Sentiero Attrezzato Orsi

Overview

The Sentiero Attrezzato Orsi is one of the most scenic and accessible routes in the heart of the Dolomiti di Brenta. Though rated as a moderate difficulty itinerary, it offers an experience of rare beauty, connecting Bocca di Tucket to Rifugio Pedrotti along a route with sweeping panoramic views. The path runs at a lower elevation but parallel to the famous Ferrate delle Bocchette Alte e Basse, providing exceptional vistas of the eastern side of the massif. As is typical in this sector, it can be traversed in either direction; however, a careful assessment of snow conditions is crucial, as these can vary significantly by season.

Approach

The following description assumes a start from the top station of the Grostè Pass cable car (2437 m), accessible from Madonna di Campiglio. This choice significantly reduces the positive elevation gain, balancing the overall length of the hike. From Madonna di Campiglio, follow signs for Folgarida to reach the spacious parking area for the lifts.

From here, take the scenic Sentiero CAI 316, which leads to Rifugio Tucket (2272 m) in about one hour and thirty minutes. From the hut, ascend the steep gully heading toward Bocca di Tucket; this section, lasting roughly an hour, is often affected by residual snow and requires particular caution, especially in late season when melting can expose underlying ice. The Sentiero Attrezzato Orsi (CAI 303) begins right at the bocca, which also serves as a junction for the Ferrata Benini (to the north) and the Ferrata delle Bocchette Alte (to the south).

Via Ferrata

From Bocca di Tucket, the route initially descends eastward on an equipped section, reaching the first junction for the Sentiero delle Val Perse (CAI 322). It then continues along the contour, running parallel but at lower levels than the Bocchette Alte route, through a majestic landscape. The path winds beneath the imposing walls of Cima Brenta, before tackling an exposed but solidly equipped ledge under the Spallone dei Massodì.

The itinerary is characterized by a predominantly horizontal profile, with modest ups and downs, offering continuous and spectacular views of the valleys below and Lago di Molveno. After passing the distinctive ledge near the Naso dei Massodì, the route continues below the Busa d'Armi, dominated by the spires of Campanile Alto, Campanile Basso, Cima degli Sfulmini, and Cima dei Armi.

At the Busa degli Sfulmini, you encounter the junction for the Ferrata Spellini, which allows you to ascend to Bocca degli Armi and connect with the Ferrata delle Bocchette Centrali or, if desired, the Bocchette Alte to create a loop back toward Tucket. Continuing on the Sentiero Orsi, with a slight descent, you finally reach Rifugio Pedrotti (2491 m), passing by its characteristic little church. The via ferrata takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Bocca di Tucket, for a total of roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes from the Grostè top station.

Route analysis: The path unfolds almost entirely along ledges and natural terraces carved into the dolomite, offering a surprisingly linear walk. The pace is steady and pleasant, without demanding vertical pulls, but the exposure is constant and the panorama dominates the entire experience. The character is therefore predominantly scenic and easygoing, with the equipped sections protecting the few passages of moderate technical challenge.

Descent

The most direct option for returning to Passo Grostè is to retrace the same itinerary (about 5 hours, for a total of 10h30'). For a more complete experience, two fascinating loop alternatives can be considered, ideally split over two days.

The first, very demanding and reserved for experienced hikers, involves linking from Rifugio Pedrotti the Ferrata delle Bocchette Centrali (3h), the Ferrata delle Bocchette Alte (5h from Bocca d'Armi), and the Ferrata Benini (3h from Bocca di Tucket), for a total of about 11 hours of route in a sublime environment. Given the length and difficulty, an overnight stay at Pedrotti (or Rifugio Alimonta) and a very early start are necessary.

The second option, less technical but still long, involves descending from Rifugio Pedrotti to Rifugio Brentei along the CAI 318A trail (1h15'), then ascending back toward Rifugio Tucket via the Sentiero Attrezzato Sosat (2h45'). From here, retrace the CAI 316 trail to return to the cable car (1h30'), completing a loop of about 5h30' of descent (11 hours total).

Useful Notes

The Sentiero Attrezzato Orsi is an ideal itinerary for a first approach to the world of via ferratas, offering a spectacular scenic reward with limited technical commitment. The equipped sections effectively protect the most exposed passages, and the elevation gain is modest. The potentially most challenging section remains the approach to Bocca di Tucket, due to possible snow cover in the gully. For maps, a detailed map of the Gruppo di Brenta is recommended. From Rifugio Pedrotti, you can extend the experience with other equipped routes in the southern part of the group, such as the Sentiero Attrezzato Apolloni, the Ferrata Brentari, the Ferrata Castiglioni, or the Sentiero Attrezzato dell'Ideale.