Ferrata dei Funs

Overview

The Ferrata dei Funs is a modern route, designed in the style of transalpine via ferratas, that unfolds across the steep walls of the Ico Quaranta towering above Entracque in the province of Cuneo. The itinerary is defined by constant athletic effort and continuous exposure, consisting of repeated vertical and distinctly overhanging sections. Progress is secured by a dense sequence of metal stirrups, which often replace natural rock holds. While this setup reduces the technical climbing component, it does not diminish the fun or satisfaction, offering an intense adventure in a visually striking natural setting.

The environment is that of a compact limestone bastion, where the route primarily develops across vertical slabs and dihedrals, providing a predominantly airy and panoramic experience from the very start. The pace is relentless, with few breaks in the tension and a progression that gains elevation decisively and continuously.

Approach

The route begins from the hamlet of Tetti Violini, located above Entracque. From the parking area, take the access trail, which is well-marked with yellow signage. Keeping right at the first three junctions, you reach the start sign at the base of the imposing rock wall in about thirty minutes.

Via Ferrata

From the start, the Ferrata dei Funs initially climbs diagonally up a first wall already richly equipped with stirrups. The line approaches an edge and quickly takes on a vertical character, entering a shallow dihedral where progress alternates between the two faces. This first section is markedly athletic, with ascents up vertical walls and short overhangs that rapidly gain elevation, progressively increasing the exposure. Opportunities for natural holds are limited, but the climb remains enjoyable, and the view behind opens up spectacularly.

You then reach a marked fork: to the left, the normal variant continues; to the right, the difficult one. The two options rejoin after a short stretch. The difficult variant features an uninterrupted sequence of overhangs and can be rated Very Difficult due to the physical effort required. The normal variant, bypassing a rock roof, maintains a more moderate difficulty while still being highly exposed.

After the two variants merge, the first section ends, and you follow a short trail through the woods. After bypassing a rocky outcrop, you arrive at the start of the second section. This begins with a long vertical wall, also well-equipped with stirrups. Climbing the slab, you catch a glimpse of the suspension bridge to the right, which you will cross. Progress continues with a slightly diagonal traverse, then tackles a long, airy horizontal traverse that leads directly to the bridge. After crossing this thrilling passage, you quickly reach the end of the metal cables. From here, another five minutes of walking on a trail brings you to the summit. The total time for the via ferrata is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, for a total of 3 hours from the start.

The second part of the itinerary, while still exposed, takes on a more traversing and panoramic character, with the long horizontal cable preparing the thrill of the Tibetan bridge. The pace, after the intense initial phase, becomes more measured but does not lose tension, thanks to the extensive airy development.

Descent

The return follows a trail marked with yellow blazes, partially equipped with fixed ropes on some steep sections. It is therefore advisable not to remove your harness immediately after finishing the via ferrata. Descend steeply to a marked junction, continue by bypassing the wall you just climbed, and after about an hour, you rejoin the approach trail used in the morning. From there, retracing your steps, you reach the parking area in about one hour from the end of the via ferrata, for a total excursion of about 4 hours.

Useful Notes

The Ferrata dei Funs is a very challenging, exposed, and physically athletic itinerary. The first section, with its overhanging stretches, is the most strenuous, while the subsequent passages, though still demanding, are more enjoyable. It is a French-style via ferrata, where the abundance of stirrups makes it less about climbing but still very fun and adrenaline-filled, suitable for experienced hikers with good physical fitness.

The overall experience is characterized by constant exposure and significant physical effort, requiring endurance and familiarity with heights. The route prioritizes continuous athletic progression on stirrups over seeking technical solutions on rock, yet still offers great panoramic rewards and a very engaging adventure.