Top Via Ferratas Around Cortina D’Ampezzo In The Italian Dolomites

The Dolomites are the birthplace of the via ferrata and Cortina D’Ampezzo is the adventure capital of the Dolomites. If you extrapolate these two statements, you could reach the conclusion that Cortina is an awesome place for via ferrata.

There are numerous via ferrata here all with varying lengths and difficulties. From the toughest Punta Anna to the shortest Ra Bujela.

Beginner Via Ferratas Around Cortina D’Ampezzo

Before I tell you which via ferratas around Cortina are great for beginners I would like to touch shortly on the topic of what a beginner via ferrata really entails. 

A beginner via ferrata is a scramble that can be done without any prior experience. However, steady feet and a head for heights are a must!

The cable-protected section on a beginner route is usually very short (100 meters or less). Many people often don’t even bother taking ferrata equipment on this type of route. 

Not taking equipment is something I am strongly against! Do not underestimate the exposure you will encounter. Even though the steep sections on the beginner routes are short, it only takes a few seconds for a tragedy to happen. 

Fatalities often happen on the easiest of routes (there are plenty of memorial plaques to prove it) and remember if you come unprepared and get into trouble, your insurance might not cover the cost of a possible mountain rescue if you didn’t have the right equipment. Not to mention someone also might have to risk their life to save yours. 

I have written an article about the ins and outs of via ferrata climbing in the Italian Dolomites which covers all the necessary information to tackle your first route! 

1. Via Ferrata Ra Gusela

Rifugio Nuvolau, Monte Averau and Monte Lagazuoi as seen from Monte Ra Gusela in the Italian Dolomites
Rifugio Nuvolau bathed in the first light

Technically quite simple yet one of the most rewarding iron paths you can find around Cortina.

Via ferrata Ra Gusela starts at Passo Giau and summits Mount Ra Gusela, the most prominent mountain seen from the pass.

It then traverses across to Rifugio Nuvolau, one of the oldest and in my opinion most photogenic huts in the Dolomites, before descending to Forcella Nuvolau. 

This ferrata can be connected with via ferrata Averau (number 3 on the list) making for a great day in the mountains! 

2. Via Ferrata Scala Del Meninghel

Tofana Di Rozes as seen from the Cinque Torri area
Tofana Di Rozes as seen from the Cinque Torri area

Via ferrata Scala Del Meninghel circumnavigates Tofana di Rozes, one of the distinct 3000m+ peaks surrounding Cortina. It starts and finishes at Rifugio Dibona, ca. 20-minute drive from the town’s center. 

It’s a long day (roughly 6 hours) and although it only includes a very short 10-minute section of stemples, there is no shortage of great views along the way. This a great and lesser-known route that will help you avoid the bulk of the summer crowds. 

One of the highlights of this ferrata is the view from Forcella (saddle) Fortananegra towards the jagged peaks of Croda da Lago. Make sure to grab a beer at the rustic Rifugio Giusanni (built right on the saddle), to celebrate a great day in the mountains! 

3. Via Ferrata Lamon and Formenton

The Tofane group at sawn rising above Cortina D'Ampezzo. Home to via ferratas Lamon and Formenton and Punta Anna
The Tofane group rising above Cortina D’Ampezzo. Home to via ferratas Lamon and Formenton and Punta Anna

This climb takes you to the dizzying height of 3244m atop Tofana di Mezzo.

The route starts at the mid-upper gondola station on the eastern side of Tofana which is accessible by either the cable car or by an approach via a via ferrata called Guiseppe Oliveri. The latter option will significantly extend your day though! 

The route heads over the Tofana plateau before an uphill burst gets you to the Bivuoac Barraca Degli Alpini.

From there you’ll follow a ridgeline southward to the summit of Tofana di Dentro before heading over to the higher summit of Tofana di Mezzo. Jaw-dropping vistas are guaranteed. 

This ferrata still remains high on my to-do list. Both times when I tried to squeeze it into my busy schedule whilst doing research for my Italian Dolomites Guide, bad weather stood in the way. Because of the exposure you want to ensure you choose a perfect day for it!  

4. Via Ferrata Averau

Croda Da Lago as seen from the summit of Mount Averau
Croda Da Lago as seen from the summit of Mount Averau

Via Ferrata Averau is approached from either Passo Falzarego or Passo Giau and it’s one of the most rewarding iron paths in the immediate vicinity of Cortina. It’s the combination of length, difficulty, and views that make it so special. 

The fairly straightforward route offers amazing views of Rifugio Nuvalou, Monte Pelmo, and the jagged Croda da Lago.

Make sure to jump to my other article, where I posted loads of photographs from a sunset shoot on the summit of Mount Averau, the climax of this via ferrata.  

Intermediate Via Ferratas Around Cortina D’Ampezzo

You may first wonder how an intermediate via ferrata differs from a beginner one. The cable time significantly extends on the intermediate routes often stretching for dozens of meters at a time with potentially several hundred meters of total wire length.

You can also find that exposure in some places along the intermediate routes becomes more serious, with some sections stretching directly above steep cliffs. 

With that said, there are always great footholds and excellent protection on these routes, so as long as you use your equipment properly you will be safe. 

1. Via Ferrata Ra Bujela

View of Cortina D'Ampezzo in the Italian Dolomites from the upper section of via ferrata Ra Bujela, one of the top via ferrata in the area
View of Cortina from the upper section of via ferrata Ra Bujela

A quick and experienced climber, who uses the luxury of the nearby chairlift, can do this route in less than an hour. But why would they want to?

Lounging around at either Rifugio Pomedes afterward or Rifugio Duca d’Aosta beforehand, having your photo taken on the two suspension bridges along the way, or enjoying a cereal bar at the summit will drastically add to the time. Especially if you plan on hiking up instead of taking the chairlift. 

The route via ferrata Ra Bujela is of a decent grade but it’s impeccably thought out and positioned. The trailhead is only about a 10-minute drive from the center of Cortina. 

2. Via Ferrata Ivano Dibona

The suspension bridge and the nonoperational rifugio Laurenzi built on forcella Staunies. The views along via ferrata Ivano Dibona, one of the best iron paths around Cortina D'Ampezzo
The suspension bridge and the nonoperational rifugio Laurenzi built on Forcella Staunies

The first of the via ferratas in this list that I truly consider to be of intermediate difficulty. Via Ferrata Dibona was made famous by the 1993 thriller Cliffhanger starring Sylvester Stallone.

Even though it got a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, the famous suspension bridge used in the production actually exists and it’s on this via ferrata! 

At roughly 8-10 hours long, it’s not an easy day out, but it does offer a fantastic combination of rewarding climbing, awesome views, and heaps of WW1 history. 

3. Via Ferrata Michielli Strobel

Climber standing on the top of an outcrop with the morning views of the Italian Dolomites. Via ferrata Michielli Strobel near Cortina D'ampezzo
The views along the via ferrata Michielli Strobel

The trailhead of the via ferrata Michielli Strobel is only around a 5-minute drive outside of Cortina. The route heads up the western side of the Pomagagnon range to Punta Fiames.

The climbing is very enjoyable and the splendor of the views keeps increasing the higher you get. Including an awesome panoramic view of Cortina D’Ampezzo.

At regular intervals throughout the climb, there are rocky outcrops, perfect for admiring the township far below. 

4. Via Ferrata Marino Bianchi

First light on the peaks of the Cristallo group along the via ferrata Marino Bianchi, one of the top ferratas near Cortina D'Ampezzo
First light on the peaks of the Cristallo group along the via ferrata Marino Bianchi

Starting with the same tiring scree gully up to Forcella Staunies, where the previously mentioned via ferrata Ivano Dibona begins, via ferrata Marino Bianchi heads up to the summit of Cristallo di Mezzo.

Prepare for lots of jaw-dropping views over to Lago di Landro, Monte Sorapiss, and Tre Cime along with some heart-stopping exposed sections. 

This ferrata is one of my personal favorites thanks to the combination of the views, difficulty, and remoteness. 

5. Via Ferrata Alfonso Vandelli

Climber looking towards Monte Cristallo from the route along the via ferrata Alfonso Vandelli in the Sorapiss range in the Italian Dolomites
Monte Cristallo viewed from the route along the via ferrata Alfonso Vandelli

The intermediate via ferrata Alfonso Vandelli starts with the hike to the famous Lake Sorapiss.

It’s also a part of the complete Sorapiss circuit, known as the Giro Del Sorapiss in Italian.  The ferrata can however be done on its own, taking the same way up and down. 

This route offers a great choice to view the turquoise Sorapiss Lake from a completely different vantage point, whilst being attached to the rocky cliffs, hundreds of meters above the lake. 

You will also get amazing views of Monte Cristallo, where the previously mentioned via ferrata Marino Bianchi runs. 

6. Via Ferrata Degli Alpini Al Col Dei Bos

Climber at dawn along the via ferrata Degli Alpini Al Col Dei Bos near Cortina D'Ampezzo in the Italian Dolomites
Climbing at sunrise along the via ferrata Degli Alpini Al Col Dei Bos

This is a popular choice for guided tours leaving Cortina D’Ampezzo. If you would like to have a go at a via ferrata accompanied by an experienced guide, chances are you’ll be offered the opportunity to tackle via ferrata Degli Alpini Al Col Dei Bos. 

There is plenty of history behind this route which is why it’s chosen for tour groups. It starts near Passo Falzarego, a very strategic point during World War I at the start of the 20th century. 

Famous peaks such as Antelao and Marmolada, two of the highest mountains in the Dolomites, can be seen along this ferrata. 

What’s also great about it is the short approach, within half an hour from the parking lot you’ll already find yourself attached to a cable, scrambling towards the summit. 

Advanced Via Ferratas Around Cortina D’Ampezzo

Below you can find the toughest of the routes which you can find around Cortina D’Ampezzo.

With long exposed sections, some unprotected scrambling, and vertical cliff drops. Expect full-day outings and lots of adrenaline spikes in your body on any of these routes. 

If you have never done a via ferrata and come with zero experience, then first aim at the beginner and intermediate ones before raising the bar to this level.

So far I have only done one of the three advanced via ferratas on this list but I am definitely returning to tackle the other two. 

1. Via Ferrata Giovanni Lipella

Traversing along one of the ledges along the via ferrata Giovanni Lipella, one of the best ferratas around Cortina D'Ampezzo In The Italian Dolomites
Traversing along one of the ledges along the via ferrata Giovanni Lipella

The first advanced via ferrata on this list, via ferrata Giovanni Lipella, like via ferrata Scala Del Meninghel circumnavigates Tofana di Rozes. 

Instead of staying in the shallower valleys, however, this ferrata tackles the steep western slopes of this 3000m+ peak.

Again it’s a long day, but the combination of subterranean tunnels, steep rock amphitheaters, and the allure of the Tofana di Rozes summit, keep it continually exciting and moreish.

2. Via Ferrata Cesco Tomaselli

Cima Fanis, where the via ferrata Cesco Tomaselli leads to, at sunset, photographed from rifugio Lagazuoi
Cima Fanis at sunset seen from rifugio Lagazuoi

Via Ferrata Cesco Tomaselli starts at rifugio Lagazoui, it’s accessible by either cable car from Passo Falzarego, around a 25-minute drive from the center of Cortina D’Ampezzo, or a hike via the Lagazuoi Tunnels. 

The main objective of the route is Cima Fanis Sud (pictured above left) at just under 3000m. It’s a tough ascent, on a Fletcher/Smith via ferrata rating of 5C, the hardest, most serious of all routes. 

Both physically and mentally demanding, this route epitomizes an introduction to serious mountaineering in the Dolomites. 

3. Via Ferrata Punta Ana

The views of Croda Da Lago from rifugio Pomedes where the via ferrata Punta Ana begins
The views of Croda Da Lago from rifugio Pomedes where the via ferrata Punta Ana begins

Another via ferrata on this list with a Smith/Fletcher grade of 5C. Via Ferrata Punta Anna closes this list as the toughest one, mainly due to its length. It will take an entire day of scrambling with extreme exposure in places, so make sure you get an early start and come with plenty of experience. 

I personally haven’t built up the courage yet for this ferrata, but It’s my objective for my next visit to the area! Just thinking about it raises my blood pressure. 

The route up, which starts at Rifugio Pomedes (reached via the two-tiered chairlift from restaurant Piè Tofana), heads steeply up to Punta Anna and then further to the summit of Tofana di Mezzo. 

To descend you can either take the famous Frecia Nel Cielo (arrow in the sky) cable car down to Col Drusciè then walk over to Ristorante Piè Tofana, or head westward to rifugio Guissani and then rifugio Dibona. 

You can also kill two birds with one stone and connect the via ferrata Punta Anna with the previously mentioned via ferratas Lamon and Formenton for a roughly 10-12 hour outing. 

Accommodation Around Cortina D’Ampezzo

With so many options to choose from Cortina should definitely be one of your longer stops during your road trip around the Dolomites. Below you will find some of my personal recommendations for hotels in Cortina.

These are affiliate links which means I receive a small commission when you book something using them. If you found this article useful please consider supporting my website! 

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)

71gKk4U+f2S. AC SL1500

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.

Shop Women’s on Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)

Shop Men’s on Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)

edelrid basis cable kit special via ferrata set

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.

Shop on Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)

91P0f6XnFML. AC SL1500

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.

Shop on: Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)

salewa womens wildfire edge approach shoes detail 6

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.

Shop on: Amazon / Backcountry (US) / Bergfreunde (Europe)

reeloq

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)

Support my website!

Hi Reader! If you found any of my articles about the Dolomites useful please consider using the affiliate links below (at no extra cost to you) when booking your holiday, or “buy me a coffee” using the widget in the sidebar. Thank you

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!

Marta
Marta

Hi! I am the photographer and creator of www.inafarawayland.com. I come from Poland, but I've been living, travelling and working around the globe since I turned 18. A few years ago, during one of my trips to Scotland, I bought my first DSLR and my adventure with photography began. When I am not stuck to my computer editing photos, you can find me hiking somewhere in the mountains.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *