Ferrata Ettore Bovero, Col Rosa
Ferrata Ettore Bovero, Col Rosa
Duration - 5 1⁄2 hours
Challenging
Take the road north out of Cortina and park outside the Olympia Campsite, about 5 km from the town on the left-hand side and clearly marked. Then, on foot, take track 417 which runs initially beside the campsite for 1.5 km. Look out for a track on the left-hand side, marked Col Rosa, and take this as it climbs gently and then steeply through the woods to the saddle at the bottom of Col Rosa. This should take about 45 minutes. Just above the saddle, you will see the track continuing up past a prominent hole in the rock marking an old gun position/sentry post from the Great War. Carry on, through scrubby bushes and over tree routes for a further 25 minutes as the route zigzags and gradually gets steeper, through a small wire section to assist you over a particular rock section, until you reach the bottom of a cliff which marks the start of the via ferrata. Note. It easy to overshoot the start and find yourself walking on a diminishing path on a steepening slope of scrub.
The Ferrata begins gently but then climbs pretty directly to the top with a number of steep sections and one move, about 2/3rds of the way up, which is particularly exposed during a small traverse that requires commitment. After this, the slope gradually eases before giving way to a plateau. Continue walking on the path above the plateau and over a short rock buttress as the top of the mountain gradually exposes itself. After a brief climb down to a scrubby bowl under the summit rocks stay on the path, climbing gradually up the bowl, until you reach the rocks and a series of rungs which bring you out on the top of Col Rosa.
The top has been largely dug out to form defensive positions during the Great War and it is well worth taking the time to explore the top of the mountain. The descent starts due north as you follow the path which gradually descends and then more steeply, turning right and south, as it swings around the mountain and then joins path 417 in the valley. You can then retrace your steps to the campsite car park. In terms of a complete day out, on a mountain that stands alone, this is one of my favourite via Ferrata in the Dolomites, comprising a number of challenges, great views (particularly over the back of the Tofana range) and historical interest of WW1 positions.
Would you like a guided tour?
Please get in touch if you would like to arrange a private guided via ferrata tour of the Dolomites.