Ferrata Ra Gusela al Nuvolau

Overview

The Ra Gusela Via Ferrata is an ideal introductory route to protected climbing, traversing the southern flank of the Nuvolau Group in the Ampezzo Dolomites. The itinerary stands out for its lack of significant technical difficulty, offering safe progression and a remarkable panoramic payoff. The complete route, including approach and descent, is suitable for a half-day outing. The hiking approach can be shortened by using the lifts at Passo Falzarego or Passo Giau.

Approach

The most logical and complete access starts from Passo Giau (2236 m), reachable from Cortina d'Ampezzo or Selva di Cadore, allowing a loop without mechanical lifts. From the parking lot, a wide trail heads north toward Nuvolau. In less than ten minutes you reach a junction: to ascend the via ferrata, take the right fork onto trail 443 (the return will be via trail 452 on the left). Continuing northeast, another junction indicates trail 438 to the left, signed for the via ferrata and Rifugio Nuvolau. This track climbs steeply until it meets the first steel cable of a simple ledge, the route's start. The approach from Passo Giau takes about an hour.

Via Ferrata

From the first cable, the equipped ledge runs to the right, offering a wide, obstacle-free passage with the cable serving as a convenient handrail. After rounding a corner, you face the characteristic yellowish eastern wall of Ra Gusela, a compact dolomite formation. The goal is a clear narrow gully that cuts diagonally across the mountain, reached after crossing some easy rock steps. Entering the gully marks the start of the most distinctive section: the terrain becomes more crumbly, and progression, initially on the left side, is secured by the cable. A steeper step is overcome with the help of a short metal ladder. Exiting the gully, after a few easy vertical moves, you traverse a new ledge that leads to a small notch. Beyond this, you find yourself on a plateau: ahead, about 100 meters of elevation gain away, stands Rifugio Nuvolau, while to the left rises the profile of Ra Gusela.

Crossing the plateau (follow the trail markers carefully) you reach the opposite ridge. From here, to gain the refuge, you must tackle the final 60 meters of elevation gain. The last section runs toward the crest, first along a ledge, then rounding a corner that introduces greater exposure. You climb a first metal ladder, tackle a couple of moves on rock steps (exposed but not difficult) with the aid of another ladder, and shortly, following the trail trace, you emerge at Rifugio Nuvolau (2575 m). The via ferrata takes about an hour from the start, for a total of two hours from Passo Giau.

Descent

The return follows the scenic and touristy trail that descends gently northward, passing Forcella Nuvolau and reaching Rifugio Averau. From here, to return to Passo Giau (about 1 hour and 30 minutes from the end of the via ferrata), take trail 464/452 to the left. Alternatively, for those needing to return toward Rifugio Scoiattoli, take trail 439 to the right (about 1 hour from the end of the via ferrata). The total loop hike time is about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Useful Notes

The Ra Gusela Via Ferrata is confirmed as an easy-level route, with challenging passages only in a few sections and limited exposure. It is a perfect choice for an introductory or half-day excursion in the Ampezzo Dolomites. For planning, use detailed maps of the Cortina area and the Nuvolau Group. The itinerary lends itself well to being combined with the nearby Averau Via Ferrata. The area offers numerous other opportunities for enthusiasts, such as the easy Sass de Rocia Via Ferrata toward Selva di Cadore, or the more challenging via ferratas of the Civetta Group (Alleghesi, Tissi, Fiamme Gialle al Pelsa, Costantini alla Moiazza). Continuing instead toward Cortina, you reach the access to the Sci Club 18 Via Ferrata on Monte Faloria.