Ferrata Larix

Overview

In the ski area of the Roter Kofel, in Val Senales, a modern and adventurous via ferrata was built in 2022. Named the Ferrata Larix, it doesn't aim for a summit but instead unfolds as a self-contained route, tackling a sequence of rocky ledges alongside a deeply incised stream rich with waterfalls. The route is predominantly accessible, with a single more technical variant that can be easily avoided. The setting gains a special charm from the presence of numerous suspension bridges, some of which cross the water at the most scenic cascades. The itinerary develops mainly along ledges and short walls, offering a varied and never monotonous rhythm with constant changes in perspective over the stream below. The short approach and return allow the entire excursion to be completed in half a day, starting from Maso Corto.

Approach

The access point is the roadside parking at Maso Corto, in the upper Val Senales. From here, head towards the valley stations of the ski lifts, following the signs for the via ferrata and the Alpine Trail. After a few minutes, the Alpine Trail (which will coincide with the return route) branches off to the right; the path instead continues keeping left, on a gentle slope. Shortly, you'll spot a well-marked deviation on the right that leads to the start of the Ferrata Larix. The approach takes about 15 minutes from the parking lot.

Via Ferrata

The itinerary begins with a series of easy steps on solid rock, quickly leading to the first suspension bridge, about a dozen meters long, to be crossed to the right. Immediately after, the first choice presents itself: on the left, a difficult variant; on the right, the easier option (classified as moderately difficult). The two lines rejoin after a few meters near a second bridge. This bridge, if crossed to the left, serves as an escape route, allowing you to skip the challenging variant entirely. Those who choose the variant will face two short, smooth walls with limited holds, requiring a certain amount of arm strength. Those who opt for the bridge instead continue on a trail to a third suspension bridge that leads back onto the equipped route.

At this point, you are near another escape route: to the right, you can descend directly towards the parking lot; to the left, you continue by crossing a wide bridge and following a track towards the heart of the route. Continuing straight ahead, you encounter an ascending suspension ladder-bridge, particularly impressive as it crosses the stream at a beautiful waterfall. After crossing it, you choose whether to climb up to the tyrolean traverse (the equipment is fixed, no personal pulley needed) or to immediately re-cross the stream on a short bridge. The route proceeds by alternating trail sections with easy scrambles on rock, reaching a second waterfall. You then ascend with short vertical sections on well-angled walls to the right, crossing another suspension bridge, a new equipped section, and a penultimate bridge. After passing this last one, you encounter another escape route on the left.

Continuing on, you face the last suspension bridge of the via ferrata. The route continues with a traverse and a trail section up to two rocky steps: the second is the most challenging, but can be avoided by taking a trail on the right. Shortly after, you intersect the trail that runs alongside the ski slopes, offering another possible endpoint. Those who wish to complete the entire route must instead continue on foot, first keeping left and then right near a characteristic small lake. By trail, you reach the final three steps of moderate difficulty that conclude the Ferrata Larix. The rhythm is pleasantly broken up by short technical passages and walking sections, with exposure that is never excessive, making the route suitable even for those without great experience. The climbing time from the start is about 2 hours and 45 minutes, for a total of about 3 hours from the beginning.

Descent

From the end of the via ferrata, follow the ascending track for a few minutes, then turn left onto the Alpine Trail, visible for most of the ascent. Descend along this well-marked trail until you retrace the sections of the approach and return to the parking lot at Maso Corto. The descent takes about an hour, bringing the total time for the excursion to about 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Useful Notes

The itinerary is ideal for families or for a first approach to via ferratas, thanks to the generally moderate difficulties and the multiple escape routes available. Those who do not wish to tackle the equipped sections can still enjoy the environment by following the parallel Alpine Trail, which avoids the more technical passages. The via ferrata equipment is modern and in excellent condition. The route combines an adventurous character, given by the suspension bridges and the stream, with moderate physical and technical demands, resulting in a scenic and fun experience rather than an athletic test or pure climbing challenge.