Alta Via 4 Dolomites Footwear/Other Beta?

Hi, 

Not precisely about rock climbing, but still mountain related... 

We're doing Alta Via 4 in the Dolomites in early July. Anyone have suggestions regarding footwear for that route? I know that just about anything should work for the via ferrata portions but it seems like there is some unprotected scrambling on what I assume will be polished limestone, plus a bunch of hiking with a fairly light (15-20#?)pack. We will bring micro spikes in case of snow, but it looks like it's been a terrible snow year over there so those might not get used. 

Any other recommendations welcome as well. 

Thanks, 

David 

I have hiked and done several of the ferratas along the A4. A good pair of approach shoes works best. Nothing more is needed, though it is worth bringing your own crocs or other foot wear for the huts. Though so far a poor winter, last year spring came quite late. As such, some of the higher ferratas were really not possible without crampons and and ice axe. We got skunked on one (not on the A4) as the cable was fully buried in the business section. 

Note that the day from Rifugio Vandelli to Rifugio San Marco is a long day and there is no water along the way. Unless it rains and then one can collect water from the cliffs (fresh Dolomiti water).

Also if staying in the area I avoid Cortina. People rave about it but it has little appeal for me. If you have more specific questions let me know. Great area.

Allen Sanderson wrote:

I have hiked and done several of the ferratas along the A4. A good pair of approach shoes works best. Nothing more is needed, though it is worth bringing your own crocs or other foot wear for the huts. Though so far a poor winter, last year spring came quite late. As such, some of the higher ferratas were really not possible without crampons and and ice axe. We got skunked on one (not on the A4) as the cable was fully buried in the business section. 

Note that the day from Rifugio Vandelli to Rifugio San Marco is a long day and there is no water along the way. Unless it rains and then one can collect water from the cliffs (fresh Dolomiti water).

Also if staying in the area I avoid Cortina. People rave about it but it has little appeal for me. If you have more specific questions let me know. Great area.

Thanks Allen! 

Did you carry an ice axe, or just avoid terrain that needed one? 

One ferrata we completely skipped as even with an axe and crampons it would have required a rope and protection. The other could have been done with an axe and crampons. 

The RockFax Dolomites guide by James Rushforth is a good reference.