Sass Dla Crusc is an imposing mountain rising above the Alta Badia region in the central Dolomites. Its summit has some of the best panoramic views I have seen in the Dolomites, and it is accessible via a beginner via ferrata route. Spend the day hiking and scrambling under the staggering 90-degree walls of Sass Dla Crusc.
Distance roundtrip
11 kilometres / 6.8 miles to Sass Dla Crusc
(+4 kilometres / 2.5 for Cima Dieci extension )
Elevation gain
880 meters / 2900 feet (+ 120 meters / 400 feet for Cima Dieci extension)
Difficulty
Sass Dla Crusc – Beginner (A/B)
Cima Dieci – intermediate (C)
Time required
5-6 hours (+2 hours for extension)
Overview of the via ferrata Sass Dla Crusc
Don’t be confused if you look at a map and can’t find the name of Sass Dla Crusc. Because of the presence of three official languages in the Italian Dolomites —Italian, Ladin and German —Sass Dla Crusc, as many other places around here, has two additional names: Le Ciaval and Heiligkreuzkofel. The mountain lies within the borders of Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. The route follows the same path out and back, so you will have to climb up and down the assisted-cabled sections. Some unprotected parts of the route traverse narrow paths with a sheer drop to one side, so sit this one out if you suffer from vertigo.
The map & elevation profile of the via ferrata
Important info about the via ferrata
The best months for tackling the via ferrata Sass Dla Crusc are from late June (when the paths are clear of snow) to the first week of October. This corresponds with La Crusc I+II gondola opening times. If you want to tackle it off-season, you will need to add an extra 600 meters (2000 feet) of elevation from Badia.
When to go: late June – start of October
Via ferrata exposition: west
Trail numbers: 7, 7B
Highest points: Sass Dla Crusc 2907 meters / 9537 feet; Cima Dieci 3026 meters / 9928 feet
Parking: Gondola Parking La Crusc
Trailhead: Top of La Crusc 2 gondola
Nearest towns: Badia, La Villa, San Cassiano, Corvara in Val Badia
Getting there
The parking for the La Crusc gondola in Badia is just a couple of hundred meters from the main road that runs through the Badia valley. It is very easy to reach by car or by public transport.
By bus
Val Badia has an excellent public transport network during the summer season. Bus number 460 operates along this route, and the bus stop name is Badia, Pedraces.
By car
La Crusc gondola can be reached within 15 minutes starting from San Cassiano, 10 minutes from Corvara or 5 minutes if you are staying in La Villa.
TIP: Many hotels offer the South Tirol Guest Pass, which allows their guests to use public transport free of charge and alleviates the traffic on the narrow mountain roads. Look at my hotel recommendations below.
Via ferrata Sass Dla Crusc: route description
The route starts at 2045 m.a.s.l (6079 feet) at the top of the two-tier gondola La Crusc in Badia. For the first few hundred meters, you will follow a wide gravel path that leads to a small church and a restaurant. From there follow path no. 7 marked for La Crusc. The first cables start around 40 minutes into the hike. After ca. 1.5 scramble you will reach a high mountain plateau, where you can take off your via ferrata gear. The last 45 minutes is a gentle hike to the summit on path no. 7B. You should reach the summit approximately 3 hours from the start.
TIP: Start early so you don’t miss the last gondola down.
Optional extension to Cima Dieci
If you reached the top of La Crusc by midday, consider ticking off another nearby summit: Cima Dieci (Zehnerspitze). It takes another hour to get there. Beware, though, the last push to the summit involves a short but intense scramble on a C-level via ferrata. The views from the top of Cima Dieci are very similar to those on La Crusc. It’s all about the added challenge.
Overnight stay & dining possibilities
Apart from the restaurant close to the gondola station, there are no huts along Via Ferrata Sass Dla Crusc. There is also no possibility to fill up your water. Make sure to pack enough food and drinks to last you for an entire day.
Where to stay nearby
Two of my favourite towns in the Alta Badia region are San Cassiano and Corvara. Both offer great access to many hiking and via ferrata routes, as well as excellent e-bike possibilities and many restaurant choices.
Best Value
Villa Flora Mountain Lodges in San Cassiano
Top Rated
Hotel Arkadia (Adults only) in Corvara
Other activities nearby
Hikes
- Passo Valparola to Piz Sorega
- Passo Gardena to Colfosco
- Passo Compologno to Rifugio Kostner
- Col De Locia and Fanes Plateau
- Armentara Meadows
- Lagazuoi Tunnels
- Sass De Putia Circuit
Via ferrata
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.
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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.
Shop on: REELOQ
