Via ferrata Gianni Aglio

Description

Spectacular via ferrata for expert hikers to one of the most magnificent and unmissable peaks in all of the Dolomites: the Tofana di Mezzo, the highest in Cortina at 3,244 m. This via ferrata has many vertical sections but also long exposed crossings that make the route varied and pleasant.

From Cortina, park at the Tofana – Freccia nel Cielo station and take the cable car to Col Druscié, then the cable car to Ra Valles, taking you to 2,470 m. Starting from the Rifugio Capanna Ra Valles, follow the signs on the left, taking the path that passes alongside the Cacciatori chairlift, until the fork in the Sentiero Olivieri. Continue on the right, climbing the steep scree of the Cacciatori amphitheatre until you reach the fork for Punta Anna, which you’ll leave on the left. Continue uphill until you reach the start of the via ferrata (signposted Cima). After putting on all the via ferrata kit, climb up the first metal ladder and you’ll begin the real via ferrata following the ridge and the rocky spurs.

Follow an exposed, slightly downhill stretch, past a small pass not secured by a steel cable, and begin the climb up Torre Gianni Aglio. About halfway up, follow the sign on the right for Cima Tofana (for curious hikers, you can reach the top of the Tower and then go down the same way. Be careful – there are some particularly challenging passages).

After a horizontal passage in a rocky crevice that requires a great arm effort because it is completely exposed and vertical, you’ll reach the Forcella del Bus di Tofana. Here it’s worth taking some photos of this natural wonder carved into the rock. Continue on the via ferrata towards Cima Tofana di Mezzo, with a series of long ladders installed on the rock and passages at the summit that are difficult but full of Dolomite splendour.

Following the marked path, with a steel cable at the beginning and then the usual icons of people and trail signs, you’ll finally reach the summit cross at 3,244 m.

From here you can enjoy perhaps the most breathtaking view of all of Cortina. From the top, descend towards the Cima Tofana cable car station, where you can take a break on the terrace and enjoy a snack, and then descend with the two cable cars and the gondola lift towards the car park.