Via Ferrata of the Trenches

DESCRIPTION
Technical via ferrata with a wonderful panorama.
The Via Ferrata delle Trincee is an exciting itinerary in many respects: sporty, scenic and historical. The via ferrata must be tackled with adequate physical and technical preparation, especially for the first section, the vertical one. Here we work a lot with the arms, because the grips for the feet are a bit small. The view of the Marmolada on one side and the Belluno Dolomites on the other is fantastic. Along the way there are also signs and testimonies of the Great War.

ITINERARY
From Lake Fedaia (2050 m) take path 698 and go up to Porta Vescovo where the Rifugio Luigi Gorza is located (2490 m). Here you take the 680 and then turn left onto the 636 and in 15 minutes you will arrive at the start of the via ferrata. First you go up vertically then the climb is gentler. You cross a suspension bridge and arrive at Cima Mesola (2727 m). Here you go down a bit and arrive at a point where there is an escape route. Continue along the via ferrata and meet the remains of barracks and fortifications from the Great War. After the 30 m tunnel, follow the trail marker 636 indicating the Bivacco Bontadini. After the second tunnel of about 200 meters you come out near the Bivacco Ernesto Bontadini (2525 m). From here you go up to Cima Mesolina (2642 m). Go back down the same path to the bivouac and quickly descend to the Rifugio Padon (2407 m). We have finished the via ferrata and now we return to the starting point following path 680 for a while and then on an unmarked path.

EXCURSION DATE
August 12, 2021

STARTING POINT
Rifugio E. Castiglioni Marmolada

REFRESHMENT POINT
Rifugio Luigi Gorza (2490 m) and Rifugio Padon (2407 m)

AUTHOR’S SUGGESTIONS
Obviously it is not recommended for people suffering from vertigo. Via ferrata gloves and a flashlight are highly recommended.

SAFETY TIPS
The viability of the proposed itinerary, like all mountain morphology, is subject to environmental changes due to natural events and weather conditions. So, before leaving, consult the competent tourist offices and / or the refuges of reference.
Our GPX tracks are only indicative, that is, the route was carried out at best with the conditions of the trails and weather of that day. So always evaluate what to do on site.
Also remember to evaluate the route based on your physical abilities, training and the equipment you have.
You should leave someone the route you intend to do told.
Remember that the emergency number is 112.

EQUIPMENT
It is recommended to have the appropriate equipment: flashlight, technical mountain clothing, boots with vibram sole or similar, via ferrata set, harness, helmet, via ferrata gloves, goggles, sunscreen, backpack with drinks.

RECOMMENDED MAPS
Tabacco 07 ALTA BADIA - ARABBA – MARMOLADA

INTERESTING LINKS
http://www.trentinograndeguerra.it/

HOW TO ARRIVE
From Val di Fassa SS641, from Alleghe SR203, SP 563 and SP641

PARKING AREA
Free at the beginning of Lake Fedaia
GPS coordinates: 46.464045, 11.861389

Parcheggio al Lago di Fedaia

Rifugio Luigi Gorza

Primo tratto in verticale

Ponte sospeso

In prossimità della Cima Mesola

Si scende

Si scende

Punto di fuga

Si incontrano resti della Grande Guerra

Panorama sulla Marmolada

Ci godiamo il bellissimo panorama

Arrivati al Bivacco Bontadini

In vetta alla Cima Mesolina

Al Rifugio Padon

Si rientra al punto di partenza