Via ferrata Terza Cengia del Pomagagnon

Description

The via ferrata to the Terza Cengia del Pomagagnon, also known as the Zumeles equipped path, is relatively simple, but with exposed sections that require a firm step. After leaving your car at the Ospedale Codivilla-Putti, follow the cycle path towards Cortina and then path 202 which goes up to the large scree gully descending from the Forcella del Pomagagnon (descent of the Ferrata Strobel). Leave the gully on the left and proceed to the right slightly downhill, then go back up on the left following the signs until you reach the imposing ledge that climbs diagonally. Here you’ll reach the start of the via ferrata which proceeds with exposed sections with and without steel cables and often gravel which requires a steady foot and an absence of vertigo. After going around a corner with a steel cable and a bit of a descent, you’ll reach a gorge where you can stop before the most challenging part of the climb, which will take you to the last exposed ledge. Climb towards the Forcella at 2250 m which separates Punta Erbing from Croda dei Zestelis, passing through some rocks and a stretch of equipped path. Climbing a few rocks you’ll reach the simple summit cross of Punta Erbing at 2,301 m, with a spectacular view of the opposite Cristallo valley. Descend on the Val Padeon side with a sure step and, after the first steep and challenging stretch, you’ll reach Forcella Zumeles at 2079 m crossing paths 204 and 205. Keep right following signs for Rifugio Mietres, going down on wooden sleepers that help the descent. Once you reach a crossroads between paths 204 and 211, follow the second one on the right that descends gently, ignoring the various deviations up to Mietres and then to the starting point at Codivilla.