Climbing Via Ferrata Tomaselli

The Tomaselli, although relatively short, is known for being one of the most difficult and challenging via ferrata in the Dolomites, a route of the highest technical standard that puts to the tests your stamina, ability and mountain experience.

In order to save your energy for the rock, you might want to do the first ascent using the cable car Lagazuoi. The following hike leading to the start of the via ferrata is already spectacular.

The small and rocky path will take you all along the bottom of the massif Lagazuoi Grande until you reach the Bivacco della Chiesa, a mountain shelter built in 1954.

If you look around, plenty of wartime artefacts built by the Austrians are still witnessing the dark and bloody past of the area. Once you start the via ferrata, the first traverse will make you understand why this climb needs to be respected, it is immediately strenuous, the rock is very exposed, sleek and the iron cables are relatively loose.

Once you successfully overcome the first part, you are in for a ride. Vertical, totally exposed walls with secure and fixed cables will lead to natural terraces where you can relax while contemplating the surroundings.

The last, vertical, exposed but fairly easy to climb ridge, will take you to the top of the Cima Fanis Sud (9776 feet).

What we recommend:

• The Tomaselli has to be one of our favourites as it takes you up to the top of one of the most exciting massifs in the Dolomites, the Cime di Fanes.
• We underline the fact that you find yourself in what used to be the centre theatre of the First World War, an incredible number of remains witness the heavy combats.
• The descent route is a Via Ferrata by itself with minor difficulties than the ascend, but still respectable
• Difficulty: Experienced