Ferrata Maria e Andrea Ferrari, Ra Bujela, Tofana
Ferrata Maria e Andrea Ferrari, Ra Bujela, Tofana
Duration - 1 hour
CHALLENGING
I have graded this climb as challenging because the start is far from simple, involving some difficult moves, most entailing a lot of upper arm strength on some overhanging sections, coupled with sheer drops. Nonetheless, despite the abrupt initial difficulty, it is a short via Ferrata which eases in difficulty as you climb higher and can be completed within an hour to 90 minutes. It is a relatively new route that provides rubber-capped staples and a couple of bridges which adds to the interest.
To get to the route drive west from Cortina on the Falzarego Pass. 5 minutes after Pocol, at a spot height of 1698 meters take the narrow metalled road on the right north for 1,500 meters. As the tarmac finishes you reach a junction at which you turn right onto a graveled track. Take the track for 1,000 meters until you reach a grassy expanse, just under the Duca D’Aosta chair lift station, and park here. Walk up to the Refugio Duca d’Aosta (beside the chair lift) and you will see 2 large crags standing alone on either side of the route of the chair lift. The Via Ferrata is on the right-hand crag and a 10-minute walk from the Refugio.
The route is easy to see, punctuated by 2 bridges roughly at one-third intervals, which provide a good place to regroup and take stock. The section to the first bridge is the most difficult as previously described. When you reach the first bridge the difficulties ease off. Here you continue along the south face to reach a second bridge and then return to the East Face and continue up the ridge.
A few meters below the summit the steel cable forks off in two directions, one upwards to the summit (some 20m further) and one to the left for the descent. The summit is quite small with limited space.
To descend, climb down to the fork, turn right, and then walk off the back of the slope before turning right onto the track which leads to the Refugio. Just as you descend to the track you will see a number of Edelweiss.
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.