June 2016 and having recently joined 106 Battalion REME, a newly formed Reserve Unit within the British Army, I’d volunteered to take 26 members of the Battalion from Northern Ireland and Scotland on an expedition to the Dolomite Mountains of Northern Italy. This was a self-supported multi-activity expedition consisting of Via Ferrata, Climbing, Trekking, Mountain Biking and White Water Rafting. After a 3 day drive to get there we arrived in Corvara, a village located in the Alta Badia Region and central to the Dolomites.
The land is steeped in history and has a torrid past. The borders of different Empires and Countries, changing due to regional conflicts over the centuries, have directly impacted the area. At the end of WW1 political control of the region changed after the demise of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to Italy. This is reflected in the place names and languages used by local people with Italian, German and Ladin, the local dialect, all spoken. This could get quite confusing as the signs for place names are in all 3 languages and at times these aren’t even vaguely similar. Fortunately, English is also widely spoken and with a few members of the team being fluent (?) German speakers, communication with the extremely polite and friendly locals was not a problem.
Initially, activities consisted of skills packages introducing people to Via Ferrata, Mountain Biking and Trekking over consecutive days. This was followed by an intermediary day of White Water Rafting and climbing for the non-swimmers, before a final 3 day package of more challenging routes on the primary activities.
The origins of Via Ferrata (Klettersteig in German) are from WW1 when fixed wire ropes, ladders and steps were used by Alpine Troops to access and provision mountain positions. After the war, the in place equipment was used for recreational climbing and over the years this has been developed. Individuals’ strength of character as well as fitness was tested while conducting the activity. At heights of over 2500m the exposure at height on rock faces, slabs and crags was exhilarating, yet at the same time frightening. The views were fantastic for those brave enough to look and even when they weren’t, there was a camera to catch the delight on their faces! The mixture of Italian and German names for routes, Lubella an Punta Fiames, Averau, Marianno Blancht and Cima Di Mezza gave the activity a subtle romanticism that enhanced conversation over a coffee and local pastry in Refugios, high altitude huts, at the end of each day.
Trekking in the region is a mix, with Mountain Groups more akin to an Arizona desert amongst Alpine landscapes. Groups were taken on treks that covered both; including the ridgelines along the Pordoi Pass to Sas Di Ciapel 2557m and the Plateaus of Forc Di Campaccio 2366m and P Cir 2469m near the Gardena Pass. Remnants of access tunnels cut through the rock during WW1 can be found in the area. The highlight for trekkers was a tunnel ascent of Lagazoui Pizo 2752m from the Falzarego Pass combined with a battlefield tour and historical overview.
Cycling is a passion for Italians. While in Corvara, 2 major cycling events took place, 1 road and 1 off road. Both were attended in the thousands by participants. Our Mountain Biking was no less challenging, with ascents, descents and some flat bits in-between? As the week progressed, more challenging routes were accessed by carrying bikes onto cable cars. This provided the opportunity to attempt the higher level routes around Badia La Crusc and the Gardena Pass.
The White Water Rafting provided a welcome break mid-week. Conducted on the Torrente Noce River in the Val Di Sole on the Southern tip of the Alps, the setting could not have been better. To get there took us over a mountain range and the contrast in weather conditions could not have been more definite. From the initial electrical storms experienced in Corvara earlier in the week to a deep warmth in the town of Dimaro. Aimed more at the fun element in adventurous activities it was none the less challenging, with plenty of water fights and swims along the way.
After a final meal while watching the Wales v Northern Ireland match in a local restaurant, the tents and equipment were packed away for the return trip home. An excellent expedition, The Ulysses Trust was an integral part in ensuring its success.
