Ferrata Strobel a Punta Fiames

Overview

The Ferrata Strobel leads to Punta Fiames in the Pomagagnon Group above Cortina d'Ampezzo. It is an itinerary of medium difficulty, with a few more sustained passages that generally offer good natural holds or adequate fixed aids. The return follows a demanding scree gully requiring care and sure-footedness.

Approach

The starting point is Fiames, north of Cortina d'Ampezzo on Strada Statale 51 towards Dobbiaco. Park in the large open area near the hotel and cross the road towards the northern side, following the red-and-white waymarks into the woods.

The path climbs firmly through the conifers, alternating short stretches of forest road with steeper sections. After about 20 minutes, leave the woods and climb over scree to the base of the wall. Easy rocky steps lead to the plaque marking the start of the ferrata, about 1 hour from the parking area. Continue south along a ledge to the first fixed equipment, reached in about 1 h 15 min in total.

Via Ferrata

The route begins on a vertical wall with good holds. A short traverse leads to the first chimney, narrow at first and then wider, negotiated readily using natural holds and a few rungs. Beyond the chimney, continue over exposed rocky steps to a second, more vertical chimney, requiring a more athletic move to emerge onto the arête.

A linking section leads to steeper ground on polished rock, where metal steps assist progress. An exposed traverse reaches a ledge and, after another equipped step, a long metal ladder: a distinctive, airy feature of the ferrata. Beyond the ladder, climb a well-protected wall leading into the final passages.

The last section alternates traverses with good footholds, short vertical stretches and easy rocky steps to the summit plateau. Follow a clear track to the summit of Punta Fiames (2240 m), with extensive views of Cristallo and the Tofane. Allow about 1 h 45 min from the start of the equipped route.

Descent

Retrace your steps briefly from the summit to the track descending towards Forcella del Pomagagnon. Take the marked scree gully, which is steep and requires caution, preferably keeping to its right-hand side. At Gravon del Pomagagnon, follow the path back towards Fiames and then the cycle path to the parking area. The return takes about 2 h 15 min from the summit.

Useful Notes

The Ferrata Strobel is an enjoyable, continuous itinerary with constant but never excessive exposure. The most demanding passages are the chimneys and the section immediately after the metal ladder, which has no lateral cable. The fixed equipment is in good condition. The descent gully is the most delicate part of the outing and requires concentration; telescopic walking poles can be very useful. The summit views amply reward the effort, as is often the case on ferratas around Cortina.