Via ferrata Ivano Dibona

Description

Difficult via ferrata, as it requires a high level of training given the length and altitude of the route.

The Ivano Dibona is one of the most famous via ferratas in the Dolomites, characterised by a magnificent 30-metre-long suspension bridge that starts the route in an unusual way. The entire route progresses on Monte Cristallo, which still bears the signs of the Great War, and allows for a peaceful, solitary hike overlooking the entire Conca Ampezzana. To reach the start of the via ferrata from Cortina, head towards Passo Tre Croci until Rio Gere, where you’ll find a large parking lot. Take the chairlift from Rio Gere to Son Forca where you’ll find the mountain hut of the same name with incredible views.

From Son Forca take the steep path up the scree to Forcella Staunies: this journey along the gravel channel lasts about two hours (900 metres of altitude difference). Once you reach the fork, behind the well-known Rifugio Lorenzi (closed), you’ll find the first iron ladder and the start of the route.

The route opens with the incredible 30-meter long “Ponte Cristallo”: crossing it is a unique experience and the surrounding scenery will leave you breathless. Next, take the metal ladder in front of you to reach the top of the ridge.

From here the route progresses along the crests of the Cristallo Group, offering a breathtaking view. Along the crossing it will be possible to see some remains of the First World War that affected this area.

At Forcella Grande you’ll come across some former military shelters. Towards the middle of the route you’ll reach a small bivouac clinging to the rock as if by magic: the Buffa di Perrero at the Forcella Padeon at 2,760m, an excellent place to take a break. The former war barracks, dating back to 1915 and restored in 2022, took its name from Colonel Carlo Buffa di Perrero, who led the actions in this section of the front and was awarded the gold and silver medal for military courage. From the bivouac, first head slightly uphill towards Vecio del Forame, another place rich in war relics that have been almost abandoned, then downhill towards Forcella Alta 2,650 m and Forcella Bassa. We continue under the long crest of Zurlon with the continuous presence of Italian military posts up to Col dei Stombi from which you’ll cross path 203, descending into the Val Padeon.

From here you can opt for the closest location of Ospitale or the starting point (Rio Gere) which is however a very long solution.