Ferrata del Partusac

Overview

The Ferrata del Partusac is an easy route located near Civiasco, in the province of Vercelli. The itinerary unfolds with a dynamic up-and-down rhythm, featuring a traverse and a well-equipped vertical wall in the final section, characterized by a certain degree of exposure. It offers interesting views and is frequently combined with the nearby Ferrata Falconera, forming a classic pairing for a day of activity.

The route winds along a limestone wall shaped by erosion, which has created ledges and cavities. Its character is predominantly scenic and serves as an introduction to vertical progression, with a broken rhythm that alternates short trail sections with equipped passages, concentrating the exposure and technical challenge in the concluding part.

Approach

The starting point can be Varallo or Civiasco. To tackle only the Ferrata del Partusac, it is advisable to park in Civiasco. Coming from Varallo, at the entrance to the town, turn left onto the road for Piandellavalle, where you will find a large square on the right suitable for parking. If you intend to combine the two via ferratas, it is more practical to start from Varallo, parking near Casa Serena, and first complete the Ferrata Falconera, whose end leads directly to the start of the Partusac. In this case, it is recommended to consult the specific description for the Falconera.

Via Ferrata

The itinerary begins with a descending section on a steep trail of mixed dirt and rock. At the end, continue diagonally to the left until you reach a first small cavity. Another descent leads onto an easy ledge that, shortly, brings you to a second cave. You then tackle an exposed diagonal traverse to the right, which ends at the base of an equipped vertical wall. Climbing this rather steep wall provides a good gain in elevation and exposure. Once past it, you reach a grassy terrace, followed by a further equipped vertical wall. A final short flat section leads to the end of the via ferrata. The time from the start is approximately 30 minutes.

The morphology is characterized by horizontal ledges interrupted by short vertical walls, providing a concentrated technical experience. The rhythm is broken, with a descent at the beginning and a more continuous, vertical finale. The exposure, while present, is contained and well-managed by the equipment, making the route ideal for gaining confidence in the via ferrata environment.

Descent

It is possible to descend in reverse, retracing the via ferrata backwards, an interesting option for the experienced climber. Alternatively, follow the trail from the end to a junction. From here, to return to the Piandellavalle parking area, descend on trail 636B to a small artificial lake and continue on 636. To return to Varallo, from the junction take 636B to the intersection with 636A, which descends directly into the town.

Useful Notes

The via ferrata has a modest elevation gain and is traversable in both directions. For the experienced hiker, it represents an excellent follow-up after the Ferrata Falconera, while for a beginner, it can be a great first experience on equipped routes. Beyond the classic pairing with the Falconera, the day can be rounded out with other via ferratas in the area, such as the Ferrata dei Picasass on Lake Maggiore or the Sentiero Attrezzato dell'Infernone in the Biella region.

The character of the route is educational and scenic, with limited physical demand. The possibility of traversing it in both directions makes it a versatile route, suitable both as technical training and as an introduction to the world of via ferratas, thanks to its gradual progression and not overly severe environment.