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Vie ferrate in the Dolomites
Sentiero Ivano Dibona
This long itinerary crosses the well-known 27 m suspension bridge and then follows a magnificent and airy line along ledges used during the First World War. The ferrata poses no particular difficulties as it is predominantly downhill. By combing the Ivano Dibona with the Ferrata Bianchi on the Cristallo di Mezzo and the diversion to the Cima del Cristallino one can carry out a fantastic traverse through the Gruppo del Cristallo. Click photo for portfolio
Getting there
From Cortina take the SS 48 towards Passo Tre Croci to Capanna Rio Gere and park at the start of the Sonforca chairlift (1698m), located beneath Mt. Cristallo.
Access
Take the chairlift to Rif. Sonforca and continue in gondolas to Forcella Staunies (2919m). From the top of the lift a clearly signposted iron ladder leads to the first cables.
Ascent
From the top of the lift climb up the iron ladder to the first cables which lead leftwards to the wooden ‘Ponte del Cristallo’ suspension bridge. Once across this awe-inspiring but safe gangway that crosses the deep gorge the itinerary continues towards Forcella Grande (2874m), from where an equipped path leads off up to the summit of Cristallino d’Ampezzo (3008m - h 0,30).
From Forcella Grande it is also possible to descend to Forcella Verde and the Ferrata De Pol by following the obvious marked path. Our itinerary continues however past the Forcella Grande and along the south face via ledges, equipped in places, to beneath the Cresta Bianca (2932m). After having passed various military constructions the path leads to Forcella Padeon (2760m) and the bivouac Bivacco Mag. Carlo Buffa di Perrero, before ascending slightly along the south face of Col Pistone (2862m) and Vecio del Forame (2868m) to Forcella Alta (2640m). A steep scree descent leads to Forcella Bassa (2417m), from where a path leads leftwards directly down into Val Padeon, shortening the walk by 2 hours.
The Sentiero Ivano Dibona continues however along scree slopes, past First World War Italian military positions and the Cresta del Zurlon (2379m) to Col dei Stombi (2168m), to then zig-zag rapidly down into the forest and the Val Padeon.
Descent
Once on the path no. 203 either proceed to Ospitale (1490m) and the SS 51 to return by bus or second car, or alternatively return to Rif. Somforca (2110m) to then descend by chairlift to the starting point.
Link
Bibliography e maps Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites: Vol 1
by John Smith and Graham Fletcher
Cicerone Press 2002
Period Depending on snow conditions from July to October.
Popularity high
Beauty
Difficulty
Easy
Although predominantly downhill and always well-equipped wherever necessary, this itinerary requires a certain degree of general fitness. Check the weather and snow conditions before setting off.
Mountain huts - Rifugi
