Sentiero Attrezzato Foletti

Overview

The Sentiero Attrezzato Foletti is a via ferrata that, via several vertical sections, allows you to ascend or descend the northern side of Cima Capi. The route primarily serves a complementary role: it is often used as a descent route after tackling the climb to Cima Capi via the nearby Ferrata Susatti, with which it forms a classic and highly popular loop in the area. The route unfolds across slabs and ledges on the northern face, offering varied progression and a concentrated technical experience.

Approach

The starting point for access is at Biacesa, a hamlet located about 4 kilometers from Riva del Garda. From Riva, drive through the tunnels heading toward Val di Ledro. After exiting the second tunnel, you quickly reach Biacesa. Here, take via dei Dazi on the right, and at the end of the road, turn right again. After a short stretch, you arrive at a playground with a large parking lot, where the hike begins.

Typically, the Sentiero Foletti is used as a descent route after completing the Ferrata Susatti on Cima Capi. In this case, the approach is the same as described for the Susatti. For those who want to tackle it directly as an ascent from below, you can reach the Chiesa di San Giovanni below Cima Rocca via the Sentiero Attrezzato delle Laste (about 1 hour) or by following trails CAI 417 and then 460 directly from Biacesa (about 1 hour). These initial approaches wind through wooded paths and historic trails, gradually preparing you for the rocky environment ahead.

Via Ferrata

The route begins with the first metal fixtures assisting you across an exposed traverse that is not difficult, developed across inclined rock slabs. This section, running along a natural ledge on the wall, offers good footholds, supplemented where necessary by specific iron steps. The progression is continuous and pleasantly airy, with constant exposure offering wide views of the valley below. After this initial traverse, you face a short vertical ascent, followed by a more challenging descent section that requires greater control in managing the cable and footholds.

You then continue along the ferrata to a wall, which you descend diagonally without particular technical difficulty, but with a rhythm that alternates short vertical stretches with more horizontal passages. The progression ends at a small sign marking the end of the equipped trail. The time for the ferrata alone is about 20 minutes from the start. Considering the ascent via the Ferrata Susatti to Cima Capi, the total time from the Biacesa parking lot is about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The character of the route is that of a short but intense ferrata, where exposure and variety of movement outweigh pure physical effort.

Descent

In the classic route described here, the Sentiero Attrezzato Foletti serves as the descent after the Ferrata Susatti. Once the ferrata ends near the Chiesa di San Giovanni, you have two options for returning to Biacesa: descend via the panoramic Sentiero Attrezzato delle Laste, or follow trail CAI 460 to the junction with CAI 417, which you take on the left. The descent from the church takes about 45 minutes, for a total hike time of about 4 hours. This final stretch winds along well-marked trails, offering a pleasant decompression after the technical demands of the ferrata.

Useful Notes

This short via ferrata does not present high technical difficulty, whether tackled as an ascent toward Cima Capi or, as recommended, as a descent. However, it is essential to pay attention during the descent sections, which require concentration for managing the cable and finding footholds. The route is not recommended on the hottest summer days, given the sun exposure along the entire rocky face.

The Alto Garda and Val di Ledro area is rich in options for ferrata enthusiasts. From the Cima Rocca area, you can opt for the ascent to Cima Rocca itself, passing through tunnels and walkways from the Great War, or descend to the valley via the aforementioned Sentiero delle Laste. Moving toward Passo di Tremalzo, you find the Sentiero Attrezzato Mora Pellegrini on Monte Corno. For those seeking slightly higher difficulty, options include the Ferrata dell'Amicizia on Cima Sat or the physical and exposed Ferrata Marangoni toward Mori. The Sentiero Foletti, within this offering, stands as an excellent introduction or technical complement for those wanting to experience protected climbing on compact, well-structured rock.