Climbing Dolomites
in Southtyrol
with Thomas Zelger
Mountain Guide | Ski Guide | Climbing Coach
"A path is created when you walk it, and it's yours to explore!"
(Konfuzius)
In the almost 20 years that I have been working as an independent mountain guide, I have taken many paths, accompanied numerous people and often friendships have developed from our shared experiences. Mountains and experiences connect. I focus on guiding individuals and small groups, mass tourism is not my thing. I hope you will find an inspiring suggestion in my offer that you think could lead to a shared path. The variety of tours in rock, snow and ice is great and the seasons set the pace. I would be happy to guide and accompany you on the tour to the summit of your dreams, because only those who live their dreams can satisfy their longing.
About: I was born in Bolzano in 1972 and have been a sports climbing trainer since 2004. I am a professional mountain guide since 2006 and the author of various climbing guidebooks. In 2022, I became the president of the South Tyrolean Mountain and Ski Guides Association. I am still a passionate climber and always look for fun and adventure. I have two daughters and I live in Völs am Schlern, Southtyrol/Alto Adige.
Let yourself be inspired!
Climbing in the Dolomites
As an international UIAGM mountain guide, qualified sports climbing trainer and, above all, as a passionate climber who lives in the heart of the Dolomites, these peaks and rock faces are the perfect playground to enjoy all aspects of climbing. The length and difficulty of the routes can be freely chosen, the selection is huge and offers something for every taste. Short approaches on the Sella Pass, but also the somewhat longer routes in the Catinaccio area lead to the start of routes and climbs of all levels of difficulty. But the Dolomites are much more than that! There are many secluded corners, for example in the Pala or Brenta group. And of course the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Whether as an individual day tour, a climbing week or a selected summit tour – I will create a tailor-made itinerary that will inspire you! There is a detailed course program for beginners or you can simply try a simple taster tour.
Via Ferrata Dolomites
The Dolomites are a paradise for via ferratas, nowhere else in the world are there so many. Via ferratas are becoming increasingly popular and offer even less experienced climbers the opportunity to reach peaks that are off-limits to normal hikers. For many people, they are also the stepping stone to real rock climbing. Last but not least, it’s simply fun to try something new and expand your range of action. You can opt for an individual guided tour, a group tour or a private family hike. Perhaps you are not yet confident enough to tackle a difficult via ferrata on your own. As the author of two via ferrata guidebooks, I know exactly which tours are the most suitable for you. I will be happy to help you find the right route for you.
Ski touring Dolomites
Ski tours in the Dolomites are the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle on the slopes and relax in the midst of breath-taking nature. The ascents may be challenging, but the meditative movement in snow-covered landscapes is a real pleasure. And if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to let off steam in the powder snow once you’ve finished your exertions on the descent! Admittedly, skiing off the groomed slopes takes some getting used to and is not always without risk. But if the snow is the problem, then the terrain is the solution! Every tour in its own time, safety and health always come first! Due to the favourable geographical location, there is a huge selection of different snow-sure ski touring areas with unique landscapes in the Dolomites.
Freeride Dolomites
Do you love off-piste skiing and are your skis as wide as your smile when you think of deep snow? Then you’re probably a freerider! The Dolomites await you with an abundance of descents that will make your heart beat faster. With the help of the lifts, we can almost always effortlessly reach descents that climb up to 1,200 meters in altitude on the slopes of the Marmolada, for example. The Val Mesdí valley on the Sella massif is probably the most famous descent and an absolute dream! For those who like it even steeper, I recommend the Joel or Holzer Gully, where you can almost reach 50 degrees. So what are you waiting for?
