Ferrata Sora el Sass

Overview

The Ferrata Sora el Sass is an accessible and highly rewarding route that culminates at the panoramic Belvedere below the Spitz di Mezzodì, in the heart of the Belluno Dolomites. The itinerary is divided into two distinct low-difficulty equipped sections, ideal for a first taste of the via ferrata world. The first section climbs a shady gully, while the second, optional section leads to a rocky pulpit offering exceptional views of the main Dolomite groups, first and foremost the majestic Pelmo. The complete loop, including a stop at the Rifugio Angelini (Sora el Sass), provides a satisfying hiking experience in a setting of extraordinary scenic beauty.

Approach

The starting point is the Pian de la Fopa parking area in Val Pramperet, south of Forni di Zoldo. From here, take the forest road marked for the Rifugio Sora el Sass, partially unpaved but easily passable. After about 4.5 km, you reach the large upper parking lot. The approach on foot begins by following the signs and CAI trail markers 534, which lead into the woods heading toward the imposing walls of the Spitz di Mezzodì. The trail maintains a steady gradient until a junction: ignoring the right-hand turn for the Bivacco Carnielli (trail 522), continue left to enter a shady gully. After less than ten minutes of walking in this environment, you encounter the first metal structures marking the start of the via ferrata. The approach time from the parking area is about 45 minutes.

Via Ferrata

The first equipped section is designed to exit the gully. You initially tackle a diagonal ramp to the left, with no technical difficulty, followed by an easy stepped gully. The cable continues on the right side, while on the left the rock offers numerous natural holds. The route's morphology is typical of the Dolomites, with solid rock but often covered in debris. You then briefly turn right to enter a comfortable ledge that runs leftward. After rounding a corner, you climb a series of well-holded rock steps, providing a pleasant continuous climb. Caution on this section: the ground is often covered in loose gravel, with a real risk of dislodging and dropping debris. After about fifteen meters, you overcome an easy slab and emerge onto a ledge on the left, where the metal equipment ends. This first section takes about 20 minutes from the start.

Once out of the gully, a comfortable trail quickly leads to the Rifugio Angelini "Sora el Sass", located at 1588 meters. The total time from the parking area to the hut is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From here, you can end the hike by descending to the valley via trails 534 and 525. For those wishing to continue, a second equipped section leads to the Belvedere. Following the signs for CAI trail 532, you climb to a junction: to the right, the equipped trail goes up (recommended), to the left, the normal variant. The equipped section begins with a vertical step made easy by an abundance of holds, continues along a ledge, crosses a gully, and tackles another more pronounced step. This second segment is more airy and panoramic, developing along ledges and short walls that lead toward the summit. The equipment ends after a few final rock steps, leading onto the Belvedere, an extraordinary viewpoint at 1965 meters overlooking the Belluno Dolomites. The time from the hut to the summit is about 45 minutes, for a total of 2 hours and 15 minutes from the start.

Descent

From the Belvedere, descend northward via an easy trail, skirting the rock formation to return to the Rifugio Angelini. This section takes about 45 minutes, bringing the total time to 3 hours. To complete the loop, continue from the hut northward on CAI trail 534, heading toward the Casera di Mezzodì. Then descend along the steep and winding Vallon Piccolo, rich in switchbacks. Continuing on trail 534, you reach a junction where you keep left, taking trail 525 that leads to the ruins of the Casera di Mezzodì. From here, continue descending along trail 525 until you reach the forest road used by car on the way in. Keeping left on a slight uphill, you finally return to the Pian de la Fopa parking area. The descent from the hut to the parking area takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, for a total hike time of about 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Useful Notes

The start of the ferrata is reached by climbing the gully on the right side and then crossing it to the left, where the equipment begins. At the start of the season, the gully may still be snow-covered: it is therefore advisable to carry crampons. Maximum caution is required on the equipped sections, which are often covered in unstable debris, to avoid dislodging rocks. This ferrata is ideal for beginners and families, offering a safe and scenic introduction to protected climbing in a fascinating Dolomite environment. The pace of the itinerary is sustained but not excessive, alternating sections of protected climbing with trail walking, with significant exposure only in the final section toward the Belvedere. The route is characterized more by its panoramic and hiking appeal than by technical or purely physical demands.