Ferrata delle Gorge

Overview

After a period of closure due to a landslide, the Gorges Via Ferrata was fully reopened in 2022. This equipped route unfolds through the canyon of the Dora Riparia in the Susa Valley, offering a predominantly horizontal experience. The trail is a succession of airy traverses and short rock climbs, never extreme, delivering thrills thanks to repeated sections suspended above the stream. The overall difficulty is rated as moderate. The gorge environment, with vertical walls closing in over the water, gives the itinerary a spectacular and continuously scenic character, without demanding a high level of technical skill.

Approach

The starting point is near the school in Giaglione (TO), easily reachable from the Susa Valley motorway. From the parking area, a sign indicates the direction. Take the road that runs alongside the sports field, first paved and then gravel, gradually entering the woods. After passing a building, you'll reach the information board at Pineut. From here, following the white-red trail markers to the left, you'll reach the start of the via ferrata in about 35 minutes. The approach is a pleasant, nearly level walk that progressively introduces you to the gorge environment.

Via Ferrata

The route begins on the left orographic side of the stream. An initial sequence of easy rock steps and ledges-with one slightly more technical passage-gently descends toward the entrance of the actual gorge. The pace quickly becomes engaging with a fine exposed traverse, sheer above the water, where a row of metal stirrups aids progression. The route runs along natural ledges and artificial sections, maintaining a horizontal and continuous flow up to the first Tibetan bridge, an adrenaline-pumping crossing that marks the peak of the initial exposure.

After crossing the bridge, you move to the right bank. Traverse left and continue with a climb through the woods, alternating equipped trail sections with short walking stretches, until you reach a long metal ladder. After descending the ladder, the trail leads to a second suspension bridge. This central section offers a break from verticality, with a more mixed rhythm of climbing and walking, always in the shade of the vegetation.

The final sector returns to a more vertical focus. You ascend a wall using its cracks and slabs, with generally easy moves. The progression concludes with a final short pitch of a few meters that features a couple of slightly overhanging moves, aided by stirrups. Once the rock section is finished, a brief stretch of equipped trail leads to the end of the Gorges Via Ferrata. The time on the route is about 2 hours and 30 minutes from the start, for a total of roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes from the parking lot. The itinerary is characterized by a dynamic and varied progression, with constant but well-protected exposure, making it a route of great emotional reward rather than technical challenge.

Descent

From the end of the via ferrata, following the signs, you quickly reach a gravel road that leads back to Giaglione. The descent, along a comfortable track, takes about 30 minutes, bringing the total hike time to around 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Useful Notes

This gorge route unfolds in an environment of great beauty and atmosphere. While offering few opportunities for pure climbing, it is decidedly scenic and continuously spectacular. Its central location in the Susa Valley makes it ideal for pairing with other via ferratas in the area, such as the Ruceia Via Ferrata, the Carlo Giorda Via Ferrata at Pirchiarano, the Red Via Ferrata at Caprie, the Foresto Gorge Via Ferrata, or the Chianocco Gorge. Toward the Monginevro Pass, you'll find the numerous via ferratas of Claviere, and since 2024, the new Novalesa Waterfalls Via Ferrata has also been operational.