This relatively new via ferrata offers a great experience for those who don’t want to expend too much energy on the initial approach. Located only one kilometre from the nearest road yet still very impressive with its views, Via ferrata Degli Alpini Al Col Dei Bos is nothing to be sniffed at.
Total round-trip distance
4 kilometres / 2.5 miles
Elevation gain
460 meters / 1510 feet
Difficulty
Intermediate (B/C)
Time required
3-3.5 hours
Overview of the via ferrata
Via Ferrata degli Alpini Al Col dei Bos is located in the Falzarego Mountain Pass area. This is a historically significant location with numerous World War I remnants. The route is quite popular with guided groups, so I suggest starting early to avoid waiting around. As you will see in my photos, I did this route at the crack of dawn, which provided fantastic photography conditions.
Via ferrata Col del Bos is quite scenic. The prominent peaks of Cinque Torri, one of the iconic photography spots in the Dolomites, will be behind you every step of the way. Other distinguishable peaks include the pyramid-shaped Mount Antelao, the second-highest mountain in the Dolomites, nicknamed the King of the Dolomites by locals.
What would be a King without its Queen? Marmolada – the Dolomiti Queen and the highest peak can be seen in the southwest. You can recognise it from the glaciers covering one of its faces.
The map & elevation profile
Important info about the via ferrata
Thanks to its southern exposure, the via ferrata Degli Alpini Al Col dei Bos is accessible earlier in the season than other routes, but to be on the safe side, I recommend waiting at least until June to tackle it, as you might still run into pockets of snow in the shaded gully while descending.
When to go: June to October
Via ferrata exposition: southwest
Trail numbers: 423
Map required: Tabacco Map no. 03 (Dolomiti Ampezzane)
Highest point: 2559 meters / 8396 feet
Parking: 46.52025, 12.01926
Trailhead: Same as above
Nearest towns: Cortina d’Ampezzo, San Cassiano in Val Badia
Getting there
The trailhead for via ferrata Degli Alpini al Col dei Bos can be reached via car or public transport. Here is how.
By bus
In the summer, frequent public bus service is operated by the Dolomiti bus company. The bus stop near the trailhead is called Col Gallina. Bus line no. 30 operates on this route, and the journey from Cortina is approximately 40 minutes. You can check for schedules here or on Google Maps.
By car
It takes around 25 minutes to reach the trailhead from Cortina, or 20 minutes from San Cassiano in Val Badia. The road is very busy in summer, so take extra care when driving and keep locals in mind when stopping for photos. Put ristorante “da Strobel” into your GPS.
Stages of the via ferrata Degli Alpini al Col dei Bos
Approach from the trailhead to the start of the cables:
- Distance: 1.1 km (0.7 mi)
- Elevation gain: 120 m (400 ft)
- Time required: 30-45 min
The path is marked with signs for “Col Dei Bos” from the start. It takes around half an hour to reach the first section, which is equipped with cables. En route, you will pass old military ruins dating back to the First World War, one of many war remnants in this part of the Italian Dolomites.
Stage 2: Via Ferrata Degli Alpini Al Col Dei Bos:
- Distance: 0.6 km (0.4 mi)
- Elevation gain: 340 m (1115 ft)
- Time required: 1-1.5 hours
Once you reach the cables, prepare yourself for a challenge. The first bit goes up vertically for about 100 meters, so strong legs and arms will help. You will be fine if you stay clipped into the cables and watch where you place your feet. Although the entire route to the top is steep and exposed, it is always well protected by cables and iron rods.
A few sections along the way allow you to rest your legs and admire the surrounding views. In the gully to your left, you can spot the zig-zag path. This will be your way down.
The whole climb shouldn’t take longer than 1.5 hours. Add 30 minutes for the initial approach, and in 2 hours you should be standing at the top of Cima Bois (2559 meters). Right below the summit is a large grassy plateau where you can rest and take photos.
Stage 3: Descent from the summit back to the trailhead:
- Distance: 2.3 km (1.4 mi)
- Elevation loss: 460 m (1510 ft)
- Time required: 1h – 1h 15 min
You can descend the same way, but I’d advise against it. Due to the popularity of this via ferrata, it will only create unnecessary traffic. Instead, walk down the scree path you could see on the ascent.
Although not as exciting, it is certainly a lot faster. Within 45 minutes to an hour, you should return to the restaurant, where you can reward yourself with an apple strudel. It’s a staple food after each via ferrata that I complete.
Overnight stay & dining possibilities
Apart from the restaurant Da Strobel right near the trailhead, there are no other lunch or overnight stay opportunities directly on the route.
Where to stay nearby
The nearest town to the via Degli Alpini al Col dei Bos is Cortina d’Ampezzo, which is one of the main hubs for exploring the Dolomites. With access to countless trails and via ferratas, you won’t be bored during your stay. For anyone interested, I wrote a 2-5-day itinerary for Cortina d’Ampezzo, and a post outlining the great hikes and via ferratas you can do from here. Cortina is very well connected to Venice Airport. Daily shuttles run during the summer season. Below are some of my hotel recommendations in Cortina.
Best Value
It is a great hotel away from the city centre with alpine-style rooms and a wellness centre.
Top Rated
Set in the heart of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Hotel Villa Alpina offers Alpine-style rooms, some with a balcony overlooking the Dolomites.
Other activities nearby
Hikes
Via ferrata
- Giovanni Lipella
- Cesco Tomaselli
- Averau
- Ra Gusela
- Ra Bujela
- Sass Dla Crusc
Travel resources for the Dolomites
Shop my via ferrata gear essentials
Black Diamond Helmet
Rockfall is a significant concern on via ferrata routes. Unbeknownst to you, other climbing groups above you may accidentally dislodge a small rock and send it down the mountain. If it hits you on the head, it could have serious consequences. A helmet on your head (not inside your backpack) is necessary.
Shop on: Amazon (Worldwide) / Backcountry (US)
Black Diamond Momentum Harness
Another must-have on a via ferrata route is a climbing harness. A harness works as an anchor point for your via ferrata lanyard. Try it before your trip to ensure it fits snugly without limiting your movements. Aim for a lightweight harness that will be comfortable to wear between the cable-protected sections when hiking.
- Shop Women’s on Amazon (Worldwide) / Backcountry (US)
- Shop Men’s on Amazon (Worldwide) / Backcountry (US)
Edelrid, Camp or Black Diamond Via Ferrata Lanyard
A via ferrata lanyard connects the climber and their harness to the cables along the route. Its two arms and a hidden extra coil work as an energy absorption system in case of a fall. The two carabiners at the end of the lanyard clip into the cable. Make sure the carabiners are equipped with the palm squeeze mechanism. It’s the safest and most comfortable.
Shop on Amazon (Worldwide) / Backcountry (US)
Black Diamond Crag Gloves
The gloves protect your hands from cuts and scratches you may otherwise get if you haul yourself on the cable without them. I prefer full-finger gloves for extra protection against blisters. If your hands sweat quickly, go for the fingerless version.
Shop on: Amazon (Worldwide) / Backcountry (US)
Salewa Wildfire Edge Approach Shoes
This is my go-to pair of hiking shoes for more accessible trails or via ferrata, where I don’t need extra ankle support. They provide excellent grip on the rock and are very durable.
Shop on: Amazon (Worldwide) / Backcountry (US)
Reeloq Smartphone Securing System
If you want to take great photos on a via ferrata without worrying about losing your phone, Reeloq is the best tool for it. It’s a smartphone-securing system that allows you to use your phone on any adventure. This has been a great addition to my tool arsenal.
Shop on: REELOQ
This post is super helpful, thanks for all the info.
Do you think it’s safe for me to do it alone? I have beginner level experience with easy climbs.
Do you recommend any guides there? Thank you!
Hi Gabriela. There are plenty of guiding companies in Cortina D’Ampezzo that often take their clients to this via ferrata. Whether it is safe to do it alone, is something you can only answer yourself. I am always a big advocate of venturing into the mountains with a partner.