Ferrata Les Cordes

Overview

The Les Cordes Via Ferrata, near La Villa in Val Badia, is a bolted route across slabs, designed as an ideal introduction to alpine climbing. Though it features modest elevation gain and a relatively low altitude for the area, the route is defined by constant and widespread exposure that accompanies hikers throughout its entire length. While not technically demanding, the via includes a few moderate sections that require good physical fitness and familiarity with mountain terrain. The route does not culminate in a summit but ends directly at the Rifugio Gardenacia, offering a comfortable finish.

The itinerary unfolds primarily across smooth, compact slabs of Dolomia, which characterize the slope. Progression alternates between short vertical stretches and long horizontal sections on ledges and traverses, ensuring a varied but never overly strenuous pace. The character is predominantly scenic and approach-oriented, with continuous exposure that allows you to fully enjoy the surrounding environment without requiring advanced technique.

Approach

The starting point is at La Villa Stern, in Val Badia. From the main roundabout along the state road, take the first left turn toward the Gardenaccia ski lifts, where ample parking is available. The quickest access involves taking the cable car. Alternatively, from the parking lot, follow trail 5A, which climbs to the Utia Sponata refuge (1703 m), adjacent to the top station. From there, signs for the via ferrata start are found along trail 11B, which traverses mid-slope southward. The approach takes approximately 15 minutes from the cable car or 1 hour and 15 minutes if hiking entirely on foot.

The approach environment is typical of the alpine valley floor, with the trail quickly ascending through sparse woods and pastures. The pace is sustained but steady, gradually preparing you for the more open and exposed terrain of the via ferrata itself.

Via Ferrata

From the start, the climb begins with a diagonal traverse to the left over easy ground, then takes on a vertical character across short rocky steps. The most challenging section appears after a few minutes, involving a couple of low-angle slabs with few natural holds, followed by a narrow gully. At these points, the cable provides valuable assistance for progression, especially for those unfamiliar with climbing. After overcoming these moderately difficult passages, the route continues over easy steps, gradually shifting left until reaching a short equipped trail section.

The route then proceeds for about twenty minutes alternating between easy rock, trail sections, and short bolted steps, with an overall direction to the right. After an unequipped stretch and a long horizontal protected traverse, you face the final wall. Climb a ramp to the left, overcome several bolted steps, and, with greater exposure, an easy pillar that marks the end of the fixed equipment. A faint trail leads quickly to the Rifugio Gardenacia (2050 m). The via ferrata takes about 1 hour from the start, for a total of roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes from the cable car top station.

The route's development is typical of slab via ferratas: progression is continuous, without long rest breaks, but features no significant ups and downs. Exposure is constant, given the open slope morphology and the route's nature across ledges and slabs. The pace is therefore fluid and pleasantly airy, with technical effort concentrated only in a few specific spots.

Descent

From the Rifugio Gardenacia (2050 m), the return heads north along the comfortable, wide trail 5, which in about 40 minutes leads back to the cable car top station. From there, you can descend to La Villa using the ski lifts or, alternatively, hike down trail 5A. The total descent time on foot is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the refuge. Considering the entire loop, the excursion takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes if you used the cable car for the approach, or about 3 hours and 30 minutes if the entire route was done on foot.

The descent offers a clear change of pace, with an easy, scenic trail that descends at a steady gradient along the slope. The experience thus concludes in a relaxing manner, after the concentration required by the via ferrata.

Useful Notes

The Les Cordes Via Ferrata is overall easy. At the three most challenging points, those with climbing experience can progress by smearing on the rock's micro-roughness, while others will usefully rely on the safety cable. Once at the refuge, the itinerary can be extended. One option is to climb along trail 11 to the Rifugio Puez (2475 m), a starting point for high-mountain routes requiring proper preparation. Another interesting possibility is reaching the summit of Sassongher (2665 m) via the equipped trail that, following marker 5, leads to the Forcella del Sassongher (2435 m) and then to the top.

The La Villa area in Val Badia is a strategic hub for via ferrata enthusiasts. Nearby, you'll find other bolted routes such as the Ferrata al Sasso della Croce, the Ferrata al Sasso delle Nove, the Sentiero Attrezzato al Piz Conturines, or the Ferrata della Pace. Additionally, you can head toward the Sella Group to tackle famous via ferratas like the Ferrata del Vallon, the Ferrata Piz da Lech, or the Ferrata Tridentina.