Via Ferrata Ra Pegna - Tofana

An easy via ferrata on the left-hand tower of the Schuss, part of Stratofana Olimpica, just above the mountain lodge Rifugio Duca d’Aosta. The route is suitable for beginners, for families with children and even for people without any experience, because, with the exception of a few sections climbing fairly steeply, the route is gentle, following a series of ledges. The panorama that you have in front of you comprises views of the imposing Tofana mountains and the wide Ampezzo Valley.

From Cortina, head towards the Falzarego Pass and, before the ski-lifts at Socrepes, turn right, following the signs to the Baita Piè Tofana Restaurant, where there is a large car park. From here, take the chairlift that brings you to the mountain lodge Rifugio Duca D’Aosta, at the foot of the Tofane mountains. From here, the via ferrata’s starting point can be reached in a couple of minutes: you will get to the lowest rocks of the tower, where you will see a plaque for the via ferrata and the first metal cable at the grassy couloir.

The via ferrata is on the left-hand tower of the Schuss, not far from the mountain lodge Rifugio Duca d’Aosta. There are no real difficulties in this ferrata, which is suitable for those starting their adventures in the world of via ferratas, and for young hikers. Often the Ra Pegna ferrata is paired with the Ra Bujela ferrata so that you can climb both towers in the same day.

The metal cable will guide you underneath a yellow overhang, which can already be seen from the mountain lodge: there is an easy traverse below the overhang, towards the right, until you reach the arête. Here you have to climb a small grey face, with one of the most challenging sections of the via ferrata, running slightly diagonally to the left. Then you follow a lovely exposed ledge leftwards, bringing you to another rock face; after this you continue initially towards the left and then right, and you reach the top of some grassy slopes. The view that opens before you when you reach the summit is the perfect expression of the majestic Tofane mountains, providing a fine panorama of the Ampezzo Valley. 

To return back down, descend on the west flank towards the mountain lodge Rifugio Pomedes with easy scrambling until you reach a vertical ladder that takes you to a small saddle, where the via ferrata ends. From here, it is easy to reach the Rifugio Pomedes lodge, slightly higher up, where you can take track n° 420b which brings you gently back down to the Rifugio Duca d’Aosta mountain lodge.