Ferrata Cresta Ovest to Punta Penia on Marmolada

The Marmolada is known as the "Queen of the Dolomites". This majestic mountain is 3343 metre high and on its summit there is the only large glacier of the Dolomites.

The two sides of the mountain are quite different from one another: the south face has sheer, vertical cliff faces of grey limestone, crossed by the renowned climbing routes that are part of the history of mountaineering, while on the north, relatively flat face there is the Marmolada glacier.

The itinerary on the Cresta Ovest (western ridge) of Marmolada is a unique path which combines the challenges of the ordinary via ferratas with the hardships of the high-altitude mountain environment. It is the onlyhigh-altitude equipped climbing route in the whole Dolomites range, and the only via ferrata that passes a glacier, snowy terrain and crevasses.

Information about the Via Ferrata Cresta Ovest to Punta Penia on Marmolada

The Via Ferrata Cresta Ovest della Marmolada goes along a historical path that dates back to 1903 and was used during the First World War: it is the oldest via ferrata of the Dolomites.

The ascent is made easier by the steel cable and the ladders fixed on the rocks, that help the hikers pass the smooth and solid slabs and reach the cross on the top of the mountain Punta Penia (3343 metres a.s.l.). On the summit you will also find a small but cosy mountain hut providing food and facilities to the climbers.

The descent through the normal route that crosses the Marmolada glacier requires a good level of mountaineering experience and a complete mountaineering equipment, as crampons, ropes and ice axe are needed.

The itinerary starting point is Passo Fedaia, where it is possible to take the cable car Pian dei Fiacconi.

The time required to complete the ascent of the via ferrata, for an elevation gain of 450 metres, is three hours, while the excursion overall duration time may vary from six to seven hours, for a total elevation gain of 900 metres.

The mountain huts along the path and nearby offering facilities and food are the following:

Rifugio Pian dei Fiacconi
Rifugio Capanna Punta Penia

To view and book the scheduled dates of the via ferrata group excursions consult our program, go to: Group Excursions in Cortina