Every time I hear a ridgeline in the description of a route, whether it’s a hike or via ferrata, I immediately add it to my list. Why you may wonder? Because they always offer the best views-to-effort ratio.
So when I first read that via ferrata Sentiero Massimiliano runs along the Terrarossa ridgeline it quickly made its way onto my Dolomites adventure bucket list.
Whilst working on my guide to the Dolomites I decided to stay the whole week hiking through the lesser-known and quieter Catinaccio/Rosengarten group in the North West part of the Dolomites.
I took the chance to introduce my friend, who was visiting me at the time, to a few via ferratas along the way. I think she had lots of fun because she already expressed her interest in joining me again next year!
Via Ferrata Sentiero Massimiliano – the stats:
Time required: 3-4 hours (excluding the approach to the hut)
Elevation gain: ca. 400 m / 1300 ft
Route difficulty: intermediate

Getting to the start of the route
The via ferrata begins directly behind the Rifugio Alpe Di Tires/Tierseralp hütte.
There are a few different paths you can take to reach the rifugio. Below are the two quickest.
- From the town of Siusi take the Alpe di Siusi Gondola up to Compatsch. From there follow path number 7, then path number 2. The total time to reach the rifugio from Compatsch is 2,5 hours one way.
- From the village of Campitello across Val Duron and Rifugio Micheluzzi along the path nr 532. Time required – 3 hours one way. This route is covered in detail in the via ferratas of the Dolomites part 1 guidebook
To better visualize the routes, it’s always a good idea to have a hiking map with you. For the via ferrata Sentiero Massimiliano and the hiking routes leading to its start, you will require the Tabacco map no. 05 or 06.

I reached Alpe di Tires hut from rifugio Vajolet (2,5 hours) where I stayed the night before, whilst doing the traverse of the Rosengarten group. This route only makes sense if you are planning a multiday backpacking trip.
I highly recommend an overnight stay in the Alpe di Tires hut when attempting the via ferrata Sentiero Massimiliano. Otherwise, you will be looking at a very long day in the mountains (over 10 hours). Don’t forget to book ahead.
Via Ferrata Sentiero Massimiliano: Route Description

After a short but intense 15 minutes, you will find yourself enclosed in a narrow gully. Make sure to look back to get a glimpse of the surrounding mountains.
Because the gully stays in the shade most of the day, it’s prone to icing. The day I picked for the traverse of the via ferrata Sentiero Massimiliano was only a couple of days after a decent snowfall.
At the start of October, the temperatures during the daytime are still relatively high but plummet to below zero at night, melting the snow during the day and then freezing it again at night. This was the perfect recipe for some sketchy conditions in a few places, including the gully.

After the gully crossing you will quickly reach a col from where you’ll get an aerial view of Alpi Di Siusi – one of the iconic photography spots in the Dolomites.
After a section of cables, you will arrive at the first of two summits on today’s agenda: The Dente Grande di Terrarossa (2653 metres).


Marmolada’s south face – the highest peak in the Dolomites, as well as Catinaccio – the highest summit of the Rosengarten group, which we bagged the day before, are clearly visible from the distance.
You will also get the first clear view of the Terrarossa ridgeline and the Terrarossa peak. So tantalizingly close, yet a fair bit of work away from reaching.

The undulating ridgeline, with intermittent cable protection, is fun to tackle and easy to follow. The prominent red paint marks are relatively easy to spot. Of course, providing the weather conditions are good.
Not only you are constantly surrounded by jaw-dropping vistas everywhere you look, but you don’t have to work too hard for them!

The ridgeline traverse shouldn’t take longer than 30-40 minutes before you reach the last push to the summit, thankfully cables have been installed in the most difficult sections. Make sure you take full advantage of them. Some parts with big drops on either side can make your head spin!
If for some reason you are not feeling your best, or the weather has turned for worse, this is where you will encounter the escape route back to the rifugio, clearly marked with the “Notausstieg” sign.



Due to icy conditions along the route, there was more than one time when we thought about turning back, but I’ve got to admit, I had a little bit of summit fever. The prospect of returning back after already putting the work into getting to where we stood, didn’t seem too appealing.

In the end, we decided to chance it and hope the conditions will improve. Unfortunately, as we pushed on icy sections and snow still covered the trail.
My gloves got soaking wet from grabbing onto snow-covered rocks and cables. Luckily the summit was now not too far away. After a few more cable sections we were on the top of the Cima de Terrarossa! Happy we made it in one piece just in time for sunset!




We hung around to watch the sunset then quickly rushed down back to the hut, taking advantage of the last bit of light. The path is visible from the summit, and so is the refuge.
45 minutes later we were back at the Rifugio drinking hot chocolate and already planning our next via ferrata in a couple of days!
The whole route (excluding the time at the summit) took us 3 hours to complete.
If you have any questions about this via ferrata or would like to share your own experience traversing it, share it in the comments below! I always answer.
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!
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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. 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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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.
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If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!
Hello,
I was wondering if it is possible to start the hike from Ortisei. I am staying in Rifugio Firenze the night before. Do you know if the chairlift in Ortisei will take you to Compatsch or will it add extra time to the hike to Alpe di Tires?
Hi Maxwell. The gondola from Ortisei won’t take you to compatsch but up to Alpi Di Siusi. It will be around 1 hour extra to walk from there to Alpe Di Tires. Longer, but most certainly doable in a day. I hope that helps!