Ferrata del Bombasel al Cermis

Overview

This report describes the modern loop itinerary of the Ferrata dei Laghi, which culminates on the summit of Bombasel (2535 m) in the Alpe di Cermis area of Val di Fiemme. The route unfolds across two distinct sides of the massif, served by the Vertigo and Highway routes. These are recent, heavily equipped installations where actual climbing sections are limited. The Vertigo route presents a medium difficulty, while Highway is perfectly suited for beginners and those approaching this type of activity for the first time, offering a safe and progressive experience.

Approach

The starting point is the top station of the Cermis cable car, connected to Cavalese. It is advisable to park your car in the large, well-signposted parking lot along the main road, from which you quickly access the intermediate station for the subsequent ascent by gondola. Once you reach the Alpe di Cermis, to head towards Forcella di Bombasel, you can take the L03-353 trail in a southwest direction. This route, with a modest elevation gain, leads first to Forcella del Macaco and then to Forcella del Bombasel. Upon reaching the notch, you will catch sight of the striking Laghi del Bombasel: the start of the Ferrata Vertigo is on the left, while that of the Ferrata Highway is on the right. For hikers with average preparation, the recommended itinerary is to ascend via the Vertigo side and descend along the Highway, with an approach time of about 40 minutes from the top cable car station. The approach trail winds over grassy and rocky terrain, typical of high altitude, maintaining a steady gradient that allows for a gradual approach.

Via Ferrata

The entrance to the Vertigo route presents itself with an initial ramp sloping to the right, immediately followed by a vertical section supported by metal anchors. Despite having a sandy base, this sector allows for climbing, offering a magnificent view over the Laghi del Bombasel behind you. The rock, of porphyritic nature, forms compact slabs interspersed with ledges that allow for brief rests. You continue for a few meters on an equipped connecting trail before tackling a new and demanding vertical step, followed by two more; the climb remains pleasant and never excessively difficult, with a rhythm of short vertical bursts alternating with resting sections on ledges. A traverse to the right on an easy equipped section introduces the final segment of the route. After a few vertical meters, a shift onto a false flat to the right concludes the equipment, now in sight of the summit cross of Bombasel at 2535 meters. The route is predominantly vertical but broken up, offering a technical yet not exhausting character, with continuous exposure that grants wide panoramas over the Lagorai chain.

The equipped descent takes place on the opposite side via the route called Highway. This is a heavily equipped ridge that develops just below the summit line, characterized by a series of easy passages and only a couple of vertical steps, which are nonetheless well-equipped with wide footholds. This section is ideal for beginners who intend to climb it, presenting a predominantly horizontal and traversing character, with moderate exposure that allows you to focus on safe progression technique. After approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from the start of the equipped ascent, the loop around the Laghi del Bombasel is completed, for a total of about 3 hours of hiking. The rhythm of the Highway is fluid and continuous, without challenging ups and downs, developing elegantly along the morphology of the ridge.

Descent

For the return, you go back to Forcella del Macaco. From here, follow the signs for Eurotel 2000 along a comfortable trail, which eventually leads back to the cable car for the descent to the parking lot. The return trail maintains a clear and walkable path, concluding the loop in an easy manner.

Useful Notes

The construction of these via ferratas has raised several concerns. On one hand, the Lagorai was a chain with few equipped itineraries, little frequented by mass tourism; on the other, the construction style of the routes - very modern and "artificial" - has turned up the noses of lovers of more traditional Dolomitic-style via ferratas. Despite these aspects, the itinerary is pleasant, of medium difficulty, and takes place in a beautiful landscape setting with the Lagorai chain in front. The Ferrata Highway is particularly well-suited for being done with the family, thanks to its linear development and constant protection. For reference cartography, maps of Val di Fiemme or Lagorai e Cima d'Asta are recommended. The Lagorai has remained almost devoid of via ferratas, with the exception of the Ferrata Gabrielli on Cima d'Asta. From Val di Fiemme, you can easily reach the short Ferrata Attilio Sieff, while from Passo di San Pellegrino, you can undertake the Sentiero Attrezzato del Gronton, the Alta Via Bruno Federspiel, and the Alta Via Bepi Zac.