Sentiero Attrezzato Pierino dalla Zuanna

Overview

The Sentiero Attrezzato Pierino dalla Zuanna traces the historic World War I positions on Monte Pubel in the Val Brenta (province of Vicenza), the scene of clashes between Italian and Austrian forces. Technically straightforward, the route uses cables and fixed anchors primarily as protection across wooded, slippery, and locally exposed terrain. It serves as an ideal introduction to using via ferrata gear and getting a feel for exposure, all within a context free of serious alpine difficulty. The path unfolds mainly along grassy ledges and gullies, offering more of a hiking experience than a vertical one, with a steady but not strenuous pace.

Approach

The starting point is on the road that climbs from Valstagna toward Foza. Reach Valstagna via State Road 47 from the Valsugana valley, then look for the sign to the Grotte di Oliero and turn left. After crossing the bridge, continue right uphill. A few meters later, keeping left, you enter the town toward Piazza San Marco, then follow signs for Foza. The road steepens, and after passing the built-up area, you reach a junction where you keep right toward Asiago and Foza. After about one kilometer, at a hairpin turn (the second one), park at the roadside near the "Cala del Sasso" sign. Detailed directions are available on Google Maps by searching "Parcheggio" at the indicated coordinates.

Via Ferrata

From the car, head west along a dirt road into the Val Frenzela. Within a few minutes, turn right onto the well-marked trail 779, which leads into the Sentiero Pierino dalla Zuanna (PDZ). The path is clear, and in about two hours of walking toward Monte Pubel, you pass in order the Pian dea Mea (350 m), the Balcon de Rialto (479 m), the Col dei Mufloni (618 m), and arrive at the Bivio Strada Militare (660 m). Here, keep left, entering the most interesting section of the climb (about an hour and a bit from the parking lot).

Shortly after, you reach a second junction: to the left continues the easy, non-equipped variant, while to the right climbs the recommended equipped variant, still rated easy. Proceed uphill through the woods to a military tunnel marked with a plaque. Follow the artificial ledge carved to the right, then continue up the trail to the actual start of the equipped section, marked by a distinctive red sign.

The route initially winds along an equipped ledge, then tackles a steep trail section where the cable becomes especially useful on wet ground. The terrain is typical of the Prealps, with limestone rock often covered in humus and sparse vegetation. You reach the Base del Canale (975 m), where the final equipped section begins: easy rock steps and trail alternate until you encounter a unique metal ladder. Climb another hundred meters or so, mixing short protected stretches with trail, at a pleasantly varied pace and with never-excessive exposure, until you reach the panoramic viewpoint of the Panchina del Generale, offering breathtaking views of the Val Brenta.

After a break, continue along the track toward a rocky crest that leads to the summit of Monte Pubel, dominated by the large Croce di San Francesco. The character of the route is more scenic than technical, with moderate physical effort and steady progression. Total time from the start is about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Descent

From the summit, retrace your steps to the Panchina del Generale. From here, to avoid the equipped sections of the ascent, take the track that descends to the right, sometimes steep. You reach a ledge beneath imposing limestone overhangs and descend into the woods to the so-called Parlamento delle Streghe. The descent continues steadily until it rejoins the junction encountered on the way up, passing a few short, easy equipped sections along the way. The gradient is gentle, with some ups and downs through the forest that break the monotony. From this point, return to the parking lot by retracing the approach trail. The total hike time is about 4 hours and 30 minutes, with the descent taking roughly 2 hours from the summit.

Useful Notes

The route is rich in history and military relics from the world war, which greatly enhance its interest. The area is little frequented, and the trail, recently and excellently equipped, is well worth a visit. The cabled sections may seem unnecessary in dry conditions, but they become invaluable after rain or on wet, slippery ground, given the often friable nature of the terrain.

Due to its low elevation, it is not recommended during the hottest summer months, while it lends itself well to autumn, winter, and spring outings, always paying attention to ground conditions. Since this is more of a hike with equipped passages than a demanding via ferrata, the indicated times can vary considerably depending on individual pace and fitness. The overall experience strikes a good balance between historical and environmental interest and a pleasant, never overly physical or exposed progression.