The breathtaking pinnacles of the Dolomites are well known to climbers around the world. During WWI, the Dolomite mountain range was the scene of heavy fighting and became an almost continuous front throughout the war, from Cortina d'Ampezzo in the west to the Predil Pass in the east. Making full use of their elite Alpine mountain troops, the Italians had to fix iron ladders and wire cable to the rock to enable them to fight on the vertical walls. Today these Via Ferrate 'iron ways' have been turned into recreational climbs, allowing non-climbers to discover the mountains in safety and adding a new dimension to hiking the pristine alpine wilderness of the Dolomites. Daily climbs and walks are between 3 and 6 hours depending on the fitness of the group. Nights are spent in mountain hotels sampling the specialty foods of the region. Although no previous climbing experience is required, a high level of fitness and sense of adventure is essential.