CORTINA D'AMPEZZO HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Ferrata degli Alpini — the newly equipped Col dei Bos ridge route that begins with an 80‑meter vertical attack and rewards climbers with Dolomite panoramas
A 7‑hour, guide‑led via ferrata on Col dei Bos in the Dolomites that pairs moderate technical pitches and a safe, recently refurbished cable line with broad views of Tofane, Marmolada and other iconic peaks.
Ferrata degli Alpini — the newly equipped Col dei Bos ridge route that begins with an 80‑meter vertical attack and rewards climbers with Dolomite panoramas.
Adventure brief
Ferrata degli Alpini — the newly equipped Col dei Bos ridge route that begins with an 80‑meter vertical attack and rewards climbers with Dolomite panoramas
La Ferrata degli Alpini percorre l'arrotondato spigolo del Col dei Bos, una via ferrata di recente attrezzatura che in breve tempo è diventata una delle più classiche della conca di Cortina d'Ampezzo e delle Dolomiti: passaggi variegati ma mai eccessivamente esposti, un attacco impegnativo e panorami continui su Tofane, Marmolada, Antelao e Sorapiss.
Perched along the eastern edge of Italy’s Dolomites, the Ferrata degli Alpini at Col dei Bos offers a compelling blend of rugged challenge and sweeping alpine views. Located at Passo Falzarego, near the famed mountain town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, this recently equipped via ferrata invites climbers with some technical experience to ascend a vertical spine of rock that frames a panorama unlike any other. Giovanni Orlando leads this immersive seven-hour route, guiding guests through a landscape shaped by geological drama and historical significance.
This climbing route traces an 80-meter vertical wall as its initial hurdle, demanding focus and steady footing. Beyond this crux, the path softens into a series of less exposed but varied climbs that wind up and around the Col dei Bos ridge. Throughout the ascent, climbers encounter well-maintained steel cables and pioli (metal rungs), ensuring secure anchorage and confidence on the route. The rock here is typical Dolomite limestone, characterized by its pale coloration and durable texture, allowing for reliable hand and footholds.
As you climb, views open onto some of the Dolomites’ most iconic peaks: the rugged Tofane massif to the west, the soaring Marmolada glacier to the south, and the jagged silhouettes of Sorapiss and Antelao to the east. The approach trail contains the remnants of World War I fortifications, providing a poignant sense of place amidst the grandeur. This fusion of nature and history enriches the experience, offering a tangible link to the region’s alpine heritage.
Giovanni Orlando’s operation stands out in this corner of the Dolomites by focusing on safety and small-group, personalized attention. Guided climbs here are capped at four participants to maintain intimacy and ensure detailed support. Whether as a training climb for more demanding ferratas or a standalone alpine adventure, this route is a perfect gateway to the Dolomites’ vertical playground. From spring’s freshness to autumn’s golden larches, Ferrata degli Alpini delivers a memorable mountain journey for those ready to meet its challenges head-on.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and key stops
A sequence of approach, the vertical attack, and the crest summit frames the ferrata; the route also links to the Lagazuoi/Passo Falzarego area.
Access trail and wartime remains
A straightforward, beautiful trail leads to the ferrata approach; the path passes First World War remnants and provides a quick, pleasant avvicinamento to the start.
The attack — ~80 m vertical wall
The route's crux: an ascent of approximately 80 metres of vertical rock at the start, demanding steady technique and confidence on vertical terrain.
Crest of Col dei Bos / summit ridge
After the initial wall the route relaxes into varied but less sustained difficulty, following the rounded ridge toward panoramic viewpoints over Tofane, Marmolada and surrounding groups.
Descent and return
Return follows the same access corridors or established descent trails from the Col dei Bos/Lagazuoi area back to the valley; the overall loop is organized as a single full‑day outing.
This is an exposed ferrata best suited to participants with prior ferrata experience; early‑season or late‑autumn ascents are possible depending on snow conditions and exposure.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A recently equipped classic ridge
The Alpini outfitted this ferrata with a new steel cable and many rungs; its variety of enjoyable climbing sections and overall safety have made it rapidly popular among Dolomites ferrata routes.
A stiff opening, manageable thereafter
The most demanding stretch is the initial attack — a roughly 80‑metre vertical ascent — after which the difficulty eases and no comparably hard pitches reappear before the summit.
Constant Dolomite panoramas
Throughout the ascent you look out on signature Dolomite summits — Tofane, Antelao, Sorapiss, Marmolada and the Sella group — making the climb as much a viewpoint as a technical outing.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a compact, full‑day outing: a short, scenic approach that passes First World War remains, a focused period of vertical and exposed climbing on a reliably equipped cable line, then a relaxed final ridge with expansive views — a route tailored to climbers with prior ferrata experience seeking a slightly harder classic.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ferrata suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Full outing planned as a 7‑hour day; the ferrata’s exposure allows ascents early in the season (subject to snow) or in late autumn when larches turn gold.
Sport clothing suited to mountain conditions (including a rain jacket), sturdy trekking boots, and a backpack with water and energy snacks. Personal safety equipment (harness, helmet, ferrata kit) is provided if you lack it.
Guided by a UIAGM mountain guide; outings are organized for small groups up to four participants, with insurance and common safety gear provided in the fee.
Tiered pricing depending on party size: 1 person 300€/person, 2 people 150€/person, 3 people 110€/person, 4 people 90€/person. The fee covers the guide, RC insurance and use of common safety gear.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Ferrata degli Alpini take?
The outing is planned as a 7‑hour day.
What is the difficulty level?
It offers moderate ferrata challenges with a notably demanding initial 80‑metre vertical attack; overall the route is not overly exposed after the start but is best for those with previous ferrata experience.
What are the age or group limits?
Minimum age is 16 years; group size is limited (maximum four participants per outing).
What does the price include?
The fee includes a UIAGM mountain guide service, RC insurance, use of common safety equipment, and personal safety equipment (harness, helmet, ferrata kit) for participants who do not have them.
Can the ferrata be done early in the season or in autumn?
Yes—because of its exposure it can be climbed early in the season or in late autumn, depending on snow conditions; autumn offers notable larch colors.
What personal gear should I bring?
Bring mountain‑appropriate sport clothing (including a rain jacket), trekking boots, and a backpack with water and energy snacks; personal safety equipment is available if you don’t have it.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-16T07:27:00.584Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.