Via Ferrata Giro Del Sorapiss - A Challenging Loop Around The Sorapiss Range In The Italian Dolomites

Table of Contents

Via ferrata Giro del Sorapiss will test your endurance and your ability to navigate on not always apparent paths. Good planning ahead is essential for an enjoyable full-day excursion. The reward will come in solitude, wildlife-viewing opportunities, and some of the best views in the Dolomites.

Total round-trip distance

26.5 kilometres / 16.5 miles

Elevation gain

1950 meters / 6400 feet

Difficulty

Intermediate (C)

Time required

12-16 hours

Via Ferrata Alfonso Vandelli, the first one on the Giro Del Sorapiss Circuit

Descending to Bivacco Comici on the Giro Del Sorapiss Circuit

Overview of the via ferrata Giro del Sorapiss

Via ferrata Giro del Sorapiss circuits the Sorapiss mountain range in the Italian Dolomites. The route consists of three separate ferratas: Alfonso Vandelli, Sentiero Carlo Minazio and Francesco Berti. They all range from A to C difficulty, making the route accessible to those who don’t have much experience on via ferratas.

With that said, don’t underestimate this route. With over 25 kilometres and almost 2000 meters of elevation to tackle, this via ferrata requires at least two days to complete. Thankfully, there are accommodation options along the route, either a fully equipped alpine hut or two basic alpine bivouacs that require self-sufficiency.

IMPORTANT: Since summer 2025, the via ferrata Francesco Berti has been closed due to a landslide that eroded some sections along path no. 242. At this time, it is not possible to complete the whole circuit. A reroute to Rifugio San Marco from the junction to Slataper Bivouac is required.

The map & elevation profile

Above is the trail visualisation. Bear in mind that this map should not be used for navigation. The blue line marks the approach to Rifugio Vandelli. The Sorapiss circuit is marked in yellow.

Important info about the via ferrata

Due to its variable exposure, via ferrata Giro del Sorapiss should not be attempted earlier than July. If you go earlier, you can expect to run into quite a few snowfields. By late September, the Vandelli refuge closes; whilst it is generally still fine to hike in the Dolomites in October, the low temperatures at night and in the morning can cause icing on some sections.

When to go: July – September

Via ferrata exposition: Variable

Trail numbers: 215, 243, 234, 242, 215

Map required: Tabacco Map no. 03 Dolomiti Ampezzane

Highest point: 2670 meters / 8760 feet

Parking: Passo Tre Croci

Trailhead: Same as above

Nearest towns: Cortina d’Ampezzo

Via Ferrata Giro Del Sorapiss 32 — An Ibex near Slataper Bivouac on the Giro Del Sorapiss

Getting there

Via Ferrata Giro Del Sorapiss follows the trail to Lake Sorapiss, starting at Tre Croci mountain pass. The pass connects the towns of Cortina D’Ampezzo with Auronzo di Cadore.

By bus

From June until September, line no. 30 from the Dolomiti bus company operates daily along the route between Passo Falzarego, Cortina, and Rifugio Auronzo. The bus stop nearest to the trailhead is called Passo Tre Croci. You can check the bus schedules on Google Maps or on the official website of the Dolomiti bus company, which operates this route.

By car

Passo Tre Croci is a 15-minute drive eastward on SR48 from Cortina D’Ampezzo, the nearest town. The trailhead lies roughly 100m from the B&B Passo Tre Croci.

There are two parking possibilities for the Lake Sorapis trail. The most convenient is to park on the side of the road near the trailhead gate. However, spaces are limited and fill up quickly.

The official paid parking lot for the Lake Sorapis hike is a 10-minute walk from the trailhead. Remember that this parking lot has a vehicle height limit of 2.5 meters.

The 5 stages of the via ferrata Giro del Sorapiss

Stage 1: Passo Tre Croci to Rifugio Vandelli:

Distance: 5.5 km (3.4 mi)
Elevation gain: 240 m (790 ft)
Elevation loss: 100 m (330 ft)
Time required: 1.5-2 hours

The path to Rifugio Vandelli follows the famous Lake Sorapiss trail no. 215. This is one of the busiest hikes in the Dolomites. If you want to avoid the crowds, you should start very early. If you planned an overnight stay in the Vandelli first, before tackling Giro Del Sorapiss, you can also leave late in the afternoon. By that time, some of the parking spots near the pass should be vacated.

Stage 2: Rifugio Vandelli to Bivacco Comici along via ferrata Alfonso Vandelli

Distance: 4.6 km (2.9 mi)
Elevation gain: 590 m (1940 ft)
Elevation loss: 490 m (1600 ft)
Time required: 3-4 hours

From Rifugio Vandelli, follow the signs for path no. 243. Soon, you will reach the western side of Croda del Fogo, where the climb along a series of ladders begins. You will gain elevation quickly, and your head might spin from exposure. Luckily, the cables are present most of the way, giving excellent protection.

Two hours of fun climbing and jaw-dropping vistas later, with Monte Cristallo in the far background, you will reach Col del Fogo at 2562 meters. You can exhale deeply now and take your helmet off for a bit. After gaining over 500 metres of elevation, you will lose most of it when following path no. 234, further to Bivacco Comici, the next landmark along the route.

Stage 3: Bivacco Comici to Bivacco Slataper along via ferrata Sentiero Carlo Minazio

Distance: 5.2 km (3.2 mi)
Elevation gain: 730 m (2400 ft)
Elevation loss: 180 m (590 ft)
Time required: 3-4 hours

From Bivacco Comici, follow the zig-zag path up to the next saddle. You should reach it within 30 minutes. For the next 1.5 hours, the path undulates high above a narrow valley. This part of the route is called Sentiero Carlo Minazio. It is the easiest of the 3 via ferrata and has an A to B difficulty rating. The exposure is still quite serious at times, and the cables have been placed in the most challenging sections.

Eventually the valley opens up, and you reach a fork and a sign pointing to Rifugio San Marco (Straight) and Bivacco Slataper (right). Follow the uphill path for another hour through a large scree bowl until you reach the second Bivouac.

Stage 4: Bivacco Slataper to Rifugio Vandelli along Via Ferrata Francesco Berti

Distance: 5.7 km (3.5 mi)
Elevation gain: 290 m (950 ft)
Elevation loss: 850 m (2790 ft)
Time required: 3-4 hours

From Bivacco Slataper, the trail continues toward the saddle called Forcella del Bivacco. This is the highest point along the Sorapiss circuit. From here you can see the little town of San Vito Di Cadore down in the valley.

The challenging descent along the via Ferrata Francesco Berti is coming up. The cables and ladders are placed nicely, so taking it easy shouldn’t cause any real problems, apart from the occasional terrifying exposure. Once again, you will lose most of the elevation you have gained from hiking up to the saddle.

Continue right on an undulating scree path. 242 high above the valley to another saddle—Forcella Cengia di Banco. This is the last real obstacle on an already excruciatingly long day.

I remember my heart sank when, exhausted from a long day of hiking, I came across a sign for Rifugio Vandelli stating that it was still three hours away.

Having no choice but to keep going, I started imagining all the food I would order once I got there. Praying to a higher power, the kitchen would still be open. It was already 4 o’clock. Some scary clouds were building up on the horizon, and I only hoped we wouldn’t be caught in a lightning storm.

From Cengia di Banco saddle, it was smooth sailing—well, almost. After 9 hours on foot, we still had a long downhill hike along path no. 215 al Rifugio Vandelli. Thankfully, the clouds that were chasing us had slowly dispersed.

The landscape is now barren, almost moonlike, until you eventually emerge onto a small plateau high above Lake Sorapiss and a small forest surrounding it.

Rifugio Vandelli, a tiny dot from where you are standing, will be visible from afar. The last bit is an unpleasant downhill walk on a steep slope and will take around 1 hour. You will see the remnants of the glacier that gave Lake Sorapiss its turquoise colours to your right.

Stage 5: Rifugio Vandelli to Passo Tre Croci

Distance: 5.5 km (3.4 mi)
Elevation gain: 100 m (330 ft)
Elevation loss: 240 m (790 ft)
Time required: 1.5-2 hours

Lake Sorapiss Road Side Parking — Passo Tre Croci

Returning to Passo Tre Croci is via the same path as the approach. By late afternoon, most crowds that spend the day at Sorapiss Lake have disappeared, so you should have the trail to yourself.

Overnight stay & dining possibilities along Via Ferrata Giro del Sorapiss

Unless you are a total endurance junkie, you should consider staying overnight along the route to break it down. I marked all three options on the map.

Option 1: Rifugio Vandelli

If you prefer to go lightweight, stay in Rifugio Vandelli the night before. You can ask the staff to leave some of your gear at the hut and pick it up after you complete the circuit. I recommend leaving the hut as early as possible, straight after breakfast. You can order a packed lunch to take with you.

TIP: Vandelli hut lies along the Alta Via 4 multiday traverse and books out far in advance. Make sure to plan well ahead.

Option 2: Bivacco Comici

A bivacco is a basic alpine shelter that only provides a bed for sleeping, nothing else. You can stay in one free of charge, but you must carry enough food, water, and a sleeping bag. The Comici bivouac lies ca. 9.3 km (5.8 mi) into the Sorapiss Circuit.

TIP: Due to a lack of maintenance and vandalism, Bivacco Comici should only be used in emergencies (for example, bad weather). Recent reports speak of blankets eaten by mice and trash left by inconsiderate campers.

Option 3: Bivacco Slataper

Bivacco Slataper is an option for those planning to split the circuit into two days, as it lies roughly halfway along the route. It’s a tiny shelter with basic amenities. The downside of overnighting in a bivouac is having to carry all your equipment: stove, sleeping bag, change of clothes, and extra food and water. The weight quickly adds up. However, this bivouac is the most scenic and peaceful of the three options. I ran into some Ibex hanging out right next to it. They did not seem bothered by our presence. Please take care of the bivouac, and don’t let its fate be the same as the Comici.

Where to stay nearby

Cortina D’Ampezzo is the nearest town to the trailhead for the via ferrata Giro del Sorapiss, and it’s only a 15-minute drive away. Located in the heart of the Dolomites, Cortina is the perfect town for exploring nearby attractions. I highly recommend staying here for a few days.

Best Value

Hotel Des Alpes

It is a great hotel away from the city centre with alpine-style rooms and a wellness centre.

Top Rated

Hotel Villa Alpina

Set in the heart of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Hotel Villa Alpina offers Alpine-style rooms, some with a balcony overlooking the Dolomites.

Frequently asked questions about Via Ferrata Giro del Sorapiss

In which direction is it best to tackle Giro Del Sorapiss?

Since “giro” means “circuit”, theoretically, it can be walked in either direction. However, after consulting with the amiable local owners of the Rifugio Vandelli, where I stayed the night before, I decided to tackle the route clockwise. In retrospect, this was the right decision. Climbing down via ferrata Vandelli would have been extremely challenging.

What if there is a thunderstorm in the forecast?

Giro del Sorapiss should not be attempted unless the weather forecast is good for the day. During summer, afternoon storms are frequent. Hanging off a cliff, attached to a metal cable during a storm is not a situation I would want to find myself in. In the second half of August and September, the storms subside; it is the best time to do it.

Is it possible to do Giro Del Sorapiss in one day?

I am sure there are plenty of people who are capable of doing the Giro Del Sorapiss in one day; however, I am certainly not one of them. Considering one needs at least 12 hours to complete the circuit, which has almost 2000 meters (almost 6500 feet) of elevation gain, I would highly recommend staying at least one night in either the Vandelli hut or one of the two bivouacs along the route, with Slataper, being halfway along the circuit, being the better choice.

How easy is it to navigate on the Sorapiss Circuit?

Ensure you are equipped with a good map and know how to use it. In this case, Tabacco no 03 will do the job (I linked to it in the stats). Although there is only one trail you can follow, I did lose a couple of hours because I questioned whether I was on the correct course. This happened right after completing Via Ferrata Vandelli. The fact that the trail drops down a few hundred meters confused me. I followed the red markings but saw no direct signs pointing to Bivacco Comici. I hiked down, then returned to Col del Fogo. I lost around two hours and drained my water supply, only to realise we were following the right path. I admit that it was my fault, because I didn’t have a correct map which would show me the terrain. It was a good reminder that you should never get too comfortable in the mountains.

Is it possible to fill up water anywhere on the Sorapiss Circuit?

Take enough food and water. Although I could fill up in two places along the way, the water was murky and somewhat questionable both times. One of my few mistakes on the trail was not bringing enough water. By the end of the summer, the streams were nothing more than a little trickle, and having run out of water, I was desperate to drink something. I filled my HydraPak with muddy water, hoping I wouldn’t catch any waterborne disease. A LifeStraw or iodine tablet would have come in handy.

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Shop my via ferrata gear essentials

Via Ferrata Giro Del Sorapiss - A Challenging Loop Around The Sorapiss Range In The Italian Dolomites 16

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.

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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.

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edelrid basis cable kit special via ferrata set

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.

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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.

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salewa womens wildfire edge approach shoes detail 6

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.