Ferrata del Camoscio al Palombino

Overview

The Ferrata Camoscio is the most spectacular access route to Monte Palombino, a border summit in the Carnic Alps. Classified as moderate difficulty, this itinerary combines quality climbing progression with a strikingly beautiful natural setting, offering a complete and rewarding experience.

Approach

The route begins in the Val Visdende, in the province of Belluno. From the south, after Santo Stefano di Cadore, follow signs for Sappada; about 7 km further on, before a tunnel, turn left onto a bridge marked for the Val Visdende. Drive up the road, and at the first junction keep left for about 800 meters to the main parking area (approximately 1300 m). An alternative is to continue by car to the second parking lot at Bivio Ciadon, in the Val di Londo. Important: paid parking devices are active in the valley lots. For a full day, the cost is 8 euros (2024). It is advisable to have cash on hand, as the main parking device may not accept contactless or card payments.

From the main parking lot, take the wide forest road (trail marker 167) that winds through dense vegetation to Bivio Ciadon. Here, turn right onto the CAI 170 trail (Strada delle Malghe), which climbs at a steady gradient through the woods, offering the first views of the imposing mass of Palombino. After passing Malga Dignas (1676 m), you reach a junction where you leave the CAI 170 to keep left toward Forcella Dignas. Just before the pass, a left turn onto the CAI 172 leads, across broad grassy slopes and then a compact scree field, to the start of the via ferrata. The approach time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Via Ferrata

The via ferrata begins with a diagonal ramp that leads into a narrow gully, climbed toward the left. Exiting the gully, you move left again to tackle a sequence of easy rocky steps, very climbable, and a wooden ladder. The route is extremely logical, following the natural fracture lines of the wall. This first section, using ledges and dihedrals, has a continuous and pleasant rhythm. After rounding a corner, follow the numerous trail markers as you ascend a few modest rock steps. The limestone rock is compact and offers excellent holds, making progression smooth and secure. The itinerary balances lateral traverses with altitude gain, maintaining a predominantly vertical character without severe technical passages; the exposure is noticeable but never overwhelming.

After about thirty minutes of via ferrata progression, the steel cables end. To reach the summit, you follow a trail that tackles some easy rock steps alternating with meadows and scree slopes. The path eventually leads to the border ridge, marked by two crosses: the one on the Austrian side stands out for its size and grandeur. The time for the via ferrata and the subsequent ridge ascent is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, for a total of approximately 3 hours from the start.

Descent

From the summit cross, descend a few dozen meters back along the Italian side until you intercept the CAI 142 trail. The descent runs along the so-called "Muri del Palombino", a broad, debris-covered and rocky slope, down to a pass where a sign indicates the return route (along the way, you can see remnants of trenches). Continue south along the ridge trail to a fork; here, keep right onto the descending path into the Valle del Palombino, known as the "Traversata Carnica". This route, which passes through a gentler, pastoral landscape, leads back to Malga Dignas, from where you return to the parking lot by retracing the approach trail. The total loop duration is approximately 6 hours.

Useful Notes

The itinerary is extremely enjoyable as a whole, characterized by good elevation gain and a panoramic summit with sweeping views. The Ferrata Camoscio is inherently climbable, never extremely difficult but exposed in sections, with a progression that rewards rock movement technique. The ridge sections, both after the via ferrata and during the descent, lack protection and therefore require attention and sure-footedness on varied terrain. It is absolutely to be avoided in wet rock or bad weather, conditions that would make the rock slippery and the exposure dangerous. The Carnic Alps area offers numerous other possibilities for via ferratas and equipped trails of varying difficulty, making this region a true paradise for alpine hiking.