Rockfax Description
This is an excellent via ferrata offering some big exposure and dramatic situations at an amenable grade. It is often done in conjunction with an ascent of Roda di Vael to make a full mountain day and this is how it is described here. There are several possible escape routes for those wanting a shorter day. The via ferrata follows the Masare ridge-line which runs south from Roda di Vael. The route can be completed in either direction though south to north, culminating in the ascent of Roda di Vael itself, seems most popular and is described here.
Approach - The usual approach is via the Paolina chairlift which departs from Hotel Alpenrose on the outskirts of Carezza, just west of the top of the Costalunga Pass. The chairlift usually runs from mid June to early October. Carezza itself is famous for its nearby lake of the same name which is well worth a visit if you're in the area.
The Costalunga Pass (SS241 ) is easily accessed from the town of Vigo just south of Pozza in the Val di Fassa. Follow the road for 9km to the top and then descend the west side for another 1.5km. Park in any of the numerous car parks surrounding Hotel Alpenrose.
Take the Paolina chairlift to Rifugio Paolina and follow signs for 'Rifugio Roda di Vael', first on path 539 and then 549, to arrive at the rifugio in 40 minutes.
From Rifugio Roda di Vael, where the Masare ridge-line can clearly be seen to the west, follow signs towards the southern end of the ridge, passing through a large boulderfield, until the start of the wire is reached.
VF - The climbing is immediately enjoyable with good wire and protection. It soon becomes apparent it is not all about the ascent as the via ferrata undulates along the ridge-line providing a considerable amount of down-climbing. There is some great exposure in several sections and the views on a clear day are superb. Eventually the wire veers onto the east side of the ridge and makes a steep descent down onto a grassy slope where via ferrata Masare officially ends. © Rockfax
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Big Routes , Dolomites Trip , Dolomites
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| User | Date | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iani | 7 Aug, 2023 |
Show βeta
βeta: The recommended direction of travel / direction of signposting from the hut is now North to South - Ie take most of the difficulties in ascent. It’s quite polished and there is still a tricky descent section at the end when taken N to S. when we did it most (but not all) were doing it N to S. | βeta? | |
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Show beta
βeta: The recommended direction of travel / direction of signposting from the hut is now North to South - Ie take most of the difficulties in ascent. It’s quite polished and there is still a tricky descent section at the end when taken N to S. when we did it most (but not all) were doing it N to S. |
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