Sass de Putia Hike and Via Ferrata

From the Passo delle Erbe trailhead (1,987 m), take the wide forest track heading north (Trail 8A). The trail crosses a pine forest and opens up fifteen minutes later onto vast alpine meadows dotted with wooden huts at the foot of the north face of Sass de Putia. This is where the loop splits. Turn right toward Forcella de Pütia to complete the loop counterclockwise. This allows you to tackle the main ascent with fresh legs.

The trail contours the north face of Sass de Putia facing the Odle di Eores massif before ascending steeply in switchbacks through a wide scree gully (Trail No. 4). This is the first challenging section of the day: a 260-meter climb to Forcella de Pütia (2,357 m). At the pass, there are two routes: straight ahead, Trail No. 4B continues around Sass de Putia—this will be the return route—and to the left, the trail climbs toward the summit.

After an hour of steady progress along switchbacks, a fork appears, separating the two peaks of the massif. To the left is the Piccolo Sas de Putia (2,813 m), which is accessible without a cable. To the right is the Sass de Putia (2,875 m), which has a cable for the final 100 m of elevation gain. The via ferrata is very easy with no technical sections, and many hikers tackle it without a lanyard or harness, simply using the cable as a handline. Nevertheless, full gear is strongly recommended: it would be a shame to take even minimal risks when safety measures are available. After enjoying the wide-open views at the summit, return via the same route to Forcella de Pütia.

Then, descend via trails No. 4B and 35 through meadows and alpine pastures dotted with small log cabins. The peaks of the Puez and Fanes ranges serve as a backdrop. Finally, arrive at Passo Goma (2,109 m). From there, trail No. 8B descends gently through the forest to Ütia de Göma. It then climbs back up via Munt de Fornella and rejoins trail 8A, looping back to Passo delle Erbe.

The trail is well-marked throughout, and the terrain alternates between wide tracks and classic mountain paths. The only real challenge lies in the length and cumulative elevation gain.