Every year thousands of photographers flock to Passo Giau to capture the insanely photogenic Mount Ra Gusela and the curvy road running right at its foot.
Few realize that the summit of Ra Gusela is relatively easily accessible thanks to the beginner via ferrata bearing the same name.
So put your helmet on, tighten your harness, clip on your lanyard, and get ready for some of the best sunrise views in the Dolomites!
Via Ferrata Ra Gusela: The Stats
Time required: 3-4 hours
Elevation gain: 360 m / 1200 ft
Route difficulty: beginner
Getting to the start
Via ferrata Ra Gusela starts at Passo Giau. It can be turned into a loop and walked either clockwise or counterclockwise. In this post, I will cover the latter.
The Giau mountain pass can be reached within 30 minutes by car from Cortina D’Ampezzo – the nearest town. Before you set off though, make sure you are a confident driver.
The mountain roads in the Dolomites are very narrow and full of hairpin bends. I have already smashed a side mirror in my van once.
On the weekends the roads fill up with death-wishing motorcyclists who are very keen to overtake you before the crests of hills, turning round blind corners or sometimes both. You know, as if it wasn’t already difficult enough.
Via Ferrata Ra Gusela: Route Description
From Passo Giau take the prominent cobblestone path toward Mount Ra Gusela. After ca. 100 meters, you will get to a sign pointing right toward Via Ferrata “Nuvolau” (path no. 438).
This is another name the ferrata Ra Gusela is known for and it takes its name from Nuvolau – the second summit the ferrata leads to.
On its top stands one of the oldest and most photogenic mountain huts in the Dolomites. The rifugio bears the same name as the summit it stands on – Nuvolau.
The ferrata initially scales the eastern side of Ra Gusela and it’s really straightforward. As per usual, it’s marked with red/white paint marks. The cable protection is intermittent. After around 40 minutes of scrambling you will reach a fork.
The summit of Ra Gusela will be to your left and Nuvolau to your right.
I recommend that you first tick off the summit of Ra Gusela. Although two summits in one day may sound like a lot, don’t worry, it isn’t. The elevation changes aren’t too great.
Between Passo Giau and the highest point, it’s a meager 360 meters difference in elevation, so it’s not like you will be climbing Everest and Lhotse in one day.
Brace yourself for some jaw-dropping views upon reaching the summit. It’s a 360-degree panorama including Tofane, Cristallo, and Sorapiss groups. Mount Pelmo, Mount Civetta. Even Marmolada – Dolomite’s highest peak can also be seen in the distance. Passo Giau, where you started will be visible down below.
After a break at the summit it’s time to descend along the same path you just came up on, then head over to the other side to the Nuvolau summit and check out the rifugio.
From the summit of Ra Gusela you will be able to spot the path leading to Nuvolau. You will first drop down around 100 meters before climbing up again along a series of ladders and a few cable-protected sections.
The hut is a perfect place for lunch before you continue on with your day.
Who needs a fancy top-floor bar in some overpopulated city when, for a fraction of the price, you can sip your beer on an outdoor terrace looking at beautiful views and breathing the crispy mountain air?
A pint or two later it’s time to descend. From rifugio Nuvolau continue along path nr 438. This time marked for Rifugio Averau. It’s a quick 30-minute hike down to the hut. Short and painless.
Feeling energetic? You have a chance to extend your day. By adding only 2 hours to the itinerary you can get to the summit of Mount Averau along the via ferrata of the same name.
If however, you are ready to call it a day, from Rifugio Averau follow path no. 452 towards Passo Giau. You should reach your car after 1,5 hours of mostly downhill hiking along a well-maintained path.
I recommend getting Tabacco map no. 03 and studying the map before setting off to better visualize the whole route.
Are you planning a trip to the Dolomites and would like to know more about via ferrata Ra Gusela or anything else? Post your questions in the comments. I will be happy to answer them!
Shop my via ferrata gear essentials
Black Diamond Helmet
Rockfall is a major concern on via ferrata routes. Unbeknownst to you, other climbing groups above you may accidentally dislodge a small rock and send it hurtling down the mountain. If it hits you on the head it could have serious consequences. A helmet placed on your head (not inside your backpack) is a must!
Shop on: Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
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. Make sure to try it on first before your trip to ensure it fits snugly without limiting your movements. Aim for a lightweight harness, that will be comfy to wear between the cable-protected sections when you are hiking.
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Shop Men’s on Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)
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, by reducing the stress on the climber. The two carabiners at the end of the lanyard are used to 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 are meant to protect your hands from any cuts and scratches you may otherwise get if you haul yourself on the cable without them. Personally, I prefer full-fingered gloves for extra protection against blisters.
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Salewa Wildfire Edge Approach Shoes
My go-to pair of hiking shoes for easier 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 be able to take great photos on a via ferrata and not worry about losing your phone, Reeloq is the best tool for it. It’s a smartphone securing system, that will allow you to use your phone on any of your adventures. This has been a great addition to my tool arsenal. When you order Reeloq through my link you will receive 10% discount.
Shop on: REELOQ (Europe only)
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If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!
Hi Marta. Your tips and information have been so helpful in planning our upcoming trip to the Dolomites! My husband and I have 1 day in the Cortina area and the top two areas we’re considering hiking is the Cinque Torri or the Tre Cime di Lavaredo areas. Between the two, we’d like to complete at least one Via Ferrata route. As beginners to via Ferrata (but experienced hikers), what is the #1 Via Ferrata you would recommend to us in either of those two areas, that will be the most efficient with our time in also seeing these popular sites of the region. Can’t wait to experience just a small taste of all the Dolomites has to offer. Thanks in advance.
Hi Michelle, Thanks for stopping by and for your lovely feedback. If you are doing Cinque Torri then check out via ferrata Averau. If you are doing Tre Cime Circuit then Innerkofler is a great beginner route to try. I hope that helps!
I usually run and hike in the mountains with trailrunning shoes. Do you think I can use trailrunners also for via ferrata, or is hiking boots recommended?
Also, I would like to thank you for an amazing guide, which I use a lot for my trips to the Dolomites.
Hi Linda. Thanks for stopping by. I noticed that trail running shoes are really popular in the Dolomites, however, do bear in mind that A lot of the trails are very rocky so good toe protection is a must. If that’s what you are most comfortable wearing then go for it. Approach shoes are also a good alternative to heavy hiking boots. Check approach shoes from La Sportiva for example. I hope that helps!