Via ferrata Col Rodella

Located in a scenic location between the Sassolungo and the Marmolada, the Col Rodella via ferrata is easily accessible, not very long and not too difficult either. It is therefore perfectly suited for those who are less experienced with fixed rope routes.

A half-day trip is usually enough for this tour, so it is safe to schedule it in the afternoon. The southward orientation is pleasant, as you'll be climbing accompanied by the sun. The via ferrata is in excellent condition from early summer until late autumn.

From the Autostrada del Brennero (A22) highway drive through Val Gardena (SS242) to Plan de Gralba. A few hundred meters after Plan de Gralba, turn right at the junction towards Passo Sella and continue all the way to Hotel Passo Sella (SS243). Behind it you will find a large parking lot (subject to charge).

In summer, the mountain passes of the Dolomites are excellently served by public transportation. Line 471 departs from the villages of Val Gardena towards Passo Sella every 30 minutes. For detailed schedules, see SüdtirolMobil.

Trail nr. 557 begins immediately behind Hotel Passo Sella. Follow uphill in southern direction until you reach nearby Rifugio Valentini. From here you can already enjoy a beautiful view.

To access the via ferrata, follow the Friedrich August trail, which leads steeply upwards to Forcella Rodella. Turn left at the crossroads and keep walking until you reach Rifugio Des Alpes. From here you'll have a nice view of Col Rodella. The via ferrata is located on the Southern side of the mountain - to reach the starting point, walk downwards along an unmarked trail. You should be able to spot a wind vane used  by paragliders - the access is located right behind it.

The via ferrata begins along a steep wall, but soon leads to a flat surface. The climb then continues rightwards, leading through a scenic gorge. Once you reach a series of iron clips bolted into the rock, know that you're about to tackle one of the most difficult parts of the via ferrata: a flat wall with few places to hold on to. Your arm muscles might get tested a little here! After this passage, the climb becomes easier again, until the very last wall. Once that is conquered, you'll finally have reached the summit and the the Rifugio Rodella.

The descent is very simple: just hike downwards and you will soon reach the same trail you took to get to the starting point. Follow it all the way back to the Sella Pass.

The via ferrata Col Rodella is a great via ferrata for beginners, as it is neither long nor difficult. However, there are a few challenging passages where you need to be careful.

As a consequence, even expert climbers can have a lot of fun on this fixed rope route. It is a great choice if you only have half a day available, or if the weather opens up in the middle of the day and you want to go for a quick afternoon adventure.

• Tabacco Nr. 05, Gröden-Val Gardena or Nr. 07, Alta Badia, Arabba, Marmolada. The tabacco maps are available in their app. 
• AV-Map Nr. 52/I

• „Klettersteige für Einsteiger Südtirol-Dolomiten-Gardasee“ - Christjan Ladurner - Tappeiner
• „Klettersteigführer Dolomiten-Südtirol-Gardasee“ - Axel Jentzsch-Rabl, Andreas Jentzsch, Dieter Wissekal - Alpinverlag