Ferrata descent on Punta Nera (Sorapiss Group)
Ferrata descent on Punta Nera (Sorapiss Group)
Duration - 4 hours
MEDIUM
Park close to the disused hotel on the road (marked as 48) running out east of Cortina, about 5 minutes after you have driven past the chair lifts to Monte Cristaldo. There is plenty of space on the verges if the parking laybys are full.
Take route 213 through the woods as the track gradually winds its way towards the Sorapiss massif. This is a beautiful walk with many clearings allowing glimpses of the mountain scenery around. Shortly after you leave the woods and arrive at the mountain’s steeper flanks turn right on route 213 and contour around until you see the top of a chairlift station take route 215 on your left at the junction close by which takes you up to a saddle after about 15 minutes. From the saddle, you will see great views east to Tofana and Croda del Lago.
Now take the barren track on your left, still marked as route 215, as it traverses and climbs steadily over steep scree slopes, interspersed with a couple of rocky outcrops that you scramble over until, after about 30 minutes you reach a rocky plateau under Croda Bota. From here continue eastwards, keeping the high ground to your left until you reach a prominent gully that allows you access to the massive amphitheater of Sorapiss. From here descend down into the barren col, using the Via Ferrata cables where necessary, to protect your scrambling. The descent is not difficult but care is needed as a lot of the flat rock sections are covered in small stones/grit that can cause you to slip. This is an incredible route into the heart of the mountain. To your left you can see the beautiful turquoise water of the glacial lake, lac del Sorapiss, and ahead of you a huge wall of rock representing the southern flank of the Sorapiss mountain.
After about 30 minutes of descent, you reach the col and here it is well worth pausing to take in the magnitude of the cirque of mountains around you. Continue on route 215 which drops gradually down to the Lac de Sorapiss, passing the remaining snout of the glacier on your right-hand side. From the lake keep on route 215 which after about 90 minutes of walking due north through the tree line, with the support of a couple of metal staircases and handrails arrive at the road, probably just a few hundred meters from where you parked the car.
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.