The craggy rockface on the western-facing slopes of Monte Fiames in the Pomagagnon Range makes for a satisfying half-day via ferrata called Michielli Strobel.
Total round-trip distance (incl. approach)
10 kilometres / 6.2 miles
Elevation gain
950 meters / 3100 feet
Difficulty
Intermediate (B/C)
Time required
4-5 hours
Overview of the via ferrata
Via Ferrata Michielli Strobel is best characterised by intermittent climbing, interspersed with outstanding views southward over Cortina, Monte Pelmo, Croda da Lago, and westward to the Tofane di Mezzo. The route culminates at a lofty summit and descends a demanding scree slope. Make sure to pack your hiking poles for this one.
The map of the via ferrata Michielli Strobel
Important info about the via ferrata
Via ferrata Michielli Strobel is generally accessible from mid-June to mid-October, but note that it can be icy in the mornings during autumn. I recommend starting this via ferrata early if you plan to tackle it in the summer. The slopes are west-facing, meaning if you start late, you could spend several hours exposed to strong direct sunlight.
When to go: mid-June to mid-October
Exposition: West
Trail numbers: 218, 202
Highest point: 2246 meters / 7361 feet
Route description
The approach starts in thick pine wood, where interwoven roots underfoot can cause you to stumble once or twice. This is especially true if you aim to climb before sunrise, as I did.
After a few minutes, you’ll emerge on an old railway line (now a cycle path), followed by a much thinner hiking path that quickly ascends on a springy forest floor and then a scree slope. Before you leave the car park, scan the pathway from the road. You should be able to see the upper scree path before setting it off (hint: You can see it on Google Street View).
The path is well-signposted, but I still found it helpful to carry my GPS. There were times when I wondered whether I was on the right course.
To begin with, your destination at the cliff face is not obvious, but a wide ledge becomes apparent not before long as you switch back up to an unassuming scree gully interspersed with sections of fragrant dwarf pine.
Turning right, walk along the ledge past the official Michielli Strobel Via Ferrata plaque. After a few unprotected scrambles up some of the bigger juts, you’ll reach the start of the cables. This initial approach lasts around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
There is plenty of space directly underneath the first cable, so it’s an excellent place for your group to stop and harness up. The scrambling along the via ferrata section is straightforward, made easier by numerous large handholds and footholds on decent rock. Pegs, iron rods, and ladders are placed smartly in the most challenging places to assist you in your progression.
The views become more expansive as you gain height. They are predominantly south-facing over Cortina, with a few to the northwest toward Col Rosa and Col Becchei.
After the last significant section of climbing, you begin your summit push on a good scree slope between wind-beaten dwarf pine bushes.
The peak is small, with a cliff on the approach side. It is a lovely place for a snack and photos. At a decent pace, with stops for kitting up, photos, and a snack, you should reach the summit in roughly 3 hours.
The descent
The descent takes you back down from the summit along the same ascent path but then bears east toward Forcella (saddle) Pomagagnon, deeper into the Pomagagnon Range. Once you’ve passed a short 20m protected traverse, this is the last time you’ll need your harness. Once you reach the saddle, you can pack it away.
Down from Forcella Pomagagnon can be either a dream or a disaster. You’ll fly down quickly if you have good knees, can scree surf, and don’t mind the occasional slip on your bum. If you aren’t too confident on scree, it’s a very demanding, steep journey down with no actual path, just desired lines left by others.
Either way, if you’re heading downhill, you’re going in the right direction. As the gully swings rightward, you’ll emerge near path no. 218, which takes you back to Fiames.
Getting there
The trailhead is on the opposite side of the road to Hotel Fiames on Strada Statale (state road) 51 di Alemagna. There’s ample parking, but if it gets busy, an overflow car park is about 100m back toward Cortina, on the same side as the hotel.
By bus
The nearest bus stop to the trailhead is Fiames. During the summer, buses run from Cortina at regular intervals.
By car
It takes approximately 7 minutes to reach the start of the via ferrata Michielli Strobel from Cortina.
Overnight & dining possibilities
There are no alpine huts along the via ferrata Michielli Strobel. Therefore, make sure to carry enough food and water.
Where to stay nearby
Cortina D’Ampezzo is the nearest town to the trailhead for the via ferrata Michielli Strobel. It’s only a 10-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
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
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.
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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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- 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.
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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 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.
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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.
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Heya! Yes that’s the route I took down, it was wonderful, such a nice quiet valley and to have a bus route at the end was just fantastic! Ah yes I was fully geared up at that stage, managed to borrow a helmet for the Toblin day thankfully!
Hi Donal! So glad to hear it. It would be very quiet by now. The ferrata was even quiet when I did it in July but to be fair I did leave at 5 am, so there are not many more people who are already climbing at this hour. I am so glad to hear you had a great time. did you manage to do any more via ferratas during your stay?
Heya! I’m having the most wonderful week following routes you described so well on your website, I can’t thank you enough. I found the scree decent on Forc de diavolo (AV4) a bit too hair raising (I didn’t have a helmet then but I do now) so I was thinking of doing this route and descending via path 202 and getting the bus back to Dobiacco from the 51 road on the north side of the mountain. Can you recall from looking down if there’s much of a trail there? It looks straightforward on the map 03 anyway.. All the best, Donal
Hey Donal! Thanks for your awesome feedback. I hope I am not too late with my reply. I just had a look at the map and whilst I don’t remember seeing that trail (it was a while back), I am sure it will be there, especially since it is clearly marked on the map. You can descend on 202 and then join trail 203 which is a wide gravel road that leads to Rif. Ospitale. This is the official ending of via ferrata Ivano Dibona. There is a bus stop there. Just do double-check bus schedules before leaving because in the shoulder season sometimes buses stop operating on certain routes. Have lots of fun and make sure to bring the equipment with you!