11. Via Ferrata Mario Zandonella (2,936 m)

Arrival and starting point

Cable car Croda Rossa, drive-up to the mountain station.

Difficulty and general information

Here is descript the access to the begin of the ferrata on the peak of the Croda Rossa. Descent by the same way back. Therefore, you will climb 3 via ferratas, because the Ferrata Mario Zandonella consists of two single trails. It is a medium tour, but because of the length and the descent across the Ferrata Croda Rossa, it’s a challenging and serious adventure. A good sense of orientation (attention in case of fog) and alpine experience as well as good stamina and physical condition is a presupposition for this ferrata.

Access

From the mountain station Croda Rossa you take the path number 100 across the meadows of Croda Rossa until you reach the Costoni Croda Rossa. Follow the mark “Ferrata di Croda Rossa” until you reach to access on 2.300m. Begin of the ferrata is a ca. 40-meter-long ladder. The ascend to the summit of Croda Rossa is relatively easy and varied.

Rout-Information

From the peak (2.960m) you follow the traces and the mark „Zandonella“ (green and red) in the direction south-east (called south-east variant). Across compact rock and a cable roped descent about 120 meters. Across a field of crushed rock lightly descending until 2.743m and then following the ferrata steeply upwards until you reach a good visible rock belt. The well-fixed rock belt leads to a rubble channel, from where you descent in a big grotto (different relicts of the war and a sign). The descent is, because of the not avoidable rock fall in case of numerous mountaineers, very tricky. From the grotto following the traces on the right side to the access of the Ferrata Zandonella southern route, which begins directly at shelter of the war (large cave and sign “ferrata”). A cable road leads through the party very steep wall upwards. In addition, a ladder makes the ascent easier. Across a short traverse, passing old ruins, you arrive at a slim passage and shortly then the peak of the Croda Rossa.

Characteristic and technical details

An awesome, long and challenging tour which leads on old traces of World War I. The panorama and the insights are impressive. The Via Ferrata Zandonella is mostly assured with new steel ropes. The rest is easy walking terrain.

Descent

The same as the ascent to the Croda Rossa. Otherwise downward from the rubbish kettle underneath the cima del Wurzbach (shortly before the ladder). There you have the possibility to ascent to the Costoni di Croda Rossa or alternatively, on the right side (indications) through a slim crevice to the Castelliere (path number 15B) and back to the starting point.

Alternative

From the parking place at the Rifugio Lunelli hut or Passo Monte Croce – Rifugio Berti hut – ferrata Zandonella – peak of Croda Rossa – Castelliere – back to the starting point.

Description

The first 200 meters of the ferrata with two ladders and steel rope is very strenuous and exposed. Descent by some exposed passages to the east part is easier. Fantastic rock scenery!

Duration

Total 7 ¾ hours (ascent 4 ¾ hours, descent 3 hours).

Difference of altitude

ca. 1,400 m

Indications

Red-white-red with the nr. 101, via ferrata red-green triangles.