8 via ferratas for beginners in the Dolomites

In this article I have collected the beginner via ferratas in the Dolomites that I most often recommend to people who would like to discover the world of via ferratas in the Dolomites. Many people contact me because they would like to try a via ferrata for the first time but are unsure which route to choose.

The answer is not as straightforward as it may seem. When it comes to via ferratas, difficulty is not determined solely by the technical sections. Factors such as route length, elevation gain, exposure, altitude and the overall physical effort required during the day all play an important role.

This ranking is intended for people who plan to tackle a via ferrata on their own. With the support of a mountain guide, many beginners can comfortably enjoy routes that are somewhat more demanding. Experience has shown me that the real challenge is often not the technical difficulty itself, but rather a lack of familiarity with the mountain environment and the equipment.

It is also important to remember that all the routes described in this article, including the easiest ones, should be undertaken with proper via ferrata equipment: a helmet, harness and certified via ferrata set. The fact that these routes are relatively easy should never lead to an underestimation of the risks involved.

For this reason, choosing a route that matches your experience level is essential. A route that is too demanding can easily turn an exciting adventure into a tiring and stressful day. On the other hand, starting with the right route allows you to build confidence, learn how to use your equipment correctly and fully enjoy the extraordinary scenery of the Dolomites.

After more than forty years working as a mountain guide in Cortina d’Ampezzo, I have accompanied hundreds of people on their very first via ferrata and have seen how choosing the right route can make the difference between an unforgettable experience and a disappointing one.

In this article, I have selected eight routes that I believe are particularly well suited to anyone wishing to approach this activity gradually and safely.

This ranking takes into account not only the technical difficulty of each route, but also the overall commitment required. You will therefore find very different itineraries: some are short and ideal for a first experience, while others require a longer day and a higher level of fitness, yet remain accessible even to those with no previous climbing experience.

I have arranged them from the easiest to the most demanding, following what I consider a natural progression for anyone who wants to discover the world of via ferratas in a gradual and enjoyable way.

The following beginner via ferratas in the Dolomites are listed from easiest to most demanding.

1. Fanes Waterfalls (Cascate di Fanes)

More than a true via ferrata, the Fanes Waterfalls route is a scenic protected trail that I consider one of the most interesting beginner-friendly via ferratas in the Dolomites. The route combines cable-protected sections with impressive waterfalls, creating a varied and enjoyable experience even for those who have never attempted a via ferrata before.

The technical difficulties are limited and the overall physical effort remains moderate, making this route an excellent choice for a first experience. The only obstacle worth mentioning is a short vertical section equipped with iron rungs and a steel cable. Nothing particularly difficult: during the summer it is regularly completed by children as well. The highlight of the route is undoubtedly the spectacular passage that leads behind the Lower Fanes Waterfall.

If you would like more information about this route, you can read my article about the Fanes Canyon and Waterfalls Trail.

2. Tofana Cave

Tofana Cave is one of the shortest and most accessible protected routes in the Ampezzo Dolomites. For this reason, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to discover the world of via ferratas without committing to a long hike or particularly demanding sections.

The route leads to a large natural cave hidden within the cliffs of Tofana di Rozes. Although short, it is a remarkably scenic outing and offers an excellent opportunity to become familiar with using the steel cable in a spectacular mountain setting. The technical difficulties are limited and the physical effort required is modest.

Despite being one of the easiest routes in this ranking, Tofana Cave offers a unique experience. The impressive cave entrance itself is a fascinating destination and often surprises visitors who are seeing it for the first time.

If you would like more information about this route, you can read my article about Tofana Cave.

3. Averau and Ra Gusela

The combination of the Averau Via Ferrata and the nearby Ra Gusela Via Ferrata is often a climber’s first experience of a mountain via ferrata that leads to a summit. The technical difficulties remain moderate, but compared to the previous routes, the setting becomes more alpine and the sense of exposure slightly more pronounced.

The route is located in one of the most spectacular corners of the Dolomites, between Nuvolau, Averau and the famous Cinque Torri. The protected sections are relatively short and well equipped, while magnificent views accompany you throughout the entire outing. For this reason, it is one of the routes I most often recommend to those who would like to reach a Dolomite summit without facing particularly difficult climbing sections.

An interesting detail concerns the name Ra Gusela. Many hikers confuse it with the nearby Ra Bujela Via Ferrata, which is located in a completely different area. The confusion comes from the local Ampezzo dialect, where the word Bujela is pronounced very similarly to Busela, making the two names sound almost identical to visitors.

Among the beginner-friendly via ferratas in the Dolomites, Averau and Ra Gusela represent an excellent step forward from the easier routes described so far: a genuine mountain experience that remains accessible to most reasonably fit and motivated hikers.

4. Ra Pegna

The Ra Pegna Via Ferrata is also suitable for beginners, although it requires a little more attention than the routes described so far. The technical difficulties remain modest, but the sense of exposure and the more vertical terrain become noticeably more pronounced.

The route leads to the summit of Ra Pegna, a distinctive rocky tower that offers magnificent views over Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Tofane group and much of the Ampezzo Dolomites.

One of the main advantages of this route is how easy it is to access. Thanks to the Piè Tofana – Rifugio Duca d’Aosta chairlift, the approach is short and the overall commitment required for the day remains moderate. For this reason, Ra Pegna is an excellent choice for those who want to become more comfortable with exposure without committing to a particularly long route.

Its location also makes it easy to combine with other routes in the area, such as the Olivieri Route, the Astaldi Route or the nearby Ra Bujela Via Ferrata. The latter is often confused with Ra Pegna, but it is a significantly more demanding route suitable for experienced hikers.

For those wishing to progress gradually in the world of via ferratas, Ra Pegna is a natural next step after the easier routes described above: a short, scenic and enjoyable climb that can provide great satisfaction even to first-time via ferrata climbers.

If you would like more information about this route, you can read my article dedicated to the Ra Pegna Via Ferrata.

5. Sentiero Olivieri

The Sentiero Olivieri represents another step up from the routes described so far. The technical difficulties remain generally moderate and the route is not particularly long, but the high-mountain environment and a few exposed sections require some hiking experience and sure-footedness.

Its proximity to the Ra Pegna Via Ferrata also makes it easy to combine the two routes in the same day.

The route connects Pomedes and Ra Valles, traversing scenic ledges and several protected sections that offer magnificent views over the Cortina d’Ampezzo valley. Although it does not present significant technical difficulties, it provides a genuine Dolomite mountain experience and serves as an excellent introduction to more demanding protected routes.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Sentiero Olivieri is the feeling of being fully immersed in the mountain environment. Along the way, narrow ledges, scree slopes and protected sections alternate with one another, always accompanied by spectacular views. It is also quite common to encounter chamois, which are frequently seen in this part of the Tofane range.

Despite its moderate technical difficulty, the Sentiero Olivieri requires a slightly greater overall commitment than the routes described earlier in this list. For this reason, I consider it an excellent choice for those who want to experience a true Dolomite mountain route without tackling particularly demanding climbing sections.

If you would like more information about this route, you can read my article dedicated to the Sentiero Olivieri.

6. Sass de Stria – Fusetti Via Ferrata

The Fusetti Via Ferrata on Sass de Stria represents another step up from the routes described so far. Although it does not present any major technical difficulties, it requires a higher level of fitness, greater comfort with exposure and some familiarity with via ferrata equipment.

The route climbs Sass de Stria, an isolated and highly panoramic mountain that occupied a strategic position between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian front lines during the First World War. Along the way, hikers encounter trenches, tunnels and numerous historical remains that add a fascinating cultural dimension to the experience.

The protected sections are never particularly difficult, but they are longer and more sustained than those found on the routes described earlier in this article. The summit also rewards climbers with outstanding views of the Tofane, Lagazuoi, Conturines and much of the Ampezzo Dolomites.

For these reasons, I consider the Fusetti Via Ferrata one of the most complete beginner-friendly via ferratas in the Dolomites. It is an excellent choice for those who have already completed one or two easier routes and would like to progress gradually towards longer and more demanding outings.

If you would like more information, you can read the full description of the Fusetti Via Ferrata on Sass de Stria.

7. Terza Cengia del Pomagagnon

Together with the Col dei Bos Via Ferrata, the Terza Cengia del Pomagagnon is one of the most alpine-feeling routes in this ranking. Although it is not particularly difficult from a technical standpoint, it requires sure-footedness, a good head for heights and some familiarity with mountain terrain.

The route follows a spectacular natural ledge that cuts across the cliffs of Pomagagnon, the mountain that dominates the northern side of Cortina d’Ampezzo. For much of the outing, hikers traverse terraces and exposed ledges high above the valley, enjoying magnificent views over Cortina and the surrounding peaks.

The protected sections help negotiate the most exposed passages, but the real challenge of the Terza Cengia lies not in its technical difficulty but in the overall length of the route and the mountain environment in which it takes place. For this reason, I recommend it to those who already have some experience on easier protected paths and via ferratas.

An interesting feature of the Terza Cengia is that it lies on slopes that are mostly south-facing and at a relatively modest altitude. As a result, it is often one of the first via ferratas in the Ampezzo Dolomites to become snow-free in spring. However, early in the season some caution is required: the first part of the descent crosses a north-facing slope where patches of snow may still be present even when the main route is completely dry.

The reward at the end is considerable. Few routes offer such an unusual and spectacular perspective of Cortina d’Ampezzo and the surrounding Dolomites.

8. Col dei Bos (Alpini Via Ferrata)

The Col dei Bos Via Ferrata is the final route in this list because it represents an excellent stepping stone towards slightly more demanding itineraries. While still accessible to many people with a reasonable level of fitness, it features longer and more sustained vertical sections than the routes described earlier and requires greater confidence with exposure and moving along the safety cable.

The route climbs the mountain overlooking Falzarego Pass, in an area deeply connected to the First World War. Historical remains can be found mainly during the approach and on the summit of Col dei Bos, where trenches, military positions and other traces of the former front line are still visible.

From a technical point of view, the route alternates easy traverses with enjoyable vertical sections, all of them well protected. This variety is one of the reasons why it is particularly appreciated by those who wish to gain more experience without committing to an excessively long or difficult climb.

From the summit, hikers are rewarded with magnificent views of the mountains surrounding Falzarego Pass and much of the Ampezzo Dolomites.

If you have comfortably completed the previous routes in this list, Col dei Bos is an excellent next objective and a great test before moving on to longer or more technically demanding via ferratas.

If you would like more information, you can read the full description of the Col dei Bos Via Ferrata.

These beginner via ferratas in the Dolomites offer an excellent introduction to the activity.

Now that you know the via ferratas I most often recommend to beginners, remember that choosing the right route should always depend on your fitness level, mountain experience and the conditions on the day of your outing. When in doubt, it is always wiser to choose an easier route or hire a mountain guide.

The goal is not to rush straight to the most demanding via ferratas, but to build experience step by step, learning how to move safely in mountain terrain and fully appreciate the extraordinary beauty of the Dolomites.

Would you like to climb one of these via ferratas with a mountain guide?

If you would prefer to tackle your first via ferrata with the support of a professional mountain guide, you can find more information on my page dedicated to guided via ferrata experiences in Cortina.