Sassongher is to Corvara what the Matterhorn is to Zermatt, a unique landmark towering over the little town. The mountain might seem unscalable at first, but unlike the Matterhorn, summiting Sassongher doesn’t require any mountaineering experience. A beginner-level via ferrata leads to the summit, making it accessible to those with limited scrambling experience.
Total round-trip distance (incl. approach)
6.6 kilometres / 4.1 miles
Elevation gain
510 meters / 1670 feet
Difficulty
Beginner (A/B)
Time required
3-4 hours
Overview of the via ferrata Sassongher
Sassongher is an iconic mountain in the Puez Odle Nature Park. From its summit, you can enjoy great views of Corvara, Colfosco, and the Sella group, including its highest peak, Piz Boé.
Thanks to the option to take a gondola to skip part of the approach hike, the via ferrata Sassongher can be done in 3-4 hours, making it a perfect half-day excursion. The cable-protected section is relatively short, lasting only a few hundred meters.
In case you’re wondering, I did the route with my friend in the second half of September, after the season’s first snowfall. Due to not-so-ideal conditions, we only met a handful of other people at the summit.
The map of the via ferrata
Important info about the via ferrata
Many people tackle the Sassongher via ferrata without any via ferrata gear, but I do not recommend it. The route does get busy during the peak summer months (July & August). Even if you trust your abilities 100 per cent, you cannot predict how others will behave on the route. At the very least, you should carry a helmet to protect yourself from a potential rockfall along the scrambling section. Via ferrata Sassongher is an out-and-back route, meaning you must climb up and down the same path to and from the summit.
When to go: July-September
Via ferrata exposition: northwest
Trail numbers: 4A, 7
Highest point: 2665 meters / 8743 feet
Getting there
You can reach the Sassongher via ferrata trailhead by public or private transport. It would help if you also took the Col Pradat gondola to reach the trailhead. You can find gondola schedules and prices on the official Alta Badia website under the Colfosco tab.
TIP: You can also hike from the bottom of the gondola, passing by the Edelweiss hut. This will add approximately 500 meters of elevation and 3 kilometres.
By bus
The nearest bus stop to the gondola stations is Colfosco, Chiesa. Bus no. 460 runs regularly along this route. Check the bus schedule on the Sued Tirol Mobil website.
By car
The drive from Corvara to the bottom of the Col Pradat gondola takes 7 minutes. If your accommodation is in Colfosco, leave your car at the hotel and walk to the gondola. The gondola’s parking is paid.
Dining possibilities
A restaurant at the top of the Col Pradat gondola is open from mid-June until the end of September. After completing the via ferrata, you can have a proper meal there. The terrace views are well worth it. Bring enough water and snacks for the route, as there are no other places to stop for food (unless you hike through Rifugio Edelweiss).
Where to stay nearby
The two nearest towns to the Via ferrata Sassongher are Corvara and Colfosco. I recommend staying in Corvara because it is significantly larger, offers more dining options, and provides better access to other hikes and via ferratas. A quick word of warning. Corvara is a pretty upscale resort, so expect to pay higher prices.
Best Value
Each room at the Hotel Table has mountain views. Guests can enjoy spa and sauna facilities at a fraction of the price of other hotels.
Top Rated
Hotel Marmolada combines classic mountain flair with a nice touch of modernity. Its beautiful spa area stands out from the other hotels I have been to.
Other activities nearby
Hikes
- Sassolungo Circuit
- Sella Group Traverse
- Piz Boè Summit
- Passo Valparola to Piz Sorega
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
