Ferrata di San Nicolao

Overview

The San Nicolao Via Ferrata (Ferrata di San Nicolao) is an equipped route inaugurated in August 2026 in Ostana, in the upper Valle Po, within the Monviso Park. It runs along the eastern slope between the hamlets of Ciampetti and Bernardi, through broadleaf woodland and striking rocky outcrops, with constant views over the plain, the valley floor, the Lenta valley and towards Monviso.

The San Nicolao via ferrata gains about 300 m of elevation, from Borgata Ciampetti at 1,180 m to Bric Sarlichart at 1,480 m, and is divided into two clearly distinct parts: a first, more technical and mountaineering-style section up to the chapel of San Nicolao, and a second, more playful and tourist-oriented section up to Sarlichart. The full route is rated Difficult; by skipping the first section you get an Easy variant. The indicated total time is about 3 hours.

Approach

From Paesana, drive up towards Ostana as far as the hamlets of Ciampetti and Bernardi, where the reference car park is located (about 1,180 m). A short path leads towards the Rocciarè cliffs and the start of the route, reached in about 15 minutes.

Via Ferrata

The first part of the San Nicolao Via Ferrata tackles the Duomo di Rocciarè pillar, with vertical walls, physical moves and exposed rock sections, made easier by a series of equipped lines with resin steps. This is the sector that earns the Difficult rating and requires trained arms and good confidence with exposure. Those who prefer the easy version can bypass it on a footpath and reach the clearing of San Nicolao (about 1,420 m) directly.

The second part, done by everyone, has a more playful and adrenaline-filled character: path sections, equipped where exposed, link two Tibetan bridges, a suspended vertical net and two zip-lines, the longer of which is about 160 m. The zip-lines require a steel-cable pulley; both can be avoided via clearly signposted non-aerial alternative passages. The route ends on Bric Sarlichart (1,480 m), a viewpoint facing Monviso.

There are four escape routes along the San Nicolao via ferrata, allowing you to stop in case of fatigue or bad weather and making any rescue easier. Signage is in four languages: Italian, French, English and Occitan.

Descent

From the col of Bric Sarlichart, return along the existing network of paths, partly on the old Via dei Morti linking San Nicolao to the hamlets, back to the car park in about 30 minutes.

Useful notes

The San Nicolao Via Ferrata in Ostana is free of charge, but to protect the habitats and wildlife of the Monviso Park access is allowed only from Friday to Monday, according to the rules of the Protected Areas Authority: check the calendar before setting off. Thanks to its modest altitude it can be done for much of the year, local regulations permitting. Harness, helmet and a certified via ferrata set are mandatory; a pulley is needed for the zip-lines and gloves are recommended. The rock in the first sector can be slippery when wet.

Sources consulted: Global Mountain, Parco del Monviso, Targatocn and MountLive.