Via ferrata Tomaselli

Description

The Tomaselli is an extremely scenic and exciting via ferrata but also physically and technically complex: given the difficulty and exposure of the route and the many vertical passages, a high level of training and experience are required. Arriving at the summit, at 2,980 m, you’ll be greeted by some of the most beautiful views of all the Dolomites: there are various peaks to admire, from the Tofane to the Pale di San Martino to the Civetta. The Tomaselli is an unmissable route for enthusiasts as it is one of the most difficult, scenic and rewarding of all the Dolomites, and because it touches the locations of the Great War. To reach the start of the via ferrata, head to Passo Falzarego where you’ll find a large parking lot. Take the Lagazuoi cable car and once you reach the top, take path 401 to Forcella Lagazuoi. Then take path 20, where you can admire the traces of the First World War. At each crossroads, keep right until the intersection with path 1020 which will take you along the Gran Lagazuoi. After about two hours you’ll be at the start of the via ferrata. The entire route is very exposed and requires a good level of training and experience. The Tomaselli is in fact considered one of the most difficult via ferratas in the entire Valle d’Ampezzo. The via ferrata is challenging right from the start: the first steps are inserted into a crack, then continue along a smooth vertical wall. The first half of the route is characterised by vertical walls. Continue moving to the left to once again take a small vertical wall. Once you reach a small terrace, aided by the fixed rope, you’ll tackle a series of walls in succession that lead to the crest from which, after having overcome a last vertical slab furrowed by a small crack, you can reach the summit at 2,980 m via easy rock steps. Once you reach the top, the view is incredible: on one side there are the imposing Tofane and the Gruppo di Fanes, on the other side you’ll have a glimpse of the Pale di San Martino, the Civetta and the Pelmo. The descent is on the north side. The metal cable will accompany you to the end of the via ferrata. From there, take path 1020 which will take you to Forcella Travenanzes, and complete the tour around the Gran Lagazuoi. Once you reach the pass, take path 402 taking you to Passo Falzarego or, alternatively, take path 401 which will take you back to Rifugio Lagazuoi, where you can descend by cable car.