Ferrata della Diga di Neves

Overview

The Neves Dam Via Ferrata stands out for its unique setting: rather than following a natural rock face, it climbs the impressive concrete structure of a hydroelectric dam. Located in the upper Val dei Molini, a side valley of the stunning Valle Aurina (Ahrntal) in South Tyrol, this route offers two distinct ascent options: a difficult route and a moderately difficult route, the latter featuring some sections that raise its overall challenge. The view that opens up beyond the dam, dominated by the rugged Aurine Alps, is exceptionally dramatic. The itinerary blends alpinism with engineering, offering progression across an artificial environment that demands a different reading of verticality and exposure.

Approach

The starting point is located immediately next to the Neves Dam, downstream from the reservoir of the same name. To reach it, from Dobbiaco (Toblach) in the Val Pusteria (Pustertal), head up the Valle Aurina and then turn into the Valle dei Molini. The structure is clearly visible during the drive in. Park in its vicinity.

From the parking area, a short descending trail of about 5 minutes leads to the base of the dam. From here, looking at the wall, the start of the difficult route is immediately visible. Moving instead to the right side (down-valley), you'll find the initial ladder of the easier route. Access to the starting points takes at most 5-10 minutes from the car park. The approach terrain is simple, but it already introduces the severe environment dominated by the dam's artificial geometry.

Via Ferrata

Difficult Route This itinerary tackles the vertical concrete face of the Neves Dam directly. The progression is a sequence of vertical sections and traverses, punctuated by two catwalks that offer a moment of rest. Just before reaching them, you overcome two particularly exposed ladders. The difficulty increases gradually, culminating in the final section with a very physical traverse that earns the route its difficult grade. The artificial nature of the wall provides an abundance of edges and handholds useful for progression. You reach the top catwalk in about 20-25 minutes of climbing.

The environment is entirely defined by the concrete surface, smooth yet textured, which demands precise climbing technique. The pace is continuous and sustained, with few natural rests; exposure is constant and total from the very first meters. The character of the route is predominantly vertical and physical, with traverses that heighten the sense of emptiness. The absence of natural features like cracks or rock holds shifts the focus to finding the best holds among the concrete's irregularities.

Moderately Difficult Route This variant attacks the right edge of the dam (as seen from below). After an initial ladder, you overcome some easy rock steps until reaching a catwalk. You then tackle a sloping slab, made easier by the presence of resin holds similar to those found in indoor climbing gyms. After the slab, a few more short rock steps lead to the final suspension bridge, which delivers you directly onto the panoramic catwalk above the dam. This route also takes roughly 20-25 minutes from the start.

This track alternates sections on the natural rock of the valley side with artificial sections, offering a more varied progression. The pace is less continuous than the difficult route, with an alternation of short vertical sections, horizontal traverses, and the long sloping slab. Exposure is significant, but generally less pronounced. The character is mixed: technical on the slab with the resin holds, more traditional and scenic on the short rock steps, with a spectacular finale on the suspension bridge.

Descent

The return is simple and quick: walk along the catwalk that crosses the top of the Neves Dam, returning in 5 minutes to the starting point on the opposite side. This immediate, non-technical descent solution is a distinctive feature that completes the experience with a top-down view of the entire route.

Useful Notes

This is a modern and unusual via ferrata that enhances an existing infrastructure, transforming it into an exciting adventure. The safety equipment is in excellent condition. Exposure is a defining and very present element, especially on the difficult route. The Neves Dam Via Ferrata is located in an area rich in alpine offerings, such as the long and challenging Ghiacciaio Camino Via Ferrata on the Sasso Nero or the recent and difficult Hans Kammerlander Via Ferrata near Campo Tures.

The overall experience is strongly characterized by the artificial environment, which imposes a different perception of space and emptiness compared to a traditional via ferrata. The continuity of the exposure and the nature of the wall make this itinerary a unique technical and psychological experience, where verticality is absolute and the panorama opens up suddenly and grandly once the top is reached.