Via Ferrata Sass Rigais

The paradox of this route is that the via ferrata is rated as easy while the unequipped sections are often more challenging than the cable-assisted passages. The approach and descent trail alternates between rock slabs, exposed ledges, and long stretches over scree and loose gravel. You will often need to scramble on steep, sometimes dizzying, slopes.

From the top of the Col Raiser cable car (2,100 m), take trail no. 4A northward, then branch off onto trail no. 2B heading east. This trail runs along the southern rock faces of the Odle group in an already spectacular setting, and leads to the foot of the massif at Plan Ciautier in about an hour. There, several routes converge. Follow trail no. 29, which climbs toward Forcella de Mesdì up a steep side valley. Before reaching the pass, bear right toward the via ferrata. However, it still takes a good half hour of walking over technical terrain to reach the first cables.

Once equipped with a harness and helmet, you can tackle the cable section, which has a few rock steps, but nothing too difficult. The route is marked with red dots that you must follow carefully to avoid straying onto a more committing path. From Plan Ciautier, it takes about two and a half hours to reach the summit cross.

After enjoying the magnificent panorama from the summit, you descend via the east via ferrata on the other side. It begins with a steep, equipped section and opens onto the Val Salieres scree, which you descend via a long, steep slope of loose gravel. Then, you join Trail No. 13, which descends toward the Firenze Hut (2,040 m). To return to Col Raiser, follow Trail 4 through meadows and pastures.