Just returned from a week in the Dolomites based in Selva, Val Gardena. Although I have been to the French and Swiss Alps many times, I have never been to the Dolomites. Also, this is the first time I have been the the Alps with a family.

We had a a great time and I wish I had been to the Dolomites before. We had perfect weather, with only a couple of afternoon thunderstorms. We did several walks, including a circuit of Sassolungo, complete with my long cut:) I was keen to try some Via Ferratas with the children and once I had persuaded them of what a good idea it was they really loved them (they have been climbing in the UK with me before). On the first route took along a 50m rope, as I wasn't sure what to expect. However, we didn't need it and on the second trip I left the rope behind.

I was pleasantly surprised by the politeness of other climbers on the Ferrata. In the French Alps it's usual to find people climbing past you and often clipping your gear. However, even on a crowded route nobody tried to push past us and several parties declined when I offered to let them overtake us. Even more impressive was the almost total lack of litter both in the towns and the mountains. I think in the whole week I only saw a single discarded bottle. No bits of orange peel, sweet wrappers, etc.

Overall a great place to introduce children to the Alps without the 2:00am starts and dangers of glaciated mountains. I can't wait to go back!

Ian.