Via ferrata Mesules (Pössnecker)

The via ferrata Mesules was inaugurated in 1912 and took two years to install. The purpose of this fixed rope route was to establish a direct connection between Rifugio Passo Sella, situated on the pass road between Val Gardena and Val di Fassa, and Rifugio Boé, a newly built mountain hut on Mt. Sella. At the time it was a bold move, and indeed the Via Ferrata Mesules is one of the oldest steel-cable routes in the Dolomites.

The via ferrata Mesules is a challenging excursion that shouldn’t be underestimated. There are several steep bouts to climb, as well as passages where you’ll have to climb without the safety of the steel cable. The descent ist breathtakingly beautiful, as it requires crossing a large part of the Sella group, but also quite long. Nevertheless, for proficient mountaineers, the via ferrata Mesules is sure to pose a worthy challenge and result in an unforgettable day trip.

Coming from the Autostrada del Brennero (A22) highway, drive through Val Gardena (SS242) until Plan de Gralba, then take the right junction and drive to the top of Passo Sella. Park next to the Hotel Mariaflora.

During summer, the mountain passes in the Dolomites are very easy to access using public transportation. Bus line 471 leaves the villages of Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva every 30 minutes. Find the detailed timetables here.

From Passo Sella, follow trail nr. 649 to the north of the Sella towers. After an easy hike, you will reach the starting point of the fixed rope route, right next to a huge tower. You’ll notice a commemorative plate there, installed in 2013 to celebrate 100 years since the inauguration of this via ferrata.

The first part of the via ferrata Mesules is one of the hardest. You start by climbing up a steep and smooth wall, which can be damp in the morning. After this initial strain it gets a bit easier. As you continue the ascent, you’ll have to overcome a few unsecured passages graded level II. Experienced mountaineers usually have no problem with them.

Upcoming: one of the most spectacular parts of the climb. You’ll cross an exposed ladder along a steep wall, then continue along flatter terrain until you reach the upper part of the Sella group. This is where you can finally take a well-deserved break. The view is outstanding already.

The tour continues towards the "Schuttsattel", a saddle located between Piz Selva and Piz Ciavazes peaks, from where you’ll climb up a steep gorge. The last part is easy climbing and no longer secured, and leads to the top of Piz Selva (2,941 m / 9,650 ft.). From there, you’ll walk along a ridge in direction North-East until you reach Piz Gralba and finally Piz Miara (2,965 m / 9,725 ft.), the highest point of the tour.

From Piz Miara it’s a long way back to the pass road. A direct route is not possible, so you’ll have to follow a trail that makes a detour through Val Lasties.

Following trail nr. 649 you will pass through a few nicks, namely Gamsscharte and Pisciadù-Scharte. Keep following the trail and walk past an intersection that turns left until you reach Rifugio Boè, where you’ll turn right (South) and follow trail nr. 647 into Val Lasties.

After a steep passage you will reach flatter terrain. As soon as it starts getting steeper again, switch onto trail nr. 656 and you will eventually reach the pass road of Passo Sella. From there, you can take a bus, taxi or hitchhike back to the top of the pass.

Alternative Descent: After Pisciadù-Scharte, you can turn right (North) at the intersection and trek to Rifugio Franco Cavazza, another mountain hut on the Sella massif. From there, you can reach the Gardena Pass by following trail nr. 666 through Val Setus. A bus or taxi can take you back to the top of Passo Sella from there.

The via ferrata Mesules must not be underestimated. Not only is the climb long and arduous, but once you’ve reached the peak the tour is far from over. It’s a long way down, and there are no mountain huts or places that can provide shelter. This tour is reserved to expert mountaineers who feel ready for the challenge.

The via ferrata Mesules should only be tackled in perfect weather conditions, seeing as you’ll be spending several hours in the mountains where you are exposed to thunderstorms. Additionally, you should check snow conditions before going on this climb, as snowfalls are always possible at this altitude. Wait for two good weather days after a snowfall before you attempt this tour.

• Tabacco Nr. 05, Gröden / Seiser Alm. The tabacco maps are available in their app.
• Kompass WK59, Sellagruppe

• "Klettersteigführer Dolomiten-Südtirol-Gardasee", Axel Jentzsch-Rabl, Andreas Jentzsch, Dieter Wissekal, Alpinverlag