A bonafide classic, described here is the route that combines Via Ferrata Giuseppe Olivieri up to Punta Anna and then continues on Via Ferrata Tofana Di Mezzo to the summit at 3,244m.
For those who love big long alpine climbs, this one is spectacular, but it's a long day even moving at speed and with fine weather. Poor weather or fog would make orientation and navigation challenging .
A relatively simple hike on old war paths. About halfway up, the route is secured with steel cables. The terrain is exposed, easily walkable (but dangerous if crowded, also due to potential rockfall). The final part is the same as the descent route and is steep and unsecured. In fog or heavy rain, this route becomes particularly hazardous. In early summer, the north-facing side may still be covered with hard snow (slip risk!). For this reason, a good sense of direction is essential. No potable water is available along the route.
Two short, independent and relatively easy ferratas located in the Fanes stream bed. Ideal for children (with rope and ferrata gear!) or beginners. There's about 1 hour between the two ferratas. During spring thaw and summer storms, both should be avoided.
The climb is very varied, with some very steep and also exposed sections on entirely good-quality rock. You often find a thin steel cable with widely spaced anchor points. Iron rungs assist the final steep sections just below the summit. The climbing sections and the access trail require a steady and secure foot; even on the actual ferrata, there are a few exposed, unsecured spots.
A very varied route, continuously interrupted by sloping ledges. On the ledges, the ascent winds among mountain pines; the risers between the ledges are secured with tightly stretched steel cables and are aided by a ladder. There are some very exposed passages on rock.
This trail is only partially secured and is not a via ferrata in the classic sense. The strenuous climb along the rocky ledge is exposed, very hot in summer, and recommended only for climbers with secure footing. But for those looking for a stimulating summit ascent, relative tranquility, and a beautiful view over the Cortina basin, the "Croda Walk" (as this trail is also called) is ideal.
Partially very exposed via ferrata; a very steep and overhanging gulley/chimney in the third upper section requires strength and skill (especially on the descent). Two very exposed steps/ledges help negotiate the yellow ledges of the overhanging section. Old steel cables have only recently been replaced, so securing oneself independently on difficult points of the ascent and descent is advisable, especially where there are no ropes. Due to the eastern exposure and the height of the ferrata, it's possible to encounter residual snow from the old snowpack.
An easy via ferrata with seven short ladders at the start. About half the ascent is secured with steel cables. The gorges alternate with some rocky ledges exposed on a ledge system that crosses the western face of Col del Fuoco without gaining much elevation. The protections consist of scattered cords, some of which are not secured, requiring attention—especially on the descent. Often described as part of the Sorapiss circuit, this two-day loop includes the Vandelli ferrata, the Minazio trail, and the Francesco Berti ferrata.
The Berti ferrata is usually described as a section of the Sorapiss circuit. However, it can also be done starting from the Faloria cable car above Cortina, ending at Rifugio Scotter above San Vito di Cadore. Return from San Vito to Cortina is by local bus. The ferrata's access trail is relatively short but very exposed, and the overall route is long. Solid mountain experience and sure footing in unsecured terrain are absolutely essential. At the end of the ferrata, there is a simple emergency shelter, Bivacco Slataper. As a one-day hike, this is reserved for highly fit, experienced alpinists.
Together with the ferrata "I magnifici 4," this is currently one of the most difficult via ferratas in the Dolomites. Unlike "I magnifici 4," here the difficulty is continuous and uninterrupted. The route is exceptionally well secured, though descending it in reverse can be quite problematic.
This is an easy ferrata that starts at an altitude of 3190 m. It involves a descent of over 1000 m of elevation loss. Along the route, you'll encounter many WWI military posts. Just after the start, there's a very steep but technically easy ledge that leads down to Forcella Tofana (3125 m). The ferrata begins at the ridge that connects Tofana di Mezzo (3244 m) to Tofana di Dentro (3230 m). From the summit, the route follows a slippery scree gully northward (the trail is not always easy to find). From Forcella Formenton (2800 m), the trail becomes exposed again and is only partially protected by steel cables; crossing the steep gullies in the final section requires great caution!
A very exposed climb requiring significant upper body strength in places. The steel cables begin at Punta Anna and climb toward Doss de Tofana, and are quite exposed and poorly protected. From Doss de Tofana, one can descend or continue to the summit of Tofana di Mezzo via the Gianni Aglio and Tofana di Mezzo ferratas, making for a long, technically very difficult, and highly demanding mountain outing.
This route is primarily used as a descent after completing the difficult Giuseppe Olivieri via ferrata (described in Route 22). However, the trail described here can also be undertaken on its own as a standalone excursion from Rifugio Pomedes to the Ra Valles station of the Freccia nel Cielo cable car on Tofana di Mezzo. The most exposed parts of the ascent are secured with steel cables, and the steepest sections are aided by ladders. If you take the chairlift to Rifugio Pomedes and descend by cable car from Ra Valles, this becomes a short and scenic route—though a sure foot and steady pace are still required in the unsecured sections.
One of the newest via ferrata routes in the Dolomites, inaugurated in 2015 — short and excellent.
For those who love long alpine climbs — this is the place to be!
The climber will encounter a mix of difficult, extremely exposed sections and easy terrain, leading to a scarred alpine landscape that is nearly perfect. In case of fresh snow or fog, the orientation can become very difficult! Early in the season, you might encounter old snow; it is strongly recommended to bring an ice axe just in case.
This easy and secured route is often used as a shortcut from Rifugio Giussani to Rifugio Dibona (or in the opposite direction). It follows narrow ledges at the base of Punta Anna and proceeds almost horizontally along the wall. It is suitable as a first approach to a ferrata for novice climbers, and even for family outings (children must be secured!). An expert climber will likely not need protection (though a helmet is still recommended).
The long traverses along the west face are exposed to meltwater and rain; until the Tre Dita section, the elevation gain is barely noticeable. The actual elevation gain is concentrated in the upper section of the wall, where the real climbing begins. The terraces along the detrital slopes of the west face are often still covered in hard snow, even at the beginning of summer. In late summer or autumn, when there's no snow left, the climb often becomes dusty and fragile. A small patch of ice is often present, so an ice-axe is recommended in any case.
This is a highly recommended hike that leads through splendid scenery. The via ferrata is a small climbing installation but should not be underestimated. The blacksmith and manager of the former Wolf Glanwellhütte (destroyed during WWI), Luigi Gilarduzzi (nicknamed Menighel), built this path in 1907 from his hut (now Rifugio Giussani) directly to the Cantore hut (now Rifugio Giussani). The Scala del Menighel was the first via ferrata in the Cortina d'Ampezzo area. To overcome the steep exposed wall up to Forcella Fontananegra, almost 200 iron rungs were used.
This is a short and relatively easy route. Only a brief section of the climb is secured with a steel cable. The rest of the ascent is along a trail that is easy to walk, though it is somewhat exposed and therefore requires secure footing. The route is easily accessible and suitable for beginners. The descent follows the same path as the ascent.
This via ferrata is short, easy, and consists of two sections. The lower section, which is secured, ascends to the detrital glacial cirque between the peaks of Ra Gusela and Nuvolau. A well-marked, easy trail follows, leading to the second secured section, which ascends to the southern ridge of Nuvolau. A steel cable and a ladder lead to the Nuvolau hut, located near the summit of the same name.
This climb is very suitable for beginners. Expert climbers sometimes do it without climbing gear, but wearing a helmet is still recommended (especially due to the high number of hikers). From Nuvolau, experienced climbers can also tackle the Averau ferrata (see description no. 29) and descend toward Passo Giau.