Ferrata Orrido di Chianocco

Overview

The Ferrata dell'Orrido di Chianocco winds through the spectacular gorge carved by the Prebec stream in Val di Susa, right next to the village of the same name. The route demands no particular technical skills, offering an accessible and enjoyable experience marked by a few exposed sections on vertical and slightly overhanging walls. Its main appeal lies in the unique setting: climbing up the narrow, deep ravine, with its striking views and deep immersion in the local landscape, makes this route especially rewarding from a scenic standpoint.

Approach

The starting point is the hamlet of Chianocco, in the municipality of Bussoleno. It's best to leave your car near the church. From here, a trail marked with red-and-white blazes branches off to the right, passes an information panel, and heads toward the Prebec gorge. The approach continues through dense woods, crosses a short natural tunnel, and requires a couple of easy stream crossings. In about 15 minutes from the parking area, you reach the first short equipped sections, which serve as an introduction to the actual via ferrata.

Via Ferrata

The first few meters on rock, fitted with a cable and steps, act as a warm-up and lead to the true start of the ferrata. The route begins with a fairly comfortable horizontal traverse, just a few meters above the streambed. It then takes on a diagonal line and becomes more challenging, passing through a cleft and climbing up an edge to reach another traverse that soon brings you to the suspended footbridge. The crossing is stable, thanks to a double cable that provides foot support.

Beyond the bridge, a traverse equipped with stirrups leads to a vertical and slightly overhanging wall. This section is easily manageable thanks to the many metal steps set into a crack in the rock, allowing for a quick gain in height and exposure. The most characteristic stretch follows shortly after: a long, exposed, and slightly overhanging traverse that requires some care. After about twenty meters, the route dips downhill, becoming less demanding, crosses a barrier on the stream, and skirts a small grove. Here you can approach the bank to observe the distinctive hole of a dam. The ferrata ends after a final ten-minute stretch of rocky steps and an equipped trail. The via ferrata itself takes about 45 minutes, for a total of roughly one hour including the approach.

Descent

The return follows well-marked trails with the classic red-and-white blazes. In about 20 minutes, you're back in the village and at the parking area, for a total hike time of around two hours, including breaks.

Useful Notes

The Ferrata dell'Orrido di Chianocco presents no high technical difficulties, but the overhanging sections can be tiring on the arms. It's a good idea to check the flow of the Prebec stream before heading out, though direct contact with the water is essentially limited to the stream crossings on the approach. Its location in Val di Susa makes it ideal for pairing with other nearby ferratas, such as the Ruceia, Carlo Giorda at Pirchiarano, or those at Foresto, Claviere, and Bardonecchia.