Via Ferrata Roda di Vael and Masaré
Base Town: Vigo di Fassa in Val di Fassa, South Tyrol; Transportation: Catinaccio cable car to Valle di Vajolet and then foot to Roda di Vael Hut; Loop Trail from Rifugio Roda di Vael ~5 hours
On day 5 of our Unusual 5 Night Trek in Rosengarten, we hiked the short, flat path to Rifugio Roda di Vael from Rifugio Fronza, where we had stayed the previous night. It was still early in the day and, after consulting briefly with the friendly staff at Roda di Vael hut, we set out for an awesome loop hike that included multiple via ferrata courses. We were advised to approach the first course from a counter-clockwise path, which led us up a narrow steep gully to Vajalon Pass.
At the pass, we encountered the first assisted climbing route, which follows a prominent ridge all the way to the summit. There were a lot of families with small kids doing this course because it’s pretty easy and straightforward. It was fun to watch kids “learning the ropes” and just having a blast! At the summit, we ate a chocolate bar, enjoyed the views, and watched some base jumpers dive into the valley, colorful parachutes fluttering in the wind.
The backside of Mt. Vajalon is a steep, narrow switchback down to the top of a deep ravine. Here, climbers have to cross the ravine and then navigate the via ferrata up a vertical cliff to the other side. Ahead of us was a group of children ranging in age from maybe 7-12 years of age, guided by a few adult chaperones. Rockstars! They navigated the course with fearless determination! Climbing often looks a lot scarier than it actually is to a casual observer. This section is proof that anyone with the proper safety gear and a little bravery can give it a go!
On the opposite side of the ravine, we had a short hike and some scrambling up a tall spire with a peephole and cross, followed by another steep switchback descent. The last long section of via ferrata wound its way in, up, down, around, and through a series of about five limestone towers. It was a very fun and long section, with lots of other climbers. We often had to wait for a line of slower moving climbers, but it gave us plenty of time to admire the vast views of Marmolada, Sella Group, Rosengarten, and Val di Fassa from our vantage point.
After the final via ferrata section, the path takes a leisurely descent through a grassy meadow. The late afternoon sun cast a burnt orange tint across the field as we made our way back to Rifugio Roda di Vael for the final night of our first 5 Night Rosengarten Trek.
Grand Rosengarten view on our walk out of the mountains and back into Vigo di Fassa.
