Ferrata del Monte Sarrandone

Overview

The Monte Sarradone via ferrata, located just above Castione della Presolana in the province of Bergamo, is a short route ideal for a first taste of the sport. This accessible itinerary presents no significant technical difficulties and can be tackled for much of the season, offering a rewarding and educational experience in a pre-Alpine setting.

Approach

The starting point is in the hamlet of Bratto-Dorga, in the municipality of Castione della Presolana. Coming up from the valley and passing through the village of Bratto heading toward Passo della Presolana, after a hairpin turn you'll see a sign on the left marking the end of the hamlet. Immediately after, also on the left, a small paved lane blocked by a barrier branches off. You can park on the left side of the road just before this lane (space for one car) or about a hundred meters further on (space for three cars). Access continues along this lane.

After parking, head up the paved lane, ignoring an initial track that branches off to the left. Continue until you intercept trail CAI 28, which comes in from the right; take this trail to the left. In a short time you'll reach a limestone slab where the via ferrata begins-it is not marked. This start point sits at an elevation of about 1260 meters and requires roughly 20 minutes of walking from the car, with a gain of about 150 meters.

Via Ferrata

The route unfolds across slabs and ledges of compact limestone, with some final sections taking on a more dolomitic character. The path runs largely along a well-defined ridge, offering a linear and continuous experience.

The first section has a generally moderate slope and can be climbed either by free climbing or by using the steel cable for support. While there are a few steeper passages, they remain straightforward. Despite some vegetation (mountain grass and small shrubs), there are plenty of handholds and footholds. The pace is steady and relaxed, with limited exposure that allows you to get comfortable in the vertical environment. Once this first section is finished, a short climb through the woods leads to the second slab.

The second section begins on sloping limestone slabs and then becomes more enjoyable as the angle gradually increases. The route culminates in a fine traverse to the right that leads into a vertical stretch, characterized by excellent holds for a pleasant, climbing-oriented ascent. This final sector, more airy and technical, delivers a more engaging experience while still remaining in the easy range. After about twenty meters you reach the summit of Monte Sarradone at 1460 meters, where you're rewarded with a panorama of the valley below. The climbing time from the start of the ferrata is about 40 minutes, for a total of about one hour from the beginning of the hike.

Descent

The standard descent route involves retracing your steps along the via ferrata. An interesting alternative is to make a 30-meter rappel from the summit down to a small natural amphitheater, then cross through the woods and rejoin the ferrata for the descent. The total time for the entire itinerary, considering this option, is about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Useful Notes

The ferrata is entirely equipped with galvanized steel cable, kept taut and fixed with L-shaped pitons. It is a fairly simple and pleasant route, so much so that it is often used by local mountain guides as a preparatory itinerary for more challenging ferratas and by CAI schools for youth mountaineering courses. It is considered one of the easiest via ferratas in the province of Bergamo, alongside the Ferrata della Madonnina del Coren. The ferrata is located on the southern slope of the Presolana sub-group. In the nearby Bergamasque Prealps (Orobie Alps) you'll find other routes such as the Ferrata al Passo della Porta, the Ferrata Maurizio at Monte Alben, the Ferrata della Madonnina del Coren, and the Ferrata del Monte Ocone. Moving further north into higher altitudes, you can tackle the Ferrata del Pizzo del Becco and the Ferrata Rossi at Pizzo Strinato.