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Via Ferrata Ra Gusela and Averau

This route starts at Passo Giau (2,236 m) and combines two via ferratas in the Nuvolau range. It takes you to two peaks: Monte Nuvolau (2,574 m) and Monte Averau (2,648 m), the highest point in the massif. From each summit, the route offers an exceptional 360° panorama of the Dolomite peaks: Tofane, Cristallo, Sorapiss, Pelmo, Civetta, and Marmolada.

Thanks to its varied terrain, succession of peaks, and rich views, this circuit is considered one of the most beautiful in the region. It also has two mountain huts along the route, including Nuvolau, the oldest in the Dolomites (built in 1883).

Remarks

Parking: Free spots are available along the road to Passo Giau, one of the region's most popular mountain passes. During peak season, these spots fill up quickly, so plan to arrive before 8:00 a.m. to secure one.

Note: The equipped sections are short (shown in purple on the map at markers 1, 2, and 3). This is primarily a hiking route; the via ferratas allow you to reach summits that would otherwise be very difficult to access.

Alternative: Each of the two via ferratas can be done separately. See the dedicated guides: Via Ferrata Ra Gusela and Via Ferrata Averau.

Description and difficulties of the hike

From the Passo Giau (2,236 m), take the wide trail heading north. In just five minutes, you'll reach the first junction, where you should keep right on trail no. 443 toward the Cinque Torri. Continue northeast to a well-marked fork, then take trail no. 438 to the left, which winds upward toward the east face of Ra Gusela. About 45 minutes after setting out, you'll reach the first cable and the start of the via ferrata.

The via ferrata initially follows a wide ledge with a handrail, presenting no particular difficulty. You will go around a ridge and find yourself beneath the eastern face of Ra Gusela, then climb into a chimney. After a few easy sections, you'll emerge onto a small plateau with an almost lunar landscape. From there, you can see Rifugio Nuvolau high above you and the summit of Ra Gusela to your left.

A thirty-minute round trip takes you to the summit of Ra Gusela (2,595 m), which overlooks Passo Giau — an optional but recommended detour (GPX track available on the Ra Gusela via ferrata page). Then, you return to the junction to reach Nuvolau via a second equipped section featuring ladders and slightly exposed rocky passages. This section is not particularly difficult.

From Rifugio Nuvolau, descend toward Rifugio Averau (2,413 m). A marked trail leads to the base of the Averau via ferrata in about fifteen minutes. The equipped section covers only about 50 meters of elevation gain but is very steep and includes a few slightly technical sections — a notch above Ra Gusela. A short walk over scree and loose rock leads to the summit cross of Monte Averau (2,648 m).

The descent follows the same route back to Rifugio Averau and involves going back down the via ferrata. Since 2024, the route has been split into two lanes (ascent on the left and descent on the right), significantly reducing the traffic jams that were previously common. From Rifugio Averau, return to Passo Giau via trails 464 and 452. This gently descending path takes about one hour and fifteen minutes.

What you'll love

Three peaks, two via ferratas, and one circuit: the Ra Gusela (optional) – Nuvolau – Averau sequence reveals new 360° panoramas of the great peaks of the Dolomites at each summit.
Rifugio Nuvolau, the oldest refuge in the Dolomites, perched on the edge of a cliff — the perfect spot for a well-deserved break in a spectacular setting.
An introduction to via ferrata: Ra Gusela lets you build confidence on easy cable sections before tackling Averau, which is short but steeper and more technical — the perfect combination for a gentle introduction to the activity.