★☆☆☆☆
★★☆☆☆
★★★☆☆
★★★★☆
★★★★★

Via Ferrata Delle Meisules (Pößnecker Steig)

Peak:
Piz Selva, 2941 m
Grade:
C/D
(Schall)
(Smith/Fletcher):  
Technical difficulty:
💪
💪 💪
💪 💪 💪
💪 💪 💪 💪
💪 💪 💪 💪 💪
Total Time:
6½–7 hrs
Ferrata time:
~1½ hrs
~1½ hrs
Total Ascent:
700 m
Approach time:
30 mins
Descent time:
4 hrs
Orientation:
northwest
GPX file:

Description

A decisively alpine ferrata, climbing on smooth rock slabs; the steepest sections are overcome using ladders and artificial fixtures (rungs and pegs). Mostly steep and very exposed, it requires upper body strength and good climbing technique. Due to its northwest exposure, the ferrata remains shaded and often wet, cold, or icy. The descent is very long.

Access & starting point

Via Val Gardena to Selva, and from there continue to Passo Sella. Park at the pass. Start at the small kiosk near Passo Sella, 2244 m, just before Hotel Maria Flora.

Approach

From the kiosk, reach the start by following trail 649, passing under the Sella Towers.

Route

Short and easy access, steep and very alpine ascent, very long descent. Ascend only in dry weather and absolutely stable conditions. Watch for snow and ice remnants in early summer! The ferrata is in shade much of the morning. Some unprotected sections require absolute sure-footedness. In low visibility, orientation on the summit plateau can be very problematic!

Technical Details

Very steep and exposed ascent, especially the exit on the second ladder. Absolutely requires upper body strength and good technique on smooth rock slabs and chimneys (no cables, just metal fixtures). Snow or ice can make the route impassable. A long and demanding route suitable for climbers with good alpine experience.

Descent

Follow marked trails from the summit to the summit cross of Piz Miara, then to Forcella dei Ciamorces (Forcella dei Camosci, 2923 m) and the Sella del Pisciadù. Descend right on trail 649 and the Alta Via no. 2 until the junction; then follow trail 647 across Val Lasties to the next junction. From there take trail 656 to the Passo Sella road switchback. Return to the pass (on foot or hitchhike). Total descent: 4 hours.