Sentiero Astaldi, an interesting geological site
The Sentiero Astaldi is one of the oldest equipped path in Cortina. Despite being an easy outing, the fact that there is a steel cable means that this itinerary falls into the Via Ferrata category.
The Astaldi ferrata is devoted to Maria Luisa Astaldi, writer, journalist and literary critic.
This easy via ferrata develops across one of the most characteristic and spectacular dolomitic landscapes and gives the opportunity to visit one of the paleontological sites that have reserved recent discoveries of extraordinary scientific interest, like the most ancient ambers of Europe.
At the foot of the imposing walls of the Dolomia Principale of the Tofane, just above Rifugio Dibona, a distinct geological layer becomes clearly visible. Here, thin clayey strata appear in a striking red color, alternating with darker brown rock bands.
This formation is known as the Raibl Formation, dating back approximately 220 million years. Its presence tells the story of a very different landscape from the one we see today.
At that time, the area was shaped by a lagoon environment under a subtropical climate. Shallow, salty waters alternated with small emerged islands, creating a dynamic and ever-changing setting.
On these isolated patches of land, early resinous plants once grew, leaving behind traces that still contribute to our understanding of this ancient ecosystem.
Having said that, it’s now time to return to the topic of this post, namely the description of sentiero ferrato Astaldi. It crosses horizontally the colorful Raibl’s strata, clearly visible in all their beauty, making the route really interesting. In the Ampezzo dialect, this area is known as i roš (the reds).
The Astaldi can either be an independent itinerary or be combined with others easy Ferrata such ferrata Ra Pegna or the Grotta di Tofana.
WARNING
Although easy and without technical difficulties, the sentiero Astaldi must be approached with care and with the via ferrata equipment.
Helmet is highly recommended: the route is exposed to rocks fall, due to the bad quality of the friable rocks that overhang the path, as well as the crossing of some gullies.
Description
The route can be done either clockwise or counterclockwise. Below I describe the route in an counterclockwise direction.
The via ferrata is essentially horizontal with modest ups and downs, and does not present any technical difficulties.
GETTING THERE
The route, as described here, starts and ends at Rifugio Dibona, which is reached off of a small winding side-road, initially paved, then gravel. From Cortina d’Ampezzo take the SS48 towards Passo Falzarego and turn off right to reach Rifugio Dibona (2083m).
There is a large parking lot beside the Rifugio Angelo Dibona. BTW, do you know who Angelo Dibona was?
ACCESS
Take path 421 towards Rifugio Pomedes, until it reaches a junction with the Sentiero Astaldi.
In a short time you reach the ledge with the metal cable, where our easy via ferrata begins.
DISCESA
The Astaldi path ends on a grassy hill, a magnificent viewpoint on the imposing wall of the Pillar of Tofana di Rozes and on the southern side of the Valle d’Ampezzo and the mountains that rise above it.
The trail continues in the Valon de Tofana where an easy descent takes us back to the Rifugio Dibona.
DIFFICULTY
Easy
ASCENT/DESCENT HEIGHT DIFFERENCE
120 metres
ACCESS TIME
From Rifugio Dibona reach the start of the ferrata in 20-30 minutes.
FERRATA TIME
1 hour circa.
DESCENT TIME
20-30 minutes
FACE
South
MAP
Carta Topografica Tabacco, n. 03 – scala 1:25.000
MOUNTAIN HUTS
Rifugio Dibona
Rifugio Pomedes
Rifugio Giussani
Rifugio Duca d’Aosta
