Ferrata Vandelli al Sorapiss

Overview

The Ferrata Vandelli follows the eastern side of the Sorapiss Group across the face of Col del Fuoco. This continuous itinerary of medium difficulty follows a clear, logical line. Rather than reaching a summit, it links Rifugio Vandelli with Bivacco Comici. This description starts and finishes at Federavecia, without requiring additional transport.

Approach

Start at Federavecia, on the road between Misurina and Auronzo di Cadore, parking near Hotel Cristallo. Follow CAI trail 217 / AV4, initially through the woods and then increasingly steeply over hairpins and steeper stretches. After gaining about 600 m in elevation, reach Rifugio Vandelli (1928 m) in about 1 h 45 min.

From the refuge, follow waymark 243, keeping Dito di Dio on the right. Climb steeply south to the base of the wall, where a small metal plaque marks the start of the ferrata, 45 minutes from the refuge.

Via Ferrata

The ferrata crosses the eastern face of Col del Fuoco diagonally, taking advantage of its most favourable features. A short ladder at the start is followed by an oblique ramp to a chimney, climbed on its left side with small ladders. Continue over rocky steps and an initial exposed ledge, followed by a less steep crack that is straightforward to climb on the rock.

The central part is a succession of narrow ledges and scenic traverses, well protected throughout but with marked exposure. Technical difficulties remain moderate, with good footholds, provided progress is fluid and stops are not excessive.

Continue diagonally across the face to the entrance of a gully, climbing several short vertical steps without significant difficulty. At the highest point, cross to the opposite slope and begin descending towards Bivacco Comici. This alternates paths, ledges and short equipped downclimbing sections. Care is needed because the rock is not always stable and the cable is slack. Finally reach Bivacco Comici (2000 m), where the ferrata ends, about 4 h 15 min in total.

Descent

From the bivouac, follow the Sentiero Attrezzato Osiride Brodevani, keeping your harness on because of the vertical sections. Descend into the scree valley of Busa del Banco, ignoring the path branching south. The descent alternates paths, vertical steps, traverses and unstable ground, with the fixed equipment mainly serving as a handrail.

Beyond the equipped sections, an information board marks the end of the Brodevani trail. Join trail 226, heading east over gently undulating terrain. Returning to the parking area requires a final climb of about 200 m alongside the course of the River Ansiei before reaching Federavecia, 2 h 30 min from the bivouac.

Note: since 2019, parts of the Brodevani trail have been affected by landslides, and it is not recommended for inexperienced walkers. An alternative is to retrace the ascent itinerary or include the ferrata in a longer circuit around Sorapiss.

Useful Notes

The Ferrata Vandelli follows a well-chosen line that usually allows progress by climbing on the rock without pulling on the cable. Exposure is constant but never extreme. Some ladders and sections of steel cable are not always in optimal condition, and cables can be slack. Bear this in mind particularly on the descent sections.