Via Ferrata Ivano Dibona and Marino Bianchi

The route involves a very long and demanding day: nearly 16 km, 1,810 meters of elevation gain, and over ten hours of hiking. The operating hours of the Rio Gere–Son Forca chairlift (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) are too short to complete the entire circuit, so it is essential to start from Passo Tre Croci. Plan for an early start, especially since Passo Tre Croci is also the starting point for the popular Lago di Sorapis trail and parking spots fill up quickly.

From Passo Tre Croci, reach Forcella Son Forca (2,110 m) in about an hour via trail no. 203. Then, descend into Val Padeon via an unnumbered trail. Gradually climb northward to the base of the Ivano Dibona via ferrata, which begins gently with short equipped sections up to Forcella del Vecio (2,687 m).

The route then follows the long southern ridge of Cristallo for several kilometers, alternating between equipped sections, ledges carved into the rock face, short wartime tunnels, and walking sections. The equipped passages are not very technical, but the exposure is almost constant, so you must remain vigilant and belay yourself systematically. You will pass the Buffa di Perrero bivouac (2,770 m) — a former military shelter that was restored in 2022 —, as well as the Forcella Grande and the summit of the Cresta Bianca (2,932 m).

As you approach Ponte Cristallo, the equipped sections become longer, alternating between rocky outcrops and exposed ledges. A short round trip from the ridge leads to the summit of Cristallino d'Ampezzo (3,008 m) — a highly recommended detour for the 360° panorama. Next, you cross the Ponte Cristallo, a thirty-meter-high suspension bridge and the true emblem of the Dibona via ferrata. After a few more ladders and cables, you will reach Forcella Staunies (2,906 m) and the ruins of Rifugio Lorenzi, which has been closed and abandoned since 2016.

This is where the second via ferrata begins. Just behind the refuge, the Marino Bianchi route follows the Cristallo di Mezzo summit ridge. It is shorter but more technical than the Dibona route and features a series of rock steps and overhangs, with a few sections where you need to pull on your arms. At the Cristallo di Mezzo summit (3,150 m), you can see the Tofane to the west, the Sorapiss to the south, the Tre Cime to the east, and the Lago di Landro to the north. The descent follows the same route back to the Lorenzi Refuge.

From Forcella Staunies, the final descent begins with approximately 700 meters of elevation loss over unstable scree in a long, steep gully. This route is ideal for hikers who are comfortable on this type of terrain and can take long strides and slide downhill with control; others will find it long and punishing on the knees. At the bottom, you will reach Rifugio Son Forca, and then Passo Tre Croci via trail no. 203.