Via Ferrata Degli Alpini - Col dei Bos
Hike overview
The Via Ferrata degli Alpini climbs the west face of Col dei Bos, a rocky pyramid rising between the Tofane and Lagazuoi massifs. It follows a World War I military path refurbished in 2007 by the Alpini, the Italian Army's mountain infantry corps, for a vertical and exposed route. Hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the Tofane, Sorapiss, Antelao, and Cinque Torri massifs. Its main drawback is its own success: the short approach and the site's popularity quickly lead to bottlenecks at the base of the rock face.
Remarks
Parking: Free roadside parking is available near Ristorante Da Strobel, about 1 km down from Passo Falzarego toward Cortina.
Timing: Set off early, ideally before 8:00 a.m., to avoid guided groups and lines at the foot of the via ferrata.
Equipment: A helmet, harness, and lanyard with an energy absorber are mandatory. Via ferrata gloves are recommended, as cable traction is necessary in places.
Extension: From the summit, you can reach the Piccolo Lagazuoi via trail no. 401, and then visit the Lagazuoi tunnels (Italian front, 1915–1917).
Description and difficulties of the hike
From the Col Gallina trailhead, the trail crosses a small bridge over the Rio Lagazuoi and climbs to a wide mule track. Follow the signposts for "Col dei Bos," passing near World War I remains — former military hospitals, ruins of observation posts — before reaching the base of the rock face in about twenty minutes. The approach is short and straightforward.
The via ferrata begins immediately with its most challenging section: about twenty vertical meters along two cracks on smooth rock with few natural holds, requiring some firm pulls on the cable. Once past this initial section, the route becomes easier with well-equipped vertical sections, airy traverses with good holds, and short ledges connecting the bolted sections. Exposure remains high along nearly the entire route, particularly at the bypass of a spur roughly two-thirds of the way up. The final wall is about ten meters long and follows a crack with good holds. It leads to the summit plateau and the wooden cross at Col dei Bos. Allow about two hours for this equipped section.
The descent follows an unmarked trail that heads north from the summit and plunges into a switchback gully. The terrain is steep and covered with loose gravel — particularly slippery. This is the most treacherous section of the entire route and should be approached with caution. Trekking poles are strongly recommended. You'll reach the trail junction in about 45 minutes and then the parking lot.
What you'll love
- The unbeatable approach-to-climbing ratio: less than twenty minutes of walking to access a via ferrata with nearly 400 meters of elevation gain.
- The vertical, airy, and varied route, concentrated into two hours of actual climbing.
- The magnificent panorama at the summit, in the heart of one of the most beautiful areas of the Dolomites.
Map and elevation profile of the hike
Slideshow
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