Via Ferrata Delle Trincee
Description
An interesting ascent, entirely on solid rock. The nearly vertical wall that greets you at the start may be considered the crux of the route. The rock usually provides plenty of footholds, as long as the climber has solid climbing technique. The crossing is exposed up to the ridge. In the descent, you must also overcome two steep steps—not easy. The climb is well protected with steel cable, while the short downclimb from the first saddle (not protected) follows a trail without difficulty. In uncertain weather or risk of storms, the ridge route is definitely not recommended!
Access & starting point
Reachable via Passo Pordoi or from Corvara via Passo Campolongo toward Arabba. Park near the cable car at Porta Vescovo. Take the cable car up to the upper station.
Approach
From the upper station at Porta Vescovo (2478 m), climb briefly along a ski slope, then descend to the right along a narrow trail that brings you to the signposted start of the via ferrata. The first part of the climb is already visible from the cable car station.
Route
A relatively short ferrata, well equipped, with an easy approach and simple descent. It's a varied and interesting outing on excellent rock. A few artificial steps assist in overcoming the more difficult sections. If starting from Fedaia, the full tour is extended by about two or two and a half hours (access to Porta Vescovo from the artificial lake of Fedaia – by car past Canazei and into Val di Fassa – via trail no. 698 in approx. 1¼ hrs).
Technical Details
A short ferrata with an easy, brief approach and descent. Apart from a few artificial footholds in the steeper parts, the route is secured only with steel cable. The first section is steep and exposed. The continuation along the ridge is easier, while the descent in the latter part of the ferrata is again quite steep and requires good foot technique and arm strength.
Descent
From the final protection of the ferrata, follow a trail through grassy slopes to the saddle (old WWI positions). From the saddle, the descent continues toward the Alta Via (geological trail), which returns to Porta Vescovo. Optional Route: Instead of descending, you can follow the old WWI military trails (some sections protected) to the Bontadini Bivouac (2550 m) and Rifugio Padon (2390 m). The route crosses several WWI tunnels—bring a headlamp! From Rifugio Padon, follow the Alta Via (geological trail) back to the start point (adds at least another 2.5 hours).
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