Ferrata Santa Felicita

Overview

The Ferrata Santa Felicità is a short but physically demanding route, located in the valley of the same name on the slopes of Monte Grappa, near Bassano. Although it takes only thirty minutes of cable progression, it delivers a tight sequence of vertical pitches and exposed traverses that heavily tax upper-body strength. Its concentrated nature, combined with its modest elevation, makes it an ideal choice for a technical training session during the colder months. The setting is classic Veneto pre-alps, with a granite wall that is also frequented by sport climbers for its numerous routes.

Approach

Access is from the parking area at the head of the Valle Santa Felicita, in the municipality of Romano d'Ezzellino (VI). From the lot, head north on a trail that leads directly to the base of the wall. The first section is a long, steep natural staircase carved into the rock-a short but strenuous approach that quickly gains elevation. Once past this ramp, you emerge at a bolted crag, where signs mark the start of the via ferrata.

Via Ferrata

The equipped route begins with a vertical wall fitted with a dense sequence of metal staples. The granite rock, however, offers excellent natural holds between each anchor. The staples guide you left into a first, slightly overhanging section that immediately establishes the athletic character of the climb. After about ten meters of vertical progression, the ferrata makes a short horizontal traverse to the left, then heads upward again with a second vertical section, still supported by staples, allowing you to gain height quickly and reach a first, significant exposure.

The route continues with a leftward traverse using footholds, leading to the base of a vertical wall about fifteen meters high, whose upper part closes into a dihedral. The climb initially follows staples, then requires a shift from the left side to the right side of the dihedral in a move that demands coordination. After overcoming a short, slightly overhanging section, you exit the dihedral and reach a comfortable ledge on the left.

From the ledge, move left along a descending section, round a corner, and enter the most characteristic passage of the route: a horizontal, very airy traverse where progression relies on pitons driven into the rock as the only footholds. The pace becomes slower and more controlled due to the exposure. Once the traverse is complete, descend about six meters down a short equipped wall. Then continue diagonally left, beginning the final section: a slightly descending traverse, again equipped with pitons for the feet, during which you gradually lose altitude until its end. A short descent down a vertical wall with staples and an equipped diagonal ramp finally lead to the end of the Ferrata Santa Felicita. The time for the equipped route alone is about 30 minutes, with a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes from the parking area.

Descent

From the final belay of the ferrata, a well-defined trail leads back to the start of the route in just a few minutes. From there, return to the parking area by retracing the approach trail. The descent takes about 30 minutes, for a total of 1 hour and 45 minutes for the entire loop.

Useful Notes

The Ferrata Santa Felicità is a short but intense route, with athletic passages and strong exposure. The technical difficulties are primarily related to the required strength, while the actual opportunities to climb on rock are limited by the abundant presence of staples and pegs. It is ideally suited as a winter training route. The via is located near the Monte Grappa massif and can easily be combined on the same day with other ferratas in the area, such as the Ferrata Sass Brusai or the Ferrata Guzzella.