Ferrata Bilgeri, Mt Piano
Ferrata Bilgeri, Mt Piano
Duration - 4 hours
EASY & ACCESSIBLE
This is a fascinating walk, with a limited and straightforward stretch via Ferrata, up and around a mountain steeped in WW1 history. In essence, either side of the flat plain atop Mt Piano contained both Italian and Austrian trench systems, still very much preserved, and the ensuing battle for control of the mountain led to a stalemate and a huge loss of life.
There are many walking routes up the mountain but, in order to enjoy the limited Via Ferrata section, start from SS49 road, north of the pretty village (and lake) of Misurina. Take route 6A through the forest until it gradually winds steeply to where the tree line gives way to a series of steep water and rock shoots that have stripped the area of vegetation. The path contours through this area, with a prominent set of steps in one place, before climbing up to more grassy and attractive vegetation. Here you will find a sign showing the direction of Mt
Piano and take this route (out of interest I initially explored the route signed “Pionereweg” which after 5 minutes of traversing under a loose rockface, disappeared into a treacherously steep scree that I didn’t care to pursue it any further).
After about 5 minutes walk from the sign I reached and followed a small stretch of simple via ferrata up to the bare but grassy plateau on the top of Mt Piano. The via ferrata lasted no longer than 5 to 10 minutes. Once on top, I spent an interesting hour visiting the extensive
WW1 positions trench systems, and memorials to those lost on both sides. The plateau also provides great views over the Tri Cime, probably the most iconic mountain in the Dolomites. On the far (southern) side there is a hut that was closed at the time but which I took to be a museum and from here I found a route heading due west which eventually connected to the 6A route that I had taken up, arriving back at the car about an hour later.
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.