Via Ferrata Piz da Cir V, Passo Gardena, Dolomites, Italy
Ian Scott
The Passo Gardena above the Dolomite village of Corvara sees two Via
Ferrata of comparatively short length that are ideal for first time
ferrataists. These are the Gran Cir (Grade 1A) and Piz da Cir V (Grade
2A). The Piz da Cir V is the more technical of the two routes and goes at
grade 2A.
The approach from the car park at the top of the pass begins with a
steady walk up to the top station of the Selval chairlift which is an
ideal place to put on VF kit. A further 20 minute walk up steepening scree
leads to a gully and a short scramble gets you to the start of the cable.
The route starts with a short ladder that takes you away from the start
platform. The 4-rung ladder leads immediately to a short step to the right
and perhaps the most exposed pitch of the route directly above the descent
route. The exposure decreases as the initial pinnacle is completed. The
route is unprotected for a few steps before it starts again on the main
wall. The gradient is initially somewhat steeper for a while before the
route begins to level off on to a short ledge and a col. Here the route
splits right for the descent and up for a steep scramble to the small
summit and a metal cross. The descent from the summit is by down-climbing
the top section to the small col. The col is an ideal place for lunch
before a steep gully is descended back to the chairlift station or by
turning left towards Corvara and the second VF - the protected scramble up
the Gran Cir. After refreshment at the chairlift station a short walk
returns you to the top of the Passo Gardena.
These two routes are popular as they are easily accessible and are
ideal for first-timers and those seeking an interesting excursion when the
higher routes are off-limits in poor weather. These routes are justifiably
popular with groups and some queuing may be necessary in the main season.
Click [here]
for some more photos.
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