Overview
This newly conceived via ferrata cuts across the imposing south face of Monte Contrario in the Apuan Alps, heading toward Passo delle Pecore. The entire route stands out for its long and physically demanding nature, both on the approach and the return. Its southern exposure, combined with a relatively modest altitude, makes it inadvisable during the summer months, when temperatures on the rock slab can reach extremely high levels, turning the climb into a test of heat endurance.
Approach
The route begins at Biforco, near Forno. After exiting the A12 motorway at Massa, follow Via Bassa Tambura up to Biforco, where the paved road ends at a barrier, giving way to a marble quarry track. From here, take trails CAI 167 and 168, which climb steadily up the Canal Fondone. After about one kilometer, continue on CAI 167 only toward Valle degli Alberghi. The trail becomes progressively steeper as it approaches the base of the majestic south face of Monte Contrario. Past an abandoned building, a remnant of past quarrying activity, keep ascending following the track, cairns, and some wooden posts. A final steep pull on loose, unstable terrain leads to the start of the ferrata, reachable in about 2 hours from the parking area. The approach prepares hikers with a constant ascent, foreshadowing the physical nature of the entire day.
Via Ferrata
The equipped route begins on a broad, sloping slab that is smooth and uniform. Progress on this first section requires good sole grip and relies on natural holds, supplemented by the chain for support on the most polished sections. After a few meters, you reach a small ledge where the cable temporarily ends, offering a brief rest before the next challenge. The second section features a progressively increasing steepness, spanning the entire 400-meter vertical gain of the ferrata. Exposure grows steadily as you move away from the valley floor. On the lower part, the limestone rock offers numerous natural holds and steps. On the upper section, however, the face becomes more compact and polished, making some strategically placed artificial holds useful for maintaining continuous progress. After overcoming the final, steeper walls, the ferrata ends following a passage protected by a rockfall net. Completing the equipped route takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, for a total of 4 hours and 30 minutes from the start of the hike. The pace is continuous and sustained, with predominantly vertical climbing that demands physical endurance and secure movement technique on often exposed rock.
Descent
At the end of the ferrata, turn left toward Grondilice. There are two return options: The first option involves reaching the Sella dei Pradacetti in 20 minutes. From here, descend along an extremely steep and exposed trail, often set in a loose gully, which takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to return to Valle degli Alberghi, then retrace CAI 167 back to Biforco. Total descent time is about 3 hours and 45 minutes, bringing the overall loop duration to around 8 hours and 30 minutes. The second option, currently not passable and not recommended by official order, would theoretically be less bold and better marked. It would involve continuing left (CAI 186) toward Finestra del Grondilice, descending to Foce dei Rasori, and taking CAI 168 along Canale del Fondone to Biforco. This route, indicated as impassable by CAI signs and poorly marked, would take about 3 hours and 30 minutes to descend. Both return routes are demanding and contribute significantly to the overall fatigue of the hike.
Useful Notes
The Ferrata del Monte Contrario is universally recognized as the most technically difficult of all those in the Apuan Alps. The grade is not prohibitive on the ascent for an experienced ferrata climber, but the nature of the rock, often polished, and the continuous strong exposure require maximum caution and excellent energy management. Pay particular attention to the descent trails: both options described are demanding and steep, so they should be avoided in bad weather or poor visibility. Given the length and overall commitment of the hike, linking with other via ferratas on the same day is not recommended; a logistical option for exploring the area could be an overnight stay at the Orto di Donna or Donegani refuges, to plan a further hike the following day. For navigation, a detailed map of the Apuan Alps area is essential.
