Ferrata Succetti

Overview

The Ferrata Gianni Succetti is a modern, easily accessible route set in the landscape of the Valle di Chiavenna. The itinerary stands out for its lack of demanding technical passages, offering a fluid and consistently protected progression thanks to a dense sequence of steel rungs and cables. Its nature makes it an ideal choice for a first approach to via ferrata climbing, guaranteeing a safe and rewarding experience for hikers already accustomed to the alpine environment.

The setting features slabs and short walls of solid rock that develop progressively across a wooded slope. The route maintains a steady but not strenuous pace, alternating well-equipped vertical sections with short traverses, with exposure that grows gradually without ever becoming intimidating. The character is predominantly vertical and guided, more physical than technical, culminating in a spectacular panoramic balcony.

Approach

The starting point is the village of Mese, in the municipality of Gordona in the province of Sondrio. From the SS36 dello Spluga state road, before Chiavenna, turn off toward Gordona and head for the municipal sports field, where you park on Via Vanoni. From the parking area, between the ecological collection point to the south and the field to the north, an information panel marks the start of the trail. Ascend a path through the chestnut forest, overcoming a short obstacle with the help of a fixed rope, until you reach the start of the Ferrata Succetti in about fifteen minutes.

Via Ferrata

The itinerary begins with a traverse to the left along a ledge equipped with numerous rungs. After a few meters, you encounter a vertical wall equally rich in artificial holds. Once past it, you traverse left again to tackle a second vertical slab of similar structure. After this section, the climb continues up a more moderate grassy-rocky slope that, gradually emerging from the forest, offers the first panoramic openings. The progression now alternates short sections of climbing and friction with a new brief left traverse, before reaching another fully equipped vertical wall.

The rhythm settles into a repeated sequence: a left traverse on fixed anchors followed by a vertical wall with rungs. Gaining altitude, the exposure becomes more noticeable, but always well contained by the protections. You tackle a sloping traverse still to the left, then ascend a long vertical wall completely equipped. At this point, the route changes direction with an exposed traverse to the right, which you cross using friction on the smooth rock, without the support of rungs. This passage, though brief, introduces a purely technical variation. Once past this crux, you climb a final equipped wall and execute a traverse to the right. The last challenge is a wall that starts vertical and fades into a diagonal, followed by one final short slab. In about an hour from the start, you emerge onto a magnificent panoramic balcony overlooking the Valle di Chiavenna.

The route primarily develops over short slabs and rocky ribs, with few ups and downs. The rock, compact and often polished, requires trust in friction on the rare sections without rungs. The experience is continuous and engaging, with a decidedly panoramic character in the final part.

Descent

From the end of the via ferrata, follow the white-red trail markers on a slight ascent to a left turn that begins the descent. At a subsequent fork, keep left on the trail, which descends along a Via Crucis until it meets a paved road. Here, turn left onto Via Madonna delle Grazie and then left again onto Via Cappella Grande, reaching the village church. Crossing the square, you quickly return near the soccer field and the starting parking area. The descent takes about thirty minutes, for a total excursion time of one hour and forty-five minutes.

Useful Notes

The Ferrata Gianni Succetti is an itinerary with no significant technical difficulties, where the abundance of rungs guides and simplifies progression, minimizing the need for actual climbing (though this is made challenging by the smoothness of the rock). The exposure, while perceptible, is well balanced by the fixed anchors and the excellent steel cable, ensuring a high safety margin. It is perfect as a via ferrata baptism for hikers with mountain experience. For those wishing to extend the experience, the itinerary can be combined with the nearby Ferrata Biasini, while in the area you will find other options such as the Ferrata della Galleria di Morcate, the Ferrata del Centenario CAO Como on Monte Grona, or the Ferrata dei Picasass.