Ferrata Ciao Miki

Overview

The Ciao Miki Via Ferrata offers a short but intense alpine experience, defined by the variety of its passages. The route climbs four vertical rock towers, linked by horizontal traverses, gentle descents, and brief overhangs, creating a discontinuous and dynamic rhythm. However, the complete itinerary to the summit of Monte Mars is a long and physically demanding hike. The subsequent ridge trail, often underestimated, features narrow, highly exposed passages on friable rock, becoming dangerous in rain or damp conditions.

Approach

The start is from the top station of the Oropa-Lago Mucrone cable car, reachable by driving from Biella to the Sanctuary of Oropa, which has ample parking. From the station, take the D23 trail to the left, passing the Rifugio Savoia and heading toward Lago Mucrone. Just before the lake, the D23 climbs steeply, crosses the Colle Rosso and Laghetto Rosso, and finally aims for Colle Chardon (2221 m). At the col, a marked junction indicates the start of the via ferrata to the left. This approach takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes along a well-marked trail through open alpine terrain.

Via Ferrata

The equipped route begins with a first vertical wall, tackled on the left side of an arête thanks to an abundance of metal rungs. This initial vertical section, on solid, compact rock, immediately introduces the technical character of the climb. After overcoming this, you continue over mixed rock and earth steps, ascending diagonally to the left along the nascent ridge of Monte Mars. This less vertical section offers a physical breather but requires caution due to the unstable terrain.

Next comes a wall of about fifteen meters, slightly overhanging at the start. The rock's morphology forces a detour at the top, followed by a slight descent, before tackling another well-equipped vertical face. The succession of these passages-between verticals and descents-creates a varied and engaging rhythm.

Once this section is finished, a short traverse to the left leads to a rocky step with excellent natural holds. You climb diagonally around an arête, then face a short but exposed descent along the left side of the ridge. This passage is particularly significant for the experience: descending an airy ledge requires control and trust in the equipment. The subsequent descent around an arête is even more delicate due to the strong exposure over the void.

After a traverse, you attack a new vertical wall with excellent holds, both artificial and natural, which includes a slight overhang caused by a bulge in the rock. This is one of the most technical passages, where the local overhang demands good management of your center of gravity. Once past this section, you proceed up the vertical wall using the numerous rungs until you reach a notch in the rock.

Beyond the notch, you ascend through a succession of rocky steps and small vertical jumps to a white sign announcing the imminent end of the via ferrata. A few descending steps lead to a more gently sloping but still airy ridge trail among stones and grass. Here, the steel cable gives way to a rope, marking the conclusion of the via ferrata after about 1 hour and 30 minutes from the start. The route has developed mainly along ridges and ledges, offering continuous panoramic views.

Descent

The descent from the summit of Monte Mars is entirely via the D23 trail, which from the col leads back to Colle Chardon and then to the cable car station. This section, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, follows a well-defined hiking trail. The total time for the excursion, including approach, via ferrata, and descent, is approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes.

Useful Notes

The Ciao Miki Via Ferrata is an exposed route and challenging in places. The technical difficulty is not high (medium difficulty), but the great variety of passages-verticals, traverses, exposed descents-requires constant adaptation and continuous attention. Great caution should be reserved for the subsequent ridge trail: although not classified as an alpine trail, it shares its exposure and some demanding sections, requiring a steady foot and experience in environments with no escape routes. It is not recommended in unstable weather due to the rapid deterioration of rock grip.

For planning, it is useful to know that the Province of Biella provides maps and GPS tracks of the trail network on its website, a valuable resource given that on-site signage can sometimes be outdated or missing. For cartography, a valid option is the Valli del Monte Rosa map from the 4Land series.

The itinerary, due to its length and elevation gain, can be combined by very experienced and fit hikers with the Ferrata del Limbo on nearby Monte Mucrone. In the Oropa area, other options are also available, such as the Ferrata Nito Staich lower down, or the easier Ferrata della Balma and Sentiero dell'Infernone.