Ferrata Piz de Peres

Overview

In 2022, a new via ferrata with a distinctly Dolomitic character was opened on the slopes of the Plan de Corones, on the border between San Vigilio di Marebbe in Val Badia and Valdaora in Val Pusteria. The route culminates on the panoramic summit of Piz de Peres (2507 m) and, while not aiming for maximum technical difficulty, offers rewarding climbing with varied and exciting passages through dihedrals, slabs, gullies, and exposed ridge sections. The overall difficulty is considered moderate, with a couple of more challenging points that grant spectacular views of some of the most famous Dolomite groups. The route unfolds on a mountain of sedimentary rock, characterized by compact slabs and vertical structures that create an authentic alpine environment, where exposure is constant but well-managed by the equipment.

Approach

The starting point is located along the winding road of the Passo Furcia, which connects San Vigilio di Marebbe to Valdaora. From the pass, on the southern side, take trail no. 3. Proceed to a junction, where you turn off onto the steep trail 12B. After passing a rifugio and some ski lifts, you intersect trail no. 12 coming from San Vigilio di Marebbe. Follow this trail uphill until you encounter a clear deviation to the right, which shortly leads to the start of the ferrata. The approach from the parking area takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes of walking along a clear hiking path, which gradually prepares you for the rocky environment ahead.

Via Ferrata

As indicated on the initial signboard, the route is organized into three distinct sections, separated by two possible escape routes. The itinerary alternates vertical sections with ridge and ledge traverses, ensuring a varied and never monotonous rhythm, where exposure is a constant but never overwhelming element.

The first section begins with equipped rock steps that develop to the right. You overcome a cave, tackle a small wall, and traverse a ledge before joining a beautiful pillar in fine exposure, with pleasant climbing passages of moderate difficulty. The route continues vertically, interspersed with short ledges, up to a transfer ledge to the right, beyond which the equipment ceases. A final series of rocky steps concludes this part at the intersection with trail no. 12. Here it is possible to end the ascent: to the left, trail 12 leads back to the start and parking, while to the right you can continue uphill towards the summit. This introductory section has a predominantly vertical character, with continuous climbing on solid rock that requires good physical effort but little extreme technique.

The second section then begins, the most challenging, named "the 3 teeth." You immediately face a beautiful vertical wall, well-equipped but rather strenuous. With some passages and traverses to the right, you reach a short suspension bridge. You then find yourself beneath an impressive, exposed vertical wall, magnificently climbable. Climbing up it, you gain the ridge crest which, between airy but never extreme passages, leads to a saddle with a section of trail. You then ascend vertically, with rather demanding moves, the second tooth to its summit. A trail skirting the third tooth offers an escape route to avoid the most difficult passages. Continuing instead on the third tooth, you climb vertically to a slightly overhanging wall, the most difficult passage of the entire ferrata. Once past it, you are back on the ridge. A succession of ups and downs and traverses characterizes this section up to a saddle, marking the end of the second section. From here, an escape route to the right leads back to trail 12. This section is the technical heart of the itinerary: the development is articulated, with vertical sequences alternating with short resting spots on ledges, and the exposure becomes more pronounced, especially along the "teeth" of the ridge.

The third section, the easiest, leads to the sub-summit of Piz de Peres. It consists of a long series of steps and short walls along the ridge, leading to the end of the equipment, now in sight of the main summit. The climbing time for the ferrata is about 2 hours from the start (approximately 3h 15' total from the parking). This final part has a more walkable and panoramic character, with simple climbing that allows you to fully enjoy the ridge environment and the imminent arrival at the summit.

From the end of the ferrata, a clear uphill trail leads in about 15 minutes to the summit cross of Piz de Peres (2507 m), from which you enjoy an exceptional panorama of the surrounding Dolomite peaks and, 800 meters below, the Passo della Furcia. The total time from the start is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Descent

From the summit you have two options. The first involves largely retracing the ascent trail, using trail no. 12 which runs parallel to the ferrata and leads back to the start and then to the parking. The recommended option for a loop hike is instead to descend on the opposite side from the ascent, reaching Forcella delle 3 Dita (2330 m) in about 30 minutes. From here, descend to the left along the valley until you intercept the wide trail no. 3, which through the forest leads back to Passo della Furcia. The descent from the summit takes about 2 hours, for a total of about 5 hours and 30 minutes from the start of the hike. The loop completes the experience, offering a different view of the massif and a more varied return through forested environments.

Useful Notes

The Ferrata al Piz de Peres is an excellent proposal in the Dolomitic style, which intelligently enhances a secondary summit by inserting itself into a predominantly hiking context. The result is a beautiful, pleasant via ferrata with equipment in excellent condition. Its location along the road connecting Val Badia and Val Pusteria makes it a great addition to a ferrata itinerary in these valleys, rich in opportunities for enthusiasts. The itinerary is characterized by a well-balanced rhythm: the technical sections are interspersed with recovery stretches, the exposure is always significant but never overwhelming, and the ridge and wall environment provides an authentic and panoramic alpine experience.