Three children, four days in the mountains, several nights in mountain huts, and a first via ferrata experience. On paper, the plan might have seemed ambitious. Yet this Belgian family returned from the Dolomites with one single wish: to go back.
Accompanied by Marika, a UIAGM high mountain guide born and based in the Dolomites, Auriane and Quentin shared an adventure with their three children combining hiking, climbing, via ferrata, and the discovery of the region's fascinating history.
An experience that quickly went far beyond the scope of a simple holiday.
When the mountains become a family adventure
For many parents, spending several days in the mountains with children can seem like a bold undertaking.
Hiking from hut to hut, discovering via ferrata, sleeping at altitude, or making your way along alpine trails: these are experiences that often seem reserved for seasoned mountaineers.
Yet that is exactly the challenge taken on by a Belgian family who came to explore the Dolomites with their three children.
Over four days, they alternated between hiking, mountain huts, via ferrata, climbing, and discovering local history, all guided by Marika, a UIAGM high mountain guide born and based in the Dolomites.
Stepping out of your comfort zone, together
Passionate about the mountains, Auriane and Quentin wanted to pass on their love of wide open spaces to their children while giving them an adventure that was different from a traditional holiday.
The goal was not to rack up the kilometres or to summit the most prestigious peaks.
The experience mattered far more than the performance.
Above all, they were looking to share a common experience, to step away from everyday life, and to discover a different environment together.
The programme designed by their guide allowed them to alternate between varied activities, comfortable mountain huts, and routes tailored to everyone's abilities.
Very quickly, everyone found their place in the adventure and the whole family got swept up in it.
Between mountain huts, via ferrata, and spectacular landscapes
Over four days, each day flowed into the next without ever feeling the same.
The family discovered the famous First World War tunnels that still cut through the mountains, walked trails offering exceptional panoramic views of the Dolomites' peaks, and completed their first climbing and via ferrata experiences in one of Europe's most beautiful mountain ranges.
The mountain huts also became one of the highlights of the trip.
After several hours spent in the mountains, they became places of connection where everyone shared the discoveries of the day over a hot meal and watched the sun set over the Dolomite peaks.
For Auriane, one of the biggest surprises was how quickly the whole family disconnected from everyday life.
What the children loved most
Among all the memories brought back from the Dolomites, some keep coming up again and again in family conversations.
The via ferrata made a particularly strong impression on the children.
Scrambling over rocks, making their way along cable- and ladder-equipped sections, the thrill of adventure, and discovering new landscapes: the activity allowed them to approach the mountains in a playful and stimulating way.
The crossing of the historic tunnels also generated a great deal of excitement, as did the many explanations their guide gave about the region's unique history.
The youngest participant was just six years old.
Further proof that some mountain adventures are far more accessible than you might think.
The essential role of the guide
For Auriane, having a guide made a huge contribution to the success of the trip.
Beyond the safety aspect, it allowed her to fully enjoy the experience without having to manage the logistics, the routes, or any unexpected situations.
The guide adapts the group's pace, selects the routes best suited to everyone's abilities, and shares invaluable knowledge of the terrain.
The children quickly developed a great deal of trust in Marika, which helped them overcome certain fears and grow in confidence as the days went on.
Why the Dolomites are ideal for a family adventure
The Dolomites rank among the mountain ranges best suited to families looking to explore the mountains in an active way.
They offer, among other things:
- an extensive network of comfortable mountain huts;
- routes suited to different ability levels;
- spectacular landscapes;
- a rich alpine history;
- a wide range of complementary activities such as hiking, climbing, and via ferrata.
This diversity makes it possible to build tailor-made programmes where everyone finds their place, regardless of age or experience.
Preparing your adventure well
As is often the case when planning an adventure with children, one question comes up quickly: do you need a lot of gear?
The answer is no.
A multi-day mountain adventure does not necessarily require highly technical equipment. That said, certain items play an essential role in the comfort, safety, and enjoyment of the whole family.
The gear that really makes the difference
- good hiking boots suited to long days on the trail;
- a layering system to easily adapt to changing temperatures;
- a comfortable, well-fitted backpack;
- sun protection suited to altitude;
- a headlamp for nights in the mountain huts;
- a water bottle or hydration bladder that is easily accessible.
Via ferrata equipment
For the via ferrata activities, all technical equipment was provided by the guide: helmet, harness, and via ferrata lanyard.
The children were therefore able to discover this discipline in the best possible safety conditions.
The goal is not to carry a lot of gear, but simply to have the right equipment at the right time.
Back in Belgium: the desire to keep the adventure going
Once back in Belgium, the adventure did not stop there.
The children were quick to want to recapture the sensations they had discovered in the Dolomites.
The family turned to outdoor climbing on Belgian crags as well as via ferrata activities — an excellent way to keep the mountain experience alive.
And as is so often the case after a first successful adventure, it did not take long before conversations about the next project began.
Good to know
Similar programmes are available in the Dolomites with certified high mountain guides.
They allow activities to be tailored to the age of the children, the level of the group, and everyone's wishes, while exploring one of Europe's most beautiful mountain ranges in a safe and welcoming environment.
An adventure that creates lasting memories
Beyond the summits, the mountain huts, or the spectacular scenery, it is often the simplest moments that stay with you the longest.
A climb that turned out to be a little tougher than expected. A marmot spotted around a bend in the trail. A first via ferrata. A sunset watched from the terrace of a mountain hut. Or simply a meal shared after a wonderful day in the mountains.
Just a few days were enough to turn a simple holiday into memories that the whole family will keep on telling for years to come.
Memories that make you want to head back out there… together.
FAQ
Are the Dolomites suitable for children?
Yes. Many routes allow families to explore the Dolomites together, provided you choose itineraries suited to the children's age and prepare your equipment properly.
From what age can children do a via ferrata?
This depends on the difficulty of the route, the child's height, and their confidence. Some via ferrata are accessible from the age of 6 or 7 when undertaken with a guide.
Is it necessary to sleep in a mountain hut?
No. Mountain huts simply offer a more immersive experience, but many hikes are also perfectly enjoyable as day trips.
What equipment is needed?
Suitable hiking boots, technical clothing, a comfortable pack, water, and sun protection form the basis of the essential kit.
A family adventure in the Dolomites.