A panoramic traverse on volcanic rock in the Ciampac area
For via ferrata enthusiasts, Val di Fassa now offers a newly developed equipped route: the Crepa Neigra ferrata. The itinerary winds its way around a small mountain of volcanic origin in the Ciampac area, not far from the well-known Ferrata dei Finanzieri on Colac.
This is a distinctive route, markedly different from the classic Dolomite ferratas. The line develops mainly horizontally, exposure is almost continuous, and the dark, irregular rock gives the route a unique character, reflecting an unusual geological history for this part of the Dolomites.
The Crepa Neigra ferrata forms part of a wider project aimed at enhancing the Ciampac area and expanding the summer outdoor offer of Val di Fassa. Construction of the route was entrusted to Orbari Srl, a company specialised in the building of via ferratas and equipped routes in alpine terrain. The official opening is planned for early summer 2026.
The mountain
Crepa Neigra (2534 m, Crepa Neigres in Ladin) is a mountain of modest height but of considerable morphological interest. The rock is a dark volcanic conglomerate, composed of stones and clasts of various sizes cemented together — a feature that is clearly atypical in the Dolomite context. This type of rock differs markedly from dolomite, which makes up the vast majority of the Dolomites.
The via ferrata follows a loop itinerary around the mountain, remaining just below the summit throughout and offering constant views of the Marmolada, Gran Vernel, the Sella Group, Sassolungo and Sassopiatto.
Character of the Crepa Neigra ferrata
From a technical point of view, the ferrata is accessible, but it requires steady movement and good awareness due to the continuous exposure, especially along the long traverses.
Vertical gain is limited (around 80 metres), yet the overall length of the steel cable — approximately 500 metres, mostly horizontal — makes the route engaging and far from trivial. The equipment is modern and carefully designed, with a restrained use of metal rungs and frequent reliance on natural footholds.
Access and approach
The starting point is the upper station of the Ciampac cable car, which can be reached from Alba di Canazei. Up-to-date information on lift opening times and fares is available on the official Ciampac website.
From the upper station, follow the signs for “Crepa Neigra” until reaching the path that climbs diagonally towards the Pian de Sele saddle (2346 m), reached in about 30 minutes. From here, a short zig-zag trail leads to the start of the ferrata in a further 10 minutes.
Alternatively, the area can be reached on foot from Alba di Canazei via CAI trails 644 or 602, with an elevation gain of approximately 600 metres.
Route description
The start of the ferrata is convenient and clearly signposted; a wooden bench marks the beginning of the route and provides a place to pause before gearing up. The initial section is straightforward: a short vertical ascent followed by a path leads to the suspended ladder, the only one on the route, well inclined and easy to climb.
From here begins the long counter-clockwise traverse that defines the itinerary. Exposure becomes immediately apparent, despite the absence of significant technical difficulties. Where metal rungs are not present, the rock offers good footholds, while the steel cable — always well tensioned and set at an appropriate height — acts as a continuous handrail.
The route alternates short ascents and descents with narrow ledges, rounding a rounded, tower-like rock formation and gradually reaching the north-eastern side. At this point, a short variant leads to a grassy minor summit (the so-called “first summit”); returning to the main line is mandatory in order to continue along the ferrata.
Continuing along the route, the two most exposed sections are encountered. Both are short but sustained, and require a small amount of arm strength, mainly to maintain a stable position close to the rock.
The final vertical section, equipped with well-positioned rungs, leads to the summit plateau of Crepa Neigra (2534 m).
Descent from the Crepa Neigra ferrata
The descent initially follows an equipped path on the northern sidez. For this reason, it is advisable to keep the harness on for the first section. Extra care is required if the ground is wet. Once the end of the cable is reached, the path continues back to the Pian de Sele saddle, closing the loop and returning to the upper lift station.
Technical data – Crepa Neigra Ferrata
- Difficulty (Easy, Moderate, Difficult)
- Moderate
- Maximum elevation
- 2534 m
- Vertical gain
- approx. 80 m
- Overall development
- predominantly horizontal
- Ferrata duration
- approx. 1 hour
- Total time
- 2 h 30’ – 2 h 45’ (lifts excluded)
- Exposure to void
- high
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Rock type
- volcanic conglomerate
- Equipment
- modern, with limited use of metal rungs
- Recommended season
- summer, in the absence of snow or ice
- Maps
- Val di Fassa – Fassa e Fiemme (Tabacco Map no. 06)
For further information on maps and guidebooks, see the page Maps and guidebooks.
Mountain guide’s notes
- The Crepa Neigra ferrata is not particularly demanding from a physical point of view, but it does require good confidence with exposure, which is present along much of the route.
- The long traverses make smooth and efficient handling of the lanyards important, especially for those with limited experience on predominantly horizontal ferratas.
- Although suitable even for less experienced hikers, a first outing with a guide or solid familiarity with equipped terrain is recommended.
- Thanks to its short length and easy access, the ferrata works well as a half-day itinerary and may be considered an option in unsettled weather, provided conditions are carefully assessed.
Final note
The information provided is based on detailed technical documentation and reliable route descriptions. The Crepa Neigra ferrata is a well-designed and scenic itinerary, offering an experience that stands apart from more typical Dolomite routes and highlighting the unique geological character of a small but remarkable mountain.
