http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28775 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28775 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26532
Coldai is along the path of the Alta Via 1 trek through the heart of the Dolomites. You pass Refugio Sonino along the way, where you can get food and a bed for the night if needed.

Refugio Tissi further along is also a great place to stay. But the walk up to the lake and back down could be a day trip from either Palafavera or from Alleghe on the other side of the valley.

The views of and from Lago Coldai are spectacular and the lake is a welcome rest spot, or bathing spot seemingly, if you are one of several eccentric Spanish ladies.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26532 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26529
If you wanted to amble around the lake it would take an hour or so. Then if you were prepared you could try some of the sharp climbs up into the heart of what I consider to be some of the most spectacular mountain formations in the world, with wonderful views back down.

Apparently, the Beatles’ Guru,Maharishi Mahesh Yogi came here once. I suspect the Yogi found some good karma.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26529 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26500 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26500 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25190 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25190 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23386 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23386 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13619
The via ferratas are protected routes, or climbs, with fixed cables and some ladders and bridges which allow you to get to places normally reserved for rock climbers.

Even so some experience and mountain sense is needed, as well as the correct equipment that can be easily hired.

Arabba is one centre that gives access to a range of routes.

They are graded to degrees of difficulty.

Others are Cortina and Corvara.

One way to get there is to fly to Venice/Treviso followed by a relatively short drive north.

Essential reading are Volumes 1 and 2 of 'Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites' by John Smith and Graham Fletcher and published by Cicerone.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13619 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13592 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13592 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10606 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10606 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8390 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8390