Ferrata del Vallon

Overview

The Ferrata del Vallon cuts across the eastern wall of the Sella Group, forming a vertical link between the Rifugio Kostner and the slopes of Piz Boè. The route is predominantly hiking in character and generally accessible. The only section requiring greater technical commitment is the final wall of about twenty meters, which is distinctly steeper, more exposed, and more demanding than the rest of the route. The via, re-equipped in the early 2000s with some variations to the historic line, benefited from an excellent refit of the gear in 2024 and is now in perfect condition.

The setting is classic Dolomites, with solid, compact rock that allows progression along ledges and easy chimneys. The pace is steady but not exhausting, with a route that alternates horizontal approach sections with moderate vertical stretches, concentrating exposure and technique in the upper part. The overall character is therefore panoramic and progressive, ideal for a gradual introduction to via ferrata.

Approach

The quickest starting point is the top station of the cable car that runs from Corvara in Val Badia up to Crep de Mont and then to the Vallon station at 2537 meters. For those who prefer a walking approach, you can start from the Passo di Campolungo (between Arabba and Corvara). From the parking lot near the Albergo Boè (1860 m), follow the wide CAI trail 638, reaching the junction for the via ferrata in about an hour and a half, just before the Rifugio Kostner at 2500 meters.

From the cable car top station, follow the signs for the Piz da Lech and Vallon ferratas. Continue on a gentle traverse until a fork: ignoring the right-hand trail for Piz da Lech, keep going at mid-height across a scree slope, staying on the right side of the distinctive Valun. The environment is that of a high valley, with broad screes sloping down toward the valley floor. This brings you to the start of the via ferrata, marked by large red paint blazes at the back of a striking glacial cirque framed by imposing walls, after about 45 minutes of walking. Alternatively, you can follow the trail to the Rifugio Kostner and the Ferrata Piazzetta (CAI 638), paying attention just before the refuge to the signs and the track that branches off into the glacial cirque.

The approach thus runs over varied terrain, with a steady walking pace and never excessive gradients, allowing good acclimatization to the altitude. The morphology of the glacial cirque, wide and dominated by vertical walls, already hints at the majestic character of the route.

Via Ferrata

The route begins with an easy diagonal traverse, followed by a series of well-stepped rocky ledges. The cable, placed on the left, mainly serves as a self-belay, allowing you to tackle the not-difficult climbing moves using natural holds. You reach a comfortable chimney, climbable in a straddle thanks to a crack rich in holds. Continuing on an equipped trail that bends first right and then left, you head toward the blackish-yellow bastion that dominates the valley. Skirting the wall to the right, you overcome a few small rock steps with the cable always on the left, then tackle a second short chimney similar to the first.

The initial development is therefore horizontal and diagonal, on rock structured in slabs and easy ledges. The pace is pleasant and continuous, with exposure gradually increasing but remaining contained. The typical Dolomite rock offers excellent friction and secure holds, making progression fluid and low in technique.

Once past this, you reach the most iconic point of the via ferrata: the area of the suspension bridge, located near a waterfall. The historic route continued to the left of the waterfall, while the current itinerary runs on the right side, where the old gear is still visible.

Beyond the bridge, the most challenging and spectacular section begins. You face an exposed, vertical wall of twenty meters. Climb it by overcoming a first rock bulge, then veer slightly left and then right, finding excellent hand and foot holds. Hikers with climbing experience can proceed without pulling on the cable. You then tackle a diagonal stretch reminiscent of a leaning dihedral, finishing with the final meters of small rock steps that lead to a summit terrace from which you dominate the entire glacial cirque just ascended. The via ferrata takes about 45 minutes to complete, for a total of about 1 hour and 30 minutes from the start.

This final part radically changes the character of the route: from horizontal and hiking-like, it becomes vertical and more technical. The wall, compact and smooth, requires more careful progression and good management of exposure, which here becomes pronounced. The pace slows and becomes more deliberate, concentrating the main effort of the entire route in just a few meters. The reward is the summit terrace, a panoramic viewpoint of great effect.

Descent

From the end of the Ferrata del Vallon, follow the trail tracks uphill toward the nearby saddle, reachable in 15 minutes. Here you encounter a crucial junction: Continue downhill to the left along the Sentiero Lichtenfels, which initially descends a scree slope then tackles a steeper valley with a few short, low-difficulty equipped sections. This path leads in about an hour to the Rifugio Kostner (2517 m). Alternatively, continue straight uphill toward Piz Boè (3152 m) following CAI 672 along the Cresta Stenta, a ridge section that is partly equipped and exposed, requiring about an hour from the junction. For the return, backtrack to the junction (45 minutes from the summit) and descend via the Sentiero Lichtenfels to the Rifugio Kostner. From the Rifugio Kostner, following the signs for CAI trails 638 and 646B, you reach the top station of the chairlift in about 20 minutes. The total times for the excursion are about 3 hours without the ascent of Piz Boè, and about 5 hours including the summit.

The descent along the Sentiero Lichtenfels maintains an alpine character, with sections of easy rock climbing and short ledges. The pace is fast walking, interspersed with technical passages that still require some attention. The variant for Piz Boè instead transforms the itinerary into a ridge ascent, exposed and panoramic, suitable only for experienced and fit hikers.

Useful Notes

The Ferrata del Vallon represents an ideal choice as a first via ferrata for hikers experienced in mountain and high-altitude routes. For the most part it is technically easy, concentrating the difficulties and a fair amount of exposure in the final section after the bridge. From the summit area, you enjoy a stunning panorama of the Sella Group and its inner valleys. The gear, recently renewed, is in excellent condition. For navigation, it is recommended to use detailed maps of the area such as those of Val Gardena, Val di Funes and Alpe di Siusi, Val di Fassa, or Val Badia.

The itinerary thus offers a complete and well-graded experience: the majestic environment of the glacial cirque, the increasing pace, and the more decisive final character make it a classic and very satisfying route. The perfect maintenance of the gear ensures safety and pleasant progression along the entire route.