Ferrata Gabrielli a Cima d'Asta

Overview

The Ferrata Gabrielli offers an ideal introduction to via ferrata mountaineering, set within a captivating circular route that culminates in the ascent of Cima d'Asta, the highest peak in the entire Lagorai range. The itinerary stands out for its length and significant elevation gain, while the actual equipped section is rated easy difficulty, suitable even for beginners. The hike delivers vast panoramas and a complete alpine experience, blending technical accessibility with the satisfaction of reaching a majestic summit.

Approach

The starting point is the parking area at Malga Sorgazza (1451 m), in the Trentino Valsugana region. From Trento, follow the direction for Padua, pass through Caldonazzo and Levico Terme, and after about 50 km, turn left for Pieve Tesino. From the village, take via Marchetto and, at a hairpin turn, continue straight following signs for Malga Sorgazza and Cima d'Asta, all the way to the final parking lot.

The approach to the via ferrata is quite long and involved. From the parking area, ascend along the forest road of trail CAI 327, passing an artificial lake and the Sorgazza War Cemetery. Continue, ignoring the turnoffs for Monte Coston (CAI 386, to the right) and Buse Todesche (CAI 360, to the left), heading toward the lower station of the cableway for Rifugio Brentari. At the next junction (1650 m, about 40 minutes from the start), take CAI 380 to the left, which climbs with increasing steepness and numerous switchbacks toward Forcella Magna. After about 1 hour and 15 minutes on this path, you reach the pass, where you keep right onto trail CAI 326 in the direction of Rifugio Brentari and the via ferrata. After about a quarter of an hour, you encounter another junction: leave the 326, which continues straight for the refuge, and turn left uphill along a mule track, following signs for the Ferrata Giulio Gabrielli (CAI 375). The trail, free of difficulty, traverses broadly around the slope below Punta Socede (2345 m), then descends gently toward Forcella Tellina (2249 m), from where the via ferrata wall begins to come into view. Reaching the pass, keep to the left side of the mountain following the white-red markings, and shortly you arrive at the start, marked by a distinctive red sign and a striking bright yellow rock face (2260 m). The total approach time from the parking area is about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Via Ferrata

The Ferrata Gabrielli begins by ascending a first series of rocky steps to the right, then swings decisively left to tackle several rocky ledges. These are a bit exposed but present no particular technical difficulty. Continue along a simple rocky ledge, where the first equipped sections end. This is followed by a short trail interlude connecting the two sections of the route.

The second section of the via ferrata is steeper than the first. It starts with a wall equipped with a series of solid metal stirrups. Climb a first stretch, cross a short terrace to the right to tackle a second vertical section, then cross back to the left for the final ascent, again on stirrups.

Once the equipped section is finished, continue along a high-altitude trail toward Cima di Col Verde (not marked), reachable after a couple of exposed and briefly equipped sections. From here, the view opens up to the imposing silhouette of Cima d'Asta. From Cima Verde, descend over a marked scree slope toward Passo di Socede (2518 m). The time from the start of the via ferrata to the pass is about 1 hour (for a total of about 4 hours from the parking area).

From Passo Socede, there are two options to reach the summit:

1. Keeping right on CAI 375, ascend the Canalone dei Bassanesi (marked as an Alpine Trail) with passages of grade I+. Climbing the steep gully following the red blazes, you reach Bocchetta del Canalon (2664 m, 45 minutes from the pass). From here, ascending the ridge to the right with passages still at grade I+ and following the blazes, you arrive at Cima d'Asta (2847 m, 45 minutes from the notch). This variant passes by the Bivacco Cavinato.
2. Keeping right on CAI 375, first reach Rifugio Brentari (2473 m), then follow trail CAI 364 to ascend Cima d'Asta via the normal route (1 hour and 30 minutes from Passo Socede).

Descent

From the summit of Cima d'Asta, descend along the normal route leading to trail CAI 364. Keeping right at mid-slope in the direction of Forzelletta (reachable via a short equipped climb), then descend to Rifugio Brentari (about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the summit).

From the refuge, continue descending, skirting the beautiful Lago di Cima d'Asta, always on trail CAI 327. Descend over slabs, ignoring the junctions to the right for the 327B and later for Forcella Magna, continuing the descent until you meet the outward-bound junction near the cableway. From here, retrace the approach trail back to the parking area at Malga Sorgazza. The total time for the entire loop is about 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Useful Notes

The Ferrata Giulio Gabrielli is technically easy, with no points of particular physical or technical challenge. The hike as a whole is highly rewarding, and the moderate difficulty rating is solely due to the Canalone dei Bassanesi variant, which features free-climbing passages of a higher grade than the rest of the route. The view from the summit of Cima d'Asta amply repays the effort, spanning 360 degrees from the Piccole Dolomiti and Pale di San Martino to the glaciers on the Austrian border and the Dolomiti di Brenta.

For maps, a detailed map of the Lagorai Group and Cima d'Asta is recommended. The Lagorai area is not particularly rich in via ferratas; for similar experiences, you can head toward Bassano del Grappa (Ferrata Sass Brusai, Ferrata Guzzella, Sentiero degli Eroi) or toward Trento (Sentiero Attrezzato Chiesa in Val Scura, Sentiero Attrezzato Bertotti). Another good option nearby is the Ferrata Val di Scala, reachable by heading toward Fiera di Primiero.