About us

IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guides and aspirant guides based in the Dolomites

Dolomites Mountain Guides is a small team of IFMGA/UIAGM certified guides and aspirant mountain guides based in the heart of the Italian Alps. We design and guide tailor-made days out in the mountains – from classic Dolomite rock routes and via ferratas to ski touring, steep skiing and high-altitude mountaineering.

Our focus is simple: small groups, clear communication, and a strong culture of mountain awareness and risk management, so you can concentrate on what really matters – enjoying the line, the conditions and the shared experience.

Some members of the team are IFMGA aspirant guides currently completing the final stages of their training path. On mixed teams and educational programs we always work within the relevant legal framework and IFMGA/UIAGM standards, with at least one fully qualified IFMGA/UIAGM guide in charge where required.

How we work on the mountain

Every program starts with listening. We look at your goals, experience and time available, then design the right objective and the right level of challenge. That can mean a first via ferrata for beginners, a week of ski touring in the Adamello or Ortler groups, or a more technical climb in the Brenta Dolomites or on glaciated terrain.

  • Small groups, big value.  Most of our trips run with small ratios so we can keep a good pace, react to conditions and give you proper feedback.
  • Conditions first.  We continuously assess weather, snowpack and objective hazards and adapt plans when needed. Flexibility is part of the game.
  • Transparent planning.  We share all key details in advance – required level, equipment, meeting points, huts, approximate timings and backup plans.
  • Learning by doing.  Even on fully guided days you are encouraged to take an active role: practising navigation, improving movement efficiency, and developing your mountain awareness with the guide’s input and feedback.

Our home ranges and seasons

We guide primarily in the Dolomites and the Western Eastern Alps, with a strong focus on the areas we know best:

  • Dolomiti di Brenta, Sella, Marmolada, Pale di San Martino – rock, via ferratas, ski lines and big traverses.
  • Adamello–Presanella – classic multi-day ski touring and glacier mountaineering around historical huts.
  • Ortles–Cevedale – high-altitude itineraries, snow and mixed routes, ski traverses and spring classics.
  • Other alpine areas on request – we also organise custom weeks across the Alps for private groups and returning guests.

Winter and spring are dedicated mainly to ski touring, freeride and avalanche education. In summer and autumn we focus on rock climbing, long ridge routes, classic dolomite traverses and via ferratas.

Risk, judgement and decision-making

Mountaineering and skiing always involve risk – our role is to assess it carefully, make sound decisions, and communicate clearly. We follow IFMGA standards and national guidelines, supported by real-world experience from seasons spent in the Dolomites and neighbouring ranges.

  • Terrain and snowpack assessment built into every ski day.
  • Clear plan A/B/C, including decision points and turn-around times.
  • Daily use of avalanche bulletins, weather models and local observations.
  • Practical coaching on ropework, movement skills and mountain systems where relevant.

On many trips we integrate short “micro-lessons” on topics like navigation, transceiver practice, glacier travel or multipitch efficiency. The idea is that you come home not only with strong memories, but also with new skills.

Is this right for my level?

We regularly guide complete beginners, intermediate mountaineers and very experienced skiers and climbers. Each activity page clearly states the required level, typical day length and technical grade.

If you are unsure where you fit, send us a short message with what you already do (grades, typical tours, fitness level) and what you would like to achieve. We’ll suggest realistic options and, if needed, a progression plan over several trips.