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List of forums / Italy / Dolomites / Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta

Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta

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bagi17. 10. 2023 11:26:25
We noticed Mazzetto years ago when we explored the Sexten area more thoroughly (here). At that time, due to logistics, I couldn't include it in the planned traverses, but it came up this year as a one-day tour. The via ferrata is a passage from the open Val Padola valley to the high alpine cirque of Valle Ambata, where numerous Dolomite towers create the feel of true wilderness. That the via ferrata doesn't reach any peak isn't important.

We started in Padola, a larger village near the Austrian-Italian border. First we walked about a kilometer along the main road to the first signs, where we branched off right onto path 125 into the forest. The path is nice, plenty of markings. Higher up we rose above the tree line and at the next junction turned onto transverse path 153. This led us far right across steep slopes all the way to the next junction. There we headed onto the left connecting path 152, which delivered us quite steeply to the via ferrata entrance.

The via ferrata immediately shoots into the rock and quickly crosses Forcello di Tacco to the other side of the ridge. Protections are sufficient, difficulty doesn't exceed B/C category. In between there are also some exposed and unprotected passages that don't pose any major trouble. The whole route slowly turns around Crode di Tacco all the way to the closed cirque of Valle Ambata. Here the via ferrata ends, continuation to bivouac Gera still follows path 152.

At the bivouac we chose path 123 towards Forcella Ambata. This is well followable at the start, towards the saddle it gets lost in the steepness. Due to changes in nature, the red dots aren't always current, so we ascended the most beaten variant. The descent from the saddle isn't exactly praiseworthy. On that steep slope everything is crumbled, lots of scree on hard base. Here we were extremely grateful for occasional cables, which inexplicably run out in many places despite the difficulties. There it went centimeter by centimeter on all fours velik nasmeh. Annoying are also old, outdated path marks that quickly lead you to long impassable areas. Careful here!

After some annoying gymnastics we finally descended to safer ground and soon reached the next junction. There we turned far right onto path 153. After a longer walk we reached pasture Casera Aiarnola and just before it found the sign for Padola. We reached it from the other side than in the morning and thus closed the circular route.

Coordinates of start (Padola): 46.6018725N, 12.4794864E
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta We park in Padola at the central parking lot in front of the church.1
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta We do a loop trail, so we return a short distance on the road.2
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta This is soon replaced by the newly built pedestrian path along the main road.3
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta After barely a kilometer we reach the branch for our route ... Ferata Mazzetta.4
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Some forest follows, then views begin to open.5
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Here we turn right from path 125 onto path 153.6
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta A longer traverse follows along slopes past numerous interesting rock faces. Alta Via 9 also runs here.7
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta At the next junction we turn left onto the steep ascent on path 152 to the ferrata entrance.8
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Just before Forcella di Tacco saddle the first protections appear.9
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Passage over the saddle is fully protected, difficulties in B category range.10
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta The environment is serious with numerous towers, the via ferrata route is logical and natural11
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta One of the nearby towers right above us12
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta The via ferrata slowly descends into a closed valley bounded by numerous peaks13
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Difficulties are category C in some places, no higher14
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Ascent on smooth and crowded slabs, all well protected15
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta We are already in the mysterious valley Valle Ambata, completely unknown to us16
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Monte Rosa, one of the numerous peaks around here17
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Another attractive peak emerges from the fog18
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta It slowly ascends towards the red dot19
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Bivak Gera stands on a safe elevation with a beautiful view20
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Inside there is enough equipment and everything is in good condition21
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Behind the bivouac there is a signpost. We choose direction 123 to Forcello de Ambata22
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta There is still a long way to it and it does not look very comfortable23
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta View back. The bivouac is already far behind us24
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta The ascent to the saddle drags on. There is no path, only rare red marks25
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Only when we reach the saddle does a surprise await us, descent into a collapsed gully26
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Protections are there and not. To them there is often free and very difficult descent on steep scree27
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Then again they are, here the direction is clear. Then again not, occasionally even faded markers are missing. Incomprehensible28
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Only in the lower part of the gully does the steepness ease and allow safer progress29
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Rock-o-meter :). To circle the massif we have to continue right on 15330
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Even here the peaks accompany us31
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta We came over there, but now we will descend into the valley a bit earlier32
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta We are at the alpine pasture Casera Aiarnola and just before it we will turn left towards Padola33
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Directions still marked. Descent into the valley starts as an uncomfortable cart track, then macadam road34
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta Padola, tidy village with nice central area35
Sexten Dolomites – via ferrata Mazzetta GPS track of the walked path. Recorded 14 km and 1600 elevation gain36
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