Ferrata del Vajo Stretto

Overview

The Ferrata del Vajo Stretto is a fixed-rope route that cuts across the eastern flank of Monte Cornetto, in the Trentino-Vicenza sector of the Piccole Dolomiti. The route unfolds entirely within a deep and spectacular gully, offering technically moderate progression with immense scenic impact. The morphology of the vajo-with vertical walls enclosing a often narrow cleft-gives the route an adventurous and sheltered character. Caution is advised for the rocky ground, which can be slippery due to moisture or debris. The itinerary forms a long, complete loop, and its value increases considerably if combined with an ascent to the summit of Monte Cornetto.

Approach

The starting point is Malga Cornetto (1,225 m), located along the road connecting Pian delle Fugazze to the Sacrario del Pasubio. A large paid parking area is available. From here, take trail 150 (formerly trail 44), which initially crosses open pastures before entering a beech forest, following CAI markers and painted indications on the rock. The start of the via ferrata can be reached in about 40 minutes of easy walking from the parking lot.

Via Ferrata

From the information sign, tackle the first rock slabs, which are not demanding, leading toward the mouth of the gully. The initial ascent alternates short rock steps with sections on grassy ledges, until reaching the true entrance of the Vajo Stretto. At this point, the metal fixtures temporarily stop: move to the left side of the channel, climbing up using excellent handholds on the rock and some new metal stirrups, heading toward a distinctive natural tunnel created by huge fallen boulders wedged together.

Past the tunnel, you enter the heart of the vajo, surrounded by high, compact walls. The environment becomes more enclosed, and the route alternates short unroped trail sections with cable-protected passages, where climbing moves are always contained. The progression follows the natural fracture line, overcoming several chimneys and narrow gaps between dolomite blocks. The pace is pleasantly varied, without physically draining sections. You then reach a more vertical passage, well-equipped with stirrups in its first part. An exposed traverse to the left allows you to bypass a huge wedged boulder, often damp and slippery. Continue along the narrow rock fissure, in a setting of great atmosphere, until reaching the logbook box.

The route does not end here: climb a ramp on the right wall and, shortly after, exit the Vajo Stretto, concluding the fixed-rope section (about 1,550 m; 1 hour from the start; 1 hour 45 minutes from the parking lot). You now find yourself at the confluence with the Vajo Cassa da Morto. Keeping left while ascending, follow the obvious trail traces that, crossing a scree slope, lead to the Selletta dell'Emmele (1,675 m) in about 20 minutes. From here, for a direct descent, you can descend along trail 175 toward the Ossario del Pasubio.

For a more complete and history-rich itinerary, it is advisable to continue toward the summit of Monte Cornetto. Climb along the old military mule track to Forcella del Cornetto (1,825 m), then take the fixed-rope trail of the normal route. This section, exposed but never difficult, features some chain-protected passages on slabs. The final meters of trail lead to the summit cross of Monte Cornetto (1,899 m), reachable in about 3 total hours from the parking lot. The final ascent rewards with a 360° panorama over the Piccole Dolomiti and the Pasubio.

Descent

The descent begins by retracing the fixed-rope summit trail. Once back on trail 149, it is recommended not to return to Sella Emmele, but to continue south toward Baffelan and the Passo di Campogrosso. This mid-slope route, scenic and historic, features some short fixed-rope sections and crosses evocative war tunnels, passing through Passo degli Onari (1,760 m) and Passo del Baffeland. The path runs over grassy and rocky terrain, with an undulating profile.

From here, the most direct way to Malga Cornetto is trail 177 (Boale del Baffelan), which descends steeply along a debris-filled gully: pay attention in this sector due to unstable ground. At the end of the gully, you encounter a vertical drop protected by a chain. Continuing the descent, you intercept the Strada del Re (trail 175), wide and comfortable, which leads back to the starting point. The return from the summit of Monte Cornetto takes about 3 hours, for a total of about 6 hours for the entire loop. The descent alternates fast sections with technical passages, concluding the experience in a varied manner.

Useful Notes

Wearing a helmet is absolutely mandatory due to the constant danger of falling rocks, especially inside the vajo where the passage of other hikers can dislodge debris. Additionally, because of the narrow spaces in some chimneys and passages, overly bulky backpacks can create difficulties for progression. It is recommended to use a compact backpack or to equip yourself with a sling to attach it to your harness, avoiding carrying it on your shoulders in the tightest spots. For cartography, a detailed map of the Pasubio group is recommended. The Monte Cornetto area, rich in Great War history, offers numerous other possibilities for fixed-rope itineraries of varying difficulty.