Three via ferratas in Alta Badia with a special family
Last week, I had the pleasure of accompanying Giò and his two daughters, Anna (17) and Rita (13), on a three-day adventure exploring some of the most beautiful via ferratas in Val Badia.
I know them well—it’s been five years now that we meet up every summer to tackle a different ferrata together. I first met Anna when she was just eight years old, and even then she stood out for her determination. She wasn’t the fastest, but she was tough—one of those rare children who, when there’s hiking to be done, lower their head and keep going without a single complaint.
This year, we took on three very different routes: Piz da Lech, Vallon, and finally the classic Ferrata Tridentina—three unforgettable days, immersed in the stunning scenery of the Alta Badia ferratas.
Day 1 – Piz da Lech: short but scenic
We began our adventure with the Piz da Lech ferrata, a short but intense route set in a spectacular landscape. From Corvara, we took the Boè gondola, followed by the Vallon chairlift, which brought us close to the base of the wall.
The weather was perfect and the atmosphere relaxed—ideal conditions for easing back into the rhythm of cables, carabiners, and vertical terrain.
Anna, the older daughter, moved with confidence and natural ease along the equipped sections. Her previous years of experience were visible: she didn’t hesitate, even on the steeper passages, always keeping calm and balanced.
Rita, though younger, once again showed the determination that defines her. Even in the more exposed sections, she wasn’t intimidated; she proceeded steadily and calmly.
And Giò? Well, climbing with him is like climbing with a good friend—experienced, attentive, and perfectly in sync with the pace of the group.
🧗♀️ Technical details – Piz da Lech
- Ferrata elevation gain: approx. 200 m (656 ft)
- Total elevation gain: approx. 380 m (1,247 ft)
- Ascent time: about 2 hours
- Difficulty: medium
- Starting point: Corvara (Boè lift)
- Map: Tabacco No. 07
- Full route description: ferrate360.it – Piz da Lech
Day 2 – Ferrata del Vallon and Piz Boè summit: effort and beauty
On the second day, we headed to the Vallon ferrata, a lesser-known but truly stunning route nestled among the dramatic peaks of the Sella Group. The ferrata itself is fairly short, but the real challenge comes afterward: the long climb to the summit of Piz Boè, at 3,152 meters.
Here, Rita struggled a bit. It wasn’t the equipped section that wore her out—it was the long, final stretch to the summit. I could see the fatigue on her face, hear her silence, but she never gave up. She kept walking, head down, powered by the same grit I’ve seen in her for years.
At the top, though, the magic faded a little. After the quiet solitude of our ascent, we suddenly found ourselves in the middle of a noisy crowd, most of them having come up by much shorter and easier routes.
Maybe it’s just me, but after so much peaceful beauty, that abrupt transition to chaos left me with a slightly bitter taste.
A well-earned break at the Kostner Hut, at the end of the descent, was welcomed by us all. It’s a lovely place, managed by my friend Manuel Agraiter, who’s also a mountain guide, with the help of his wife, Cristina, and their son, Matteo. Warm, welcoming, with breathtaking views and honest, hearty food.
🧗♀️ Technical details – Vallon Ferrata
- Ferrata elevation gain: approx. 100 m (328 ft)
- Total elevation to Piz Boè: approx. 650 m (2,133 ft)
- Total time: 4.5–5 hours
- Ferrata difficulty: medium/easy
- Starting point: Vallon chairlift top station (Corvara)
- Map: Tabacco No. 07
- Full route description: ferrate360.it – Ferrata del Vallon
Day 3 – Ferrata Tridentina: the longest challenge
We ended our mountain adventure with the Ferrata Tridentina, the longest and most complete of the three. It’s a well-known classic, very popular. Still, it never loses its charm, mainly thanks to the famous hanging bridge at the end and the beautiful arrival at the Pisciadù Hut.
Anna once again proved her skills, tackling every challenge with grace and precision. Watching her climb is an absolute pleasure: agile, sure-footed, with movements that are always smooth and controlled.
Rita, for her part, faced this ferrata with great courage. The most demanding sections typically occur at the end, when energy levels are already low. For a 13-year-old girl, tired after two intense days in the mountains, it was anything but easy.
And yet, she never once complained. Watching her push through her fatigue, quiet but determined, really moved me.
As for Giò, he finished just as strongly as he started—with his usual calm, clarity, and deep respect for the mountain environment.
🧗♀️ Technical details – Ferrata Tridentina
- Ferrata elevation gain: approx. 400 m (1,312 ft)
- Total elevation gain: approx. 630 m (2,067 ft)
- Ascent time: 3–3.5 hours
- Difficulty: medium (with some challenging sections)
- Starting point: from Corvara by car, park at the 6th hairpin below the Gardena Pass (altitude 1,956 m / 6,417 ft; coordinates 46.5470 N, 11.8206 E)
- Map: Tabacco No. 07
- Full route description: ferrate360.it – Ferrata Tridentina
Via ferratas in Val Badia: an experience to share
These three days on the via ferratas of Val Badia were much more than just outings in the mountains. They were a shared journey between generations—a genuine experience made of effort, joy, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable moments.
The Alta Badia ferratas, from Piz da Lech to Vallon and Tridentina, offer something special for those seeking more than just a walk in the mountains. And when the people climbing with you are ones you’ve known for years, who trust you and pour heart and soul into each step… everything becomes even more meaningful.
It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve done these routes—each one is unique. And this year, with Giò, Anna, and Rita, it was more special than ever.
Related topics:
Ferrata in the Dolomites: Your Ultimate Guide
