Climbing routes in South Tyrol’s Mountains

The Dolomites, which many people regard as the most beautiful mountains in the world, are an awesome challenge that climbers and mountaineers shouldn't miss. Vertical rock faces and steep towers guarantee plenty of climbing challenges. Doubtless, one of the most famous fixed-rope routes in the Dolomites is the via ferrata Pisciadú (also known as the Via Ferrata Tridentina) in the Sella massif. The via ferrata, easily reachable from Colfosco, has some intriguing vertical sections and a suspension bridge.

Beautiful, varied via ferrata in the southern Rosengarten massif with fantastic views of the Dolomites.

In winter conditions, the via ferrata is suitable only for experienced climbers. All ascents are at your own risk.

The 500 m long climb is perfectly secured with 1000 m of steel cable, is rated at medium difficulty (A - B – in some places B/C) and is suitable for the less strong alpinists or for families with enthusiastic young climbers (14 years and older). An early start, alpine experience and a good overall physical condition is a prerequisite for the ascent of the climbing route. Along the ascent, there is no water and no escape routes. A withdrawal is possible only by down-climbing. The via ferrata is fully secured with a steel cable and no passages have to be dealt with in unsecured terrain or by free climbing. Many steep and difficult sections have been mitigated with steel clamps, which function as steps. Nevertheless, the last part of the via ferrata, the so-called Angel’s edge, presents a very impressive rock passage. The orientation of the via ferrata to the southwest allows for an early ascent of the route, and the climbing season extends well into late autumn (total climbing time: 2-3 hours).

In winter conditions, the via ferrata is suitable only for experienced climbers. All ascents are at your own risk.

The 500 m long climb is perfectly secured with 1000 m of steel cable, is rated at medium difficulty (A - B – in some places B/C) and is suitable for the less strong alpinists or for families with enthusiastic young climbers (14 years and older). An early start, alpine experience and a good overall physical condition is a prerequisite for the ascent of the climbing route. Along the ascent, there is no water and no escape routes. A withdrawal is possible only by down-climbing. The via ferrata is fully secured with a steel cable and no passages have to be dealt with in unsecured terrain or by free climbing. Many steep and difficult sections have been mitigated with steel clamps, which function as steps. Nevertheless, the last part of the via ferrata, the so-called Angel’s edge, presents a very impressive rock passage. The orientation of the via ferrata to the southwest allows for an early ascent of the route, and the climbing season extends well into late autumn (total climbing time: 2-3 hours).

A challenging hike with a stunning view of Villnöss/Funes valley, the Geisler mountains and the surrounding Dolomites. The last part beneath the summit consists of a via ferrata on which belaying with a climbing harness is recommended. 

The fairly short yet busy via ferrata boasts a magnificent view of the north face of the Sella
Group, the Sassolungo and the Puez plateau.

This via ferrata is a classic in the Dolomites and is framed by rugged walls and towers with magnificent views. The via ferrata is relatively short with difficult Alpine passages that require Alpine experience.

The via ferrata Les Cordes, classified as medium to moderate, is a climb with great view points. The via ferrata was built on the edge of the Puez-Odle Nature Park along a centuries-old route.

Many, many years ago, the farmers of La Villa brought their cows and horses to the Gherdenacia plateau on very steep path. The trail was much steeper and more demanding than all the paths that today lead to the Plateau. The path was called "les cordes" (Ladin for "the ropes").

In 2019 a via ferrata, also called "Les Cordes", was built along this route. The starting point of the via ferrata can be easily reached with the Gardenaccia chairlift. From the mountain station of the chairlift it is than only about 5 minutes to the start.

A challenging mountain hike with a stunning view of the surrounding Dolomites. The last part beneath the summit consists of a via ferrata on which belaying with a climbing harness is recommended.

This via ferrata is a very long and demanding mountain tour that requires mountain experience, knowledge of the weather and a very good physical condition. The long ribbons, which are well secured in the exposed areas, lead again and again in the lower part to the steep steps that connect the crossings.

Technically not very hard, with some difficult spots. Famous for its beautiful scenery and stunning panoramic views.

A demanding mountain tour over the alpine via ferrata dedicated to the mountaineer Günther Messner. The route alternates between passages of exposed trails and passages of via ferrata, on which securing with a climbing harness is recommended. Only for those who are free from giddiness!

The starting point of the via ferrata is the Rifugio Auronzo.

The via ferrata who takes to the Torre di Toblin/Toblinger Knoten is short but very steep and exposed ladder sections over the north face of the mountain with a wonderful view of the Three Peaks.

Just behind the Rif. Locatelli/Drei Zinnen hut, the path takes upwards in the direction of the summit. After a few minutes, there is the road sign which leads to the ’Dolomitenfreunde’ climbing trail. There are no major problems, even if the path seems a bit adventurous at times. To reach the summit there are 140 metres of hanging steel ladders (about 17 of them). Some of the highlights are a wide chimney, where you have to change from one side to the other (Zwergentod!) and a crossing on slippery, bent hooks in the steep wall. For the descend you have to take the Feldkurat Hosp trail at the other side of the mountain.

The Giuseppe Olivieri via ferrata to Punta Anna leads steeply up the southern edge of the Tofana, in the middle of the Dolomites around Cortina.

The Col Rosá via ferrata is varied, very steep in short sections and also exposed, but consistently on good rock.
It is especially beautiful in autumn, when the colored deciduous trees round off the picture.

The challenging via ferrata has at one point grade D with a protruding stretch. The whole via ferrata is secured by a very taut, thick rope and anchors placed at short gaps.

Long but panoramic Alpine tour featuring an easy via ferrata between the Latemar towers. 

The Sass Rigais is the main summit of the Geisler and with its 3025 m an absolute must for anyone who wants to conquer the pale mountains. Sure-footedness, head for heights, experience in the mountains and the use of a climbing harness are required. 

This easy via ferrata, which has a lot of walking terrain between the secured sections (sure-footedness is a must!), is one of the most beautiful in the Dolomites. Along the way from south to north through the Cadini group there are several short counter climbs to be overcome.

Challenging hike in the Fanes group with start in San Cassiano. The Conturines peak is the highest peak of the Fanes group and offers a breathtaking view over the whole Val Badia valley.

The hike, perfect for keen mountaineers, requires safety, climbing skills and a good orientation skills.

This via ferrata is only suitable for experienced via ferrata climbers who are sure-footed, have a good head for heights and a lot of stamina.

From the Drei Zinnen hut the trail takes towards the “Frankfurter" rock and then enters into the tunnel. At the end of the tunnel the fixed-cable trail takes to the Gamsscharte passage. From there, it goes steeply up to the summit. In the scree around the summit, you have to concentrate on your climbing – there are various places where you could get confused and go wrong. From the summit, returns to the Gamsscharte passage and from there it goes down a few metres in a rocky gully and further on at the wartime trail to the Forgella Paterno/Paternsattel.

The impressive tunnel passages, numerous openings in the rock and an interesting section where you have to crawl, just before the Paternsattel, make this via ferrata extremely exciting and highly recommended, both for its central location in the Sexten Dolomites and for its summit panoramas.

Short, very varied and completely secured with a view of Val di Fassa.