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Via Ferrata
Canalone


Mountain(s) / Location:
Pale di S. Martino
Maximum Height:
1700 m / 5577 ft
Fletcher/Smith Rating: 4A  
Hofler/Werner Rating:  N/A  
[ Show on Satellite Locator Map ]
This is a good route to test your mettle on a more technically difficult ferrata, but without having to commit to a long, remote route. Situated down low on a valley wall in the Pale di San Martino group, this ferrata is quick to reach, and quick to complete. And it will give you a good idea if you are up to Fletcher/Smith's "Grade 4"!
Regional Locator Map
Annotated Topo Map
Elevation Profiles
The trailhead for the via ferrata Canalone is at the end of a small paved road leading up from near the junctions of highways S50 and S347, not far from the town of S. Martino di Castrozza. There is a good parking lot at the end of the road, and the start of trail 707.
Pale di San Martino
Approach to Canalone
Rifugio Canalone
It is an easy walk up trail 707 (which is basically a closed road for its initial part). Eventually the trail crosses the stream draining the valley, heads into the forest, and climbs in switchbacks to a nice very new rifugio (the rifugio Canalone). This entire walk from the car is only about an hour or so.
The Rifugio Canalone
For experts only!
Start of Ferrata Canalone
Around back of the rifugio is the trail and sign heading to the via ferrata canalone. It is literally only a few hundred metres to the start of the route. What you will be presented with is a securely fastened wire that runs up a very nearly vertical arete of rock. It is steep and hard right away and there is exposure right away. A good test!

The route is steep, but not very long. Soon the steep part ends at a wire junction. The route right leads up to I-don't-know-where. The route left leads around and down back to the bottom, very near the start of the ferrata.
Jenn up steeply!
A ferrata junction
Down over braids
The way down is much easier than the way up, and in no time you'll be back down just a few metres away from where you started up. A quick one hour's walk will have you back at the carpark.
Andrew on wood
Andrew on Descent
Completion of Loop
Interactive trackmap with photo points - via ferrata Canalone - click map to view


Quick Reference Ferrate Route Index

(*) Difficulty rating from the newer Cicerone Guide by Fletcher and Smith
(**) Difficulty rating from older Cicerone Guide by Hofler/Werner

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