Sentiero Attrezzato SOSAT

Overview

The Sentiero Attrezzato SOSAT is an alpine traverse that cuts across the central sector of the Dolomiti di Brenta, creating a direct link between Rifugio Tucket and the Brentei and Alimonta refuges. The route winds through a severe, rugged environment dominated by the walls of Cima Mandron, the Punte di Campiglio, and Punta Massari. Though technically moderate, the itinerary is defined by a continuous, markedly exposed traverse through a deep gorge, where a succession of protected passages creates an immersive experience with powerful mountain scenery.

Approach

The logistical access point is the parking area at Rifugio Vallesinella, reachable by car from Madonna di Campiglio along about 4 km of signed road. From here, the approach on foot to the via ferrata begins. To reach Rifugio Tucket (2272 m), take trail CAI 317, which enters a forest and leads in about 45 minutes to near Rifugio Casinei (1850 m). Just before the refuge, stay on trail 317, ignoring subsequent turnoffs, and gain elevation on a steeper path until reaching the Tucket in a total time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes from the parking lot. This refuge is the actual starting point of the Sentiero SOSAT.

Via Ferrata

From Rifugio Tucket, head east, with Bocca del Tucket and the Vedretta di Brenta Inferiore marking the horizon. After an approach march of about 30 minutes, past a junction for the Sentiero Dallagiacoma, you encounter a second fork: take the right onto CAI 305B, the official access to the Sentiero Attrezzato SOSAT. Descend toward the valley floor, cross the stream (caution advised for possible residual snow patches), and climb the opposite slope until you spot the starting plaque.

The route initially develops along the southern side of the gully, with a first ladder and short rock climbs. The track continues on a well-marked path among boulders, then tackles the descent of a narrow chimney equipped with a cable and metal rungs. After crossing some slabs, the route makes a wide arc around the valley, shifting to the northern side, facing the majestic wall of Crozzon di Brenta and Cima Tosa. Here you enter the heart of a deep, severe-looking gorge. The character of the route changes dramatically: you descend through a passage that includes a natural rock bridge, traverse a narrow, airy ledge, and tackle the descent of a ladder about ten meters long installed on an overhanging wall. This passage leads onto a new ledge, from which you can see the continuation of the route on the opposite side of the gorge.

The most iconic and markedly exposed section continues with a sequence of ledges, rock traverses, and a few metal ladders. You descend a vertical wall via a series of metal rungs, first vertical then diagonal, down to a small terrace. The descent within the gorge continues with more protected sections, slabs, and a couple of ladders, approaching the innermost, shadiest zone. Caution: the last stretch of wall before the traverse that cuts across the gorge can hold snow or ice even in high summer.

Past the innermost section, you climb back up to the right on a traverse, then tackle the most technical and physically demanding ascent of the entire route, aided by wide metal rungs. At the top, you emerge onto a broad, unprotected ledge that you follow for several minutes until the plaque marking the official end of the via ferrata. It is recommended not to remove your harness, as you still encounter a few short protected sections with ladders and two vertical walls of moderate difficulty. The final ladder leads into a debris-filled gully that connects to trail CAI 323. Turning right, you reach Rifugio Brentei in about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Rifugio Tucket (for a total of about 5 hours from the parking lot).

Descent

From Rifugio Brentei, the descent to Rifugio Vallesinella and the parking lot goes via Rifugio Casinei. There are two main options:

1. Take trail CAI 318 heading northwest, a route with no technical difficulties that reaches Rifugio Casinei in about 1 hour.
2. Opt for the Sentiero Attrezzato Violi (CAI 391), steeper and partially protected, which leads to Casinei in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

From Rifugio Casinei, finally descend to the Vallesinella parking lot in about 30 minutes, for a total descent time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Brentei (about 6 hours and 30 minutes total from the start of the hike).

Useful Notes

Although classified as a protected alpine trail, the Sentiero Attrezzato SOSAT features numerous vertical passages and continuous, pronounced exposure within the gorge, elements that heighten its alpine character. The overall difficulty is moderate, with at least two vertical, exposed sections, perfectly equipped, located just before and just after the innermost part of the gorge. Over time, the route has undergone changes: a long ladder was replaced by a series of metal rungs on a slightly overhanging section, locally increasing the technical difficulty. This itinerary is often used as a return variant from the Bocchette Alte route toward Rifugio Brentei, and can be incorporated into numerous more challenging loops within the Gruppo di Brenta, combined for example with the Ferrata Detassis or the Sentiero delle Bocchette Centrali.