Via ferrata Scala del Minighel

Description

The Scala del Minighel is the oldest via ferrata in Cortina d’Ampezzo, built in 1907 by the manager of the Rifugio Wolf Glanwellhütte in Val Travenanzes, the blacksmith Luigi Gilarduzzi (known as Meneghel). The mountain hut no longer exists today, having been destroyed during the Great War. The staircase was built so that the mountain hut could attract more customers. The manager created this via ferrata to connect more easily with the Rifugio Giussani. During the First World War, the Italians bent all the pegs, so as not to allow the Austrians to use them to overcome the fork, but in the 1960s the Cortina Mountain Guides did their best to put them back into use while maintaining the original pegs.

From Cortina take the SS48 road towards the Passo Falzarego, go past the Ciasa Vervei restaurant and the small church of Vervei and continue for about 500 metres to the Fedarola crossroads on the road, and finally go up the road that leads to the Rifugio Dibona on the right. The second part of the road is a dirt track but in good condition. From the Rifugio Dibona, take path 403 towards the Rifugio Giussani and then path 404 which will lead you to walk at the base of the majestic Tofana di Rozes until you reach Forcella Col dei Bos at 2,331m.

Continue along path 404 until the crossroads where you’ll have to follow the signs for the Scale del Minighel, which will direct you to the right. From the crossroads you’ll arrive in a few minutes at the base of the steps, a few meters from the wonderful Cascata delle Tofane, particularly abundant in spring and early summer due to the melting of the snow. The famous via ferrata is one-of-a-kind: the rungs inserted into the rock go up along the entire ridge up to the summit. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the most famous via ferratas ever. The 270 rungs and the metal cable will take you up 70 m along the wall so you can enjoy one of the most evocative views of the Dolomites on the wild Val Travenanzes. You’ll find several spots with comfortable ledges where you can rest and admire the waterfall and the pristine landscape. Once you reach the top, take path 403 which in about an hour will take you to the Rifugio Giussani, nestled between the Tofana di Rozes and the Tofana di Mezzo. From here, go down path 403 which will take you back to the Rifugio Dibona: you’ll have completed the tour of the Tofana di Rozes.