23. Via Ferrata Alfonso Vandelli (2,620 m)

Arrival and starting point

Until Dobbiaco, there take the deviation into the Val di Landro valley in direction of Cortina D’Ampezzo until the Passo Tre Croci (1805m). Parking lot at the pass or shortly below.

Difficulties and general Information

Easy Via Ferrata with seven short ladders at the beginning of the route. Circa half of the ascent is saved with steel ropes. There is a transition between tubes and exposed wall steps on a system of rock bands, which crosses the western rock cliffs of the Col del Fuoco and which doesn’t let you gain height. Between the rope savings sometimes there are some unsaved caldera, at those good footwork is required. The Via Ferrata here gets an own description (behold descent). Except from that mostly is integrated in the circumnavigation of the Sorapis, at which in two days the Vandelli Via Ferrata, the sentiero Attrezzato Minazio and the Via Ferrata Berti are made.

Ascent

From Passo Tre Croci you go down the street (direction Misurina) until on the right there arrives at a gravel road (road number 215 - Dolomites Highway). First you hike upon a flat road in the wood, afterwards across a trail you reach the Rifugio Vandelli hut (1926m): right before the hut, there are some very exposed parts (saved by ropes) and also some steps. Right after the hut you follow trail Nr. 243 and you are going to reach the ascent on 2.110 meters (red marks and stone should help your orientation). The manhole lays at the foot of the impressive western wall of the “ Col del Fuoco”.

Route-Info

Relatively long adventure and even if there’re only a few technical difficulties you shouldn’t underestimate the tour. Rock experience and good footwork are an absolute must have. The orientation is easy and duded to many traverse passages on the ascent the rockfall danger is minimalised.

Characteristics and tecnical details

Easy Via Ferrata with long ascent, very shaded. After the hut, there isn’t any potable water available. The ropes and the hooks are in a good condition, a few ladders are a little damaged. Between the single ladders there aren’t any savings, therefore on the descent you should be very careful.

Descent

Across the Via Ferrata back to Rifugio Vandelli hut and from there return to the starting point.