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Via Ferrata Di Valdaora

Area:
Brunico
Peak:
Cima dei Colli Alti, 2542 m
Grade:
B
(Schall)
(Smith/Fletcher):  
Technical difficulty:
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Total Time:
5½ - 6 hrs
Ferrata time:
~1 hr (128m elevation gain from ferrata exit to summit); 15–30 minutes
~1 hr (128m elevation gain from ferrata exit to summit); 15–30 minutes
Total Ascent:
1,053 m
Approach time:
2½ hrs
Descent time:
2 hrs
Orientation:
North
GPX file:

Description

A short via ferrata, entirely secured with steel cables, with some crumbly areas and a few exposed spots.

Access & starting point

Via the Val Pusteria road to the Braies turnoff, located between Monguelfo and Villabassa. Parking info: Associazione Turistica Valle di Braies; T +39 0474 748660.

Approach

From behind the hotel, reach the first signposted path. Follow trail no. 20/61 to Maso Ried, then continue (signposted as trail no. 20) to Malga Kühwiesenalm, and ascend on a meadow path to the namesake ridge (trail no. 20). At a small saddle before the ridge, a sign indicates "Via Ferrata di Valdaora." Cross the slope (red markings), across scree and rocky slabs, to the start of the via ferrata. Best period: late June to mid-September.

Route

This is a long alpine tour requiring good physical condition and endurance, with either a ridge traverse or a scree crossing to reach the start. The via ferrata ends at Punta Casera (2414 m). Crossing grassy slopes southwards (marked trail) leads to the summit cross of Cima dei Colli Alti (2542 m).

Technical Details

A short, not particularly difficult ferrata, with a long approach and descent in a remote and quiet area. This is a perfect alpine hike for climbers seeking solitude and a 360° panoramic view. Good weather conditions are essential, as snowfields can linger into spring, especially in the northern approach to the start.

Descent

From the summit of Cima dei Colli Alti, descend steep pastures to Forcella di Braies (2225 m) marked by red paint along a stone wall. From there, follow the steep path (trail no. 61) down to Casera di Braies and back to the lake; approx. 2 hours.