep your backpack light and arrive well rested. In the video, Jamie, a returning guest, and I share some practical thoughts on how to get mountain ready for a Dolomites via ferrata trip.
Deine Tour in den Dolomiten anfragen
Dein direkter Draht zum Bergführer
Für Tourenanfragen nutze bitte bevorzugt das Kontaktformular oben oder E-Mail. So kann ich dir schnell und gezielt antworten.
Alternativ erreichst du mich über Telefon & WhatsApp: +39 348 558 8577. Bin ich gerade mit Gästen am Berg, melde ich mich sobald wie möglich persönlich bei dir.
Eine erfahrene Seilschaft in den Dolomiten
Vier spezialisierte Websites. Zwei erfahrene UIAGM-Bergführer. Ein gemeinsames Dach.
Hinter Klettern-Dolomiten.com, DiscoveryDolomites.com, Via-Ferrata-Dolomites.com und Ski-Safari-Dolomites.com stehen Ulrich Schwingshackl und Roberto Iacopelli. Ulrich ist seit 1995, Roberto seit 2005 als UIAGM-Bergführer tätig.
Seit 2019 arbeiten wir eng zusammen und betreuen über alle vier Plattformen hinweg gemeinsam Anfragen, Tourenplanung und geführte Touren. Jede Website hat dabei ihren eigenen fachlichen Schwerpunkt.
klettern-dolomiten.com
Deutschsprachig · Lernen & Technik
Mehr erfahren
Klettern-Dolomiten.com ist die deutschsprachige Plattform unter unserem gemeinsamen Dach für geführte Klettersteige, alpine Klettertouren und Hüttentouren in den Dolomiten. Ein Schwerpunkt liegt auf Touren mit Schulungscharakter – Technik verbessern, Ausrüstung richtig anwenden und am Berg dazulernen.
Internationale Gäste können zusätzlich über den englischsprachigen Bereich schnell Anfragen senden und ausgewählte Touren unkompliziert buchen.
Sie befinden sich bereits auf Klettern-Dolomiten.com.
via-ferrata-dolomites.com
English · Via Ferrata Knowledge
Mehr erfahren
Via-Ferrata-Dolomites.com is our English-language platform specialized in via ferrata in the Dolomites. Alongside guided tours, it offers an extensive knowledge library covering via ferrata routes, difficulty ratings, equipment, safety, preparation, mountain huts and multi-day via ferrata tours.
The platform is closely connected with Klettern-Dolomiten.com and DiscoveryDolomites.com under our shared structure of Dolomites guide websites.
discovery-dolomites.com
English · Dolomites Mountain Knowledge
Mehr erfahren
DiscoveryDolomites.com is our comprehensive English-language platform for mountain experiences in the Dolomites. Via ferrata is a major focus, complemented by alpine climbing, hiking, trekking, hut-to-hut tours and other guided mountain activities.
Alongside guided tours, DiscoveryDolomites.com provides an extensive knowledge and information library about the Dolomites, with information on tours, routes, preparation and practical trip planning.
The platform is closely connected with ViaFerrataDolomites.com and Klettern-Dolomiten.com and is part of our shared structure of mountain guide websites in the Dolomites.
ski-safari-dolomites.com
Winter · Ski Safaris & Ski Touring
Mehr erfahren
Ski-Safari-Dolomites.com is our platform dedicated to winter activities in the Dolomites and selected regions of the Alps. A particular focus is on ski safaris – multi-day journeys on skis, connecting different ski areas and staying in carefully selected mountain huts or hotels along the way.
The program also includes guided ski touring and freeride experiences for different levels. Ski-Safari-Dolomites.com is a partner of Dolomiti Superski and complements our summer-focused platforms with professionally guided winter experiences.
Ski-Safari-Dolomites.com is part of our shared structure together with Klettern-Dolomiten.com, ViaFerrataDolomites.com and DiscoveryDolomites.com.
Offiziell registrierte UIAGM-Bergführer
Ulrich Schwingshackl und Roberto Iacopelli sind Mitglieder des
Südtiroler Berg- und Skiführerverbandes.
Berghütten in den Dolomiten, die ich seit Jahren kenne
Viele dieser Hütten sind für mich weit mehr als ein Ziel oder eine Übernachtungsmöglichkeit. Ich kenne die Hüttenwirte persönlich, kehre seit vielen Jahren mit meinen Gästen dort ein und weiß aus eigener Erfahrung, welche Stützpunkte sich für Klettersteige und mehrtägige Hüttentouren in den Dolomiten besonders eignen.
Diese Ortskenntnis eröffnet manchmal Möglichkeiten, die auf der Karte nicht sofort sichtbar sind: alternative Übergänge, weniger bekannte Varianten oder eine andere Route, wenn Wetter und Bedingungen eine Anpassung verlangen.
Santnerpasshütte / Rifugio Passo Santner
Die Santnerpasshütte ist für mich inzwischen fast schon eine ikonische Hütte im Rosengarten – spektakulär gelegen, sehr schön gestaltet und mit einer Atmosphäre, die man sofort in Erinnerung behält. Romina und Michael sind über die Jahre Freunde geworden, und ich freue mich jedes Mal, wenn ich Gäste von der Kölner Hütte über den Santnerpass-Klettersteig zu ihnen hinaufführe.
Bei Tagestouren übernachten meine Gäste häufig direkt auf der Santnerpasshütte. Auf mehrtägigen Hüttentouren ziehen wir von hier meist weiter zur Vajolethütte oder zum Rifugio Passo Principe.
Kölner Hütte / Rifugio Fronza alle Coronelle
Die Kölner Hütte ist für viele meiner Touren im Rosengarten der ideale Ausgangspunkt – besonders für den Santnerpass-Klettersteig und verschiedene alpine Kletterziele.
Die Hütte wird sehr familiär geführt. Mein persönlicher Klassiker bei Luca ist die Pasta al Ragù – nicht selten freue ich mich schon Stunden vorher am Klettersteig auf einen guten Teller Nudeln nach der Tour.
Vajolethütte / Rifugio Vajolet
Die Vajolethütte liegt großartig unterhalb der Vajolettürme und ist mit ihrer guten Kapazität ein idealer Stützpunkt für mehrtägige Hüttentouren durch den Rosengarten.
Fabio, der Hüttenwirt, schafft es selbst im Hochsommer immer wieder, einen Platz für meine Gäste zu finden. Gerade bei längeren Touren ist das für mich ein Stützpunkt, auf den ich mich seit vielen Jahren verlassen kann.
Grasleitenpasshütte / Rifugio Passo Principe
Das Rifugio Passo Principe, auf Deutsch Grasleitenpasshütte, gehört für mich zu den Hütten mit besonders viel Charakter. Sergio, Daniele, Valentina und das gesamte Team betreiben die Hütte mit spürbarer Überzeugung – traditionelles Hüttenfeeling ist hier garantiert.
Seit 2026 ist die Hütte zudem weitgehend umgebaut und für meine Mehrtagestouren im Rosengarten absolut zu empfehlen.
Tierser Alpl Hütte / Rifugio Alpe di Tires
Judith, Stefan und ihre Familie führen die Tierser Alpl Hütte mit viel Liebe zum Detail. Für mich zählt sie zu den allerbesten Hütten der Dolomiten.
Trotz des großen Andrangs herrscht dort eine angenehm gelassene Atmosphäre. Ob bei Mehrtagestouren oder in Verbindung mit dem Maximilian-Klettersteig – ich bin immer wieder gerne am Tierser Alpl.