Via Ferrata Hike on Cristallo Mountain – Take Impressive Wide-Angle Shots From Cortina d’Ampezzo

If you are a landscape photographer, your wide-angle photography lenses will come in handy on this very challenging, but very memorable 10.5-kilometer hiking route on the Cristallo mountain group in the Dolomites above Cortina d’Ampezzo. This trail requires extensive hiking experience, and your adventure begins at Rio Gere-Son Forca chairlift valley station. Are you fit for the challenge?

A journey into the past, strenuous and adrenaline-packed via ferrata and impressive panoramic views of numerous famous Dolomite peaks. The via ferrata in the Cristallo Group has everything that distinguishes the Dolomites for mountaineers. For a long time, this tour was often crowded – not known whether for the picturesque beauty of the surrounding landscape or the easy accessibility directly from the famous Eiergondel cable car at the Staunies-Saddle. 

Since 2016, the cable car with passenger cabins, whose shape and colorful coloring reminded us of Easter eggs, has been closed because after the permafrost thawed, the slope became unstable. Whether and until a new cable car opens up this tour makes the climbing circuit a little insider tip – and just outside the gates of the illustrious glamour metropolis of Cortina.

Demanding mountaineers can extend the via ferrata circuit with the ascent of the Cristallo di Mezzos (3150m) via the difficult and exposed ridge via ferrata Marino Bianchi (C/D). 

Directions for your via ferrata journey to Cristallino d’Ampezzo viewpoint and beyond – Ivano Dibona

The tour starts at the parking lot of the Rio Gere-Son Forca chairlift valley station. From there, either ascend to the top station via the hiking trail or take the chairlift. Then, from the mountain station, pass the Son Forca hut and ascend to the right in the scree slope towards Staunies-saddle (beware of falling rocks!). 

Shortly below the saddle, the terrain becomes increasingly steep before reaching the (closed) Lorenzi hut. From here the via ferrata starts in a northwesterly direction. First over a short ladder and rock bands to the suspension bridge (photo spot). 

At the following small junction, optionally turn left on the five-minute summit climb to the Cristallino d’Ampezzo viewpoint (3008m). Then return to the main path and continue along the ridge. To the left there is an emergency exit through a scree field. At another junction straight on to Cresta Bianca (2932m). 

Descend over short walking terrain, a bridge and technically easy rock bands to the emergency bivouac Buffa di Perrero in the Padeon-Saddle. Follow the via ferrata over ascending and descending ribbons to the Alta-Scharte and finally descend to the prominent junction, continue steeply downhill and to the end of the via ferrata. 

From there across steep scree fields to an altitude of 2100 meters. Then cross the mountain flank over numerous Mur cones and continue on the hiking trail to the ski area. Finally, descend via the path parallel to the chairlift to the parking lot. 

Photo tips that will make your Instagram pop – wide-angle shots from Cristallo Mountain to Cortina d’Ampezzo

With good visibility we can see next to the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo all the way to the Marmolada glacier. The most popular souvenir picture is the photograph of the suspension bridge with one or more people in the picture. 

The most famous motif is the old war position carved into the rock with numerous mountain ranges in the background.

For this, it is best to climb up the ladder in the direction of the path and take the photo from an elevated position with the Lorenzi hut in the background. Wide-angle shots from Cristallino d’Ampezzo are also recommended.

Mountain Moments Photo Workshops provide Photo Tours for everybody, Alpine Experience for beginners and intermediate-level photographers with 3 to 6-hour routes, as well as Summit Experience for more advanced photographers and hikers. We have private workshops and group classes.

More information about your next hiking adventure

How to get there by car: A22 Brenner freeway to the Brixen-Pustertal exit, continue on the provincial road to Dobbiaco. Then via the SS51 first to Schlunderbach. Continue on the SP49 past Lake Misurina and finally in the direction of Cortina over the Passo Tre Croci to the parking lot at the Rio Gere-Son Forca chairlift.

How to get there by public transport: There are various direct bus connections to Cortina d’Ampezzo from train stations in the area such as Dobbiaco. From there, take the regional bus to the starting point, which is well connected overall.

Hike difficulty level: very difficult 

Duration/distance: 6h/ 10.5km  

Ascent/descent: 1000m/1500m 

Highest/lowest point: 3008m/1682m 

Refreshment stop: Son Forca hut, Ristorante Rio Gere

Start/finish: Rio Gere-Son Forca valley station (coordinates: geogr. 46.551427, 12.189498) 

Tips: The described sections of the trail can be done by experienced mountaineers without a via ferrata set. Less advanced climbers are best off using a classic via ferrata set. If using the chairlift, take the first lift so as not to ascend the southwest exposed saddle in the midday sun. 

Special dangers: Partial danger of falling! Partially secured via ferrata, long and pathless scree fields, surefooted and head for heights necessary.

The most beautiful photo spots and hikes in the Dolomites – experience this hiking tour and 29 other exceptional trips in the Dolomites now.

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