Cesare Piazzetta via ferrata is a classic, difficult route in the Dolomites and can be used as part of the ascent to Piz Boè (3152 m), the highest peak in the Sella group.
Summary
Grade: D – view topo
Vertical: 320m ferrata, 950m total
Time: 1h approach, 2h30min ferrata, 2h descent, 5h30min total
Access / Parking: 46.4897,11.8226 – Google Maps or any Android maps app
Start via ferrata: 46.5023,11.8305 – Mapy.cz or any Android maps app
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Map and photos
Access
By car, we arrive at Passo Pordoi, a mountain pass located at 2.239 meters on the road connecting Canazei in Trento province with Arabba in Belluno province. We can park here or continue on the road that branches off to the “Memorial Germânico do Passo Pordoi.” The parking area at the end of this road is reserved for visitors to the memorial, so it’s best to park earlier along the side of this road.
For public transport options, buses are available that arrive at Passo Pordoi.
Approach to start
From the war memorial, we head north on path 628, which connects to path 626 at the base of the rock wall, near the start of the via ferrata cable.
The route
The entry D segments are the most technically challenging parts of the entire route. After the initial steep wall, the climb gradually becomes easier, with typical rock ledges, some vertical sections, and a bridge.
The final part of the ascent to Piz Boè (3.152 meters) and the Piz Fassa hut is a hike combined with an easy scramble.
Descent
There are two options for descent: toward the east or west. Once the via ferrata ends, the trail connects with path 638. We can follow this path north to Piz Boè peak or skip the summit and head right toward the east/northeast, descending south through the more difficult section with cables called Risa de Pigolerz, and connect to path 626. We then follow path 626 back to the start of the via ferrata cable, thus completing a loop. As we walk close to the rock wall, wearing a helmet is recommended. This option is marked as “Descent 2” on the map above.
If we reach Piz Boè peak, we can descend as described above or head southwest, then west on path 638 to the Forcella Pordoi (2.848 meters) mountain pass. From there, we can hike down on path 627, which starts as a steep scree but becomes easier as we approach Passo Pordoi. Alternatively, we can take the cable car down from Sass Pordoi (2.950 meters) to Passo Pordoi.
Good to know
This route is popular, so expect a long queue in high season, especially at the start. You can avoid this by starting early or, if the weather is good, start in the second part of the day.
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Video
Weather
Main sources
- bergsteigen.com (German)
- ferrate365.it
- we climbed the route on August 25, 2019