Via Ferrata - Protected Climbing Paths in the Dolomites - Via Ferrata Ivano Dibona -

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Via Ferrata
Ivano Dibona

Mountain(s) / Location: Cristallo Group	Maximum Height: 3018 m / 9900 ft
Fletcher/Smith Rating: 2B Hofler/Werner Rating: C	[ Show on Satellite Locator Map ]

This is a very well-known route in the dolomites. It climbs by and along a whole series of WWI ruins, including many old structures that are still standing. It also climbs across the largest ferrata suspension bridge in the dolomites.

Note: the description on these pages only covers the upper part of the Ivano Dibona route, from the upper Rio Gere chairlift station to a point just beyond the Forcella Grande. At some point in the future, perhaps I'll finish the entire route and update this description. (as of summer 2016, the upper cablecar approach to this ferrata has been shut down due to its old age. not sure if it will reopen - if you want to reach the route, you will have to hike up from the top of the lower chairlift station).

The climbing on the upper portion is not difficult. The protection is good and at worst there are a few slightly airy unprotected sections. Note that this is also a very busy route. The scenery, as is the case with most routes in the dolomites, is fantastic.

Regional Locator Map

Elevation profile over distance

Rio Gere Station

The start is at the lower Rio Gere lift station on Highway S48, not far east of Cortina, where there is a large parking area. Take the two-stage lift system up to a point just below Rifugio Lorenzi.

courtesy PChen

Heading up to Lorenzi

Longest bridge in the dolomites

Entrance to the Rifugio

Upper chairlift station

The ferrata starts around the back of the chairlift station building, where the memorial plaque is located. The route then climbs a steel walkway and steps, then winds around through various tunnels and past lookout holes, with ferrata wire here and there for the exposed parts, then soon comes to the big bridge - the 'Ponte Cristallo' - the longest ferrata bridge in the dolomites.

courtesy PChen

Start of Ivano Dibona

Many people on route

Ivano Dibona route

After crossing the bridge (which is sturdy and sound), the route climbs some ladders, then traverses horizontally along a slightly airy ridge (which is protected in places, but easily done without using).

Wartime building

Ponte Cristallo

Rifugio Lorenzi

courtesy PChen

Ponte Cristallo

Us on the bridge

Jenn on the bridge

Ivano Dibona ridgewalk

Old Wartime structures

At the end of the horizontal portion of ridge, the route starts to descend towards the Forcella Grande. Below you, you can see many interesting looking wartime buildings and ruins. The ferrata protection leads more-or-less continuously down into the Forcella Grande. Along the way, near the bottom, is a neat sniper's station with little portholes pointing out in various directions.

Heading down to ruins

Ruined building from above

Old Gun Station

courtesy DBoyd

Gunner's view

Old wire

Examining the ruins

At the Forcella Grande, a side trail leads north towards the ferrata Renato de Pol. Continuing southwest on the Ivano Dibona route, you quickly arrive at the first couple of these wartime buildings. Also around a other wartime artifacts (wire, wood, etc). This is as far as got on this route before needing to turn back (The route continues for a long way beyond this, past more buildings and eventually ending up coming out on highway SS51).

Examining the past

A bit of style

Jenn climbs down

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(last message posted on Mon. Feb. 11, 04:44 EST 2019 by Anastasia)