Via ferratas are exciting climbing routes that give you the possibility to reach spectacular places, peaks and views. It is another way of experiencing the mountains and it is highly recommended to hiking experts. If you are not afraid of heights, train regularly and are able to use a via ferrata set, then this sport is perfect for you. A mountain guide is what you need if you want to have an even better experience.
Within the Distretto Laghi (literally “Lake District”, a tourism association in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola) there are many interesting routes. In Baveno, for example, there are the via ferrata dei Picasass and the via ferrata La Miccia, which offer a spectacular view on the Lake Maggiore, the Varese Lake, the Borromean Islands, the Alps and the Pre-Alps. In Valsesia (a valley in the Province of Vercelli), and especially in Varallo, there is the via ferrata del Falconera, a challenging route with a 400-meter long cable that helps you cross overhanging rocks and ledges. There is also the via ferrata del Partusac, a circular route, which is easier and therefore also suitable for beginners; as you go on you can also see two caves standing along the route. In Alagna, at the foot of Monte Rosa, there is the via ferrata di Cimalegna, which is more suitable for children and beginners and includes a 30-meter long rope bridge. The Province of Biella also offers many via ferratas with beautiful places and landscapes. For example there is the via ferrata del Limbo, in Oropa (a hamlet of Biella), one of the first in Piedmont; the via ferrata dell’Infernone, in Sordevolo, which hangs over the stream Elvo; and the via ferrata Nino Staich on the Monte Tovo.
In the Susa Valley as well, in the Province of Turin, there is a route that arose from the remains of a path used during the war: the Via degli Alpini on the Monte Charrà. An insight into history is also given by the via ferrata Carlo Giorda, on Mount Pirchiriano with Saint Michael’s Abbey on its peak. Other well-known routes are ferrata Rocca Bianca, in Caprie, ferrata dell’Orrido di Foresto and ferrata dell’Orrido di Chianocco. The via ferrata Rouas, in Bardonecchia, and the via ferrata della Roceja, in Condove, are also suitable for children and beginners. Some of the most difficult routes are the ferrata di Rocca Candelera in Usseglio (in the Lanzo Valleys) and the ferrata Nicola Ciardelli, in Roreto Chisone (in the Vallone di Bourcet).
Piedmont offers a great variety of routes and some of them are also in the Province of Cuneo. For example, in Maira Valley there is the historical via ferrata degli Alpini, which was built in the 1930s and starts from Acceglio. There we can also find the via ferrata Camoglieres in Macra. In Bellino (Varaita Valley) there is the via ferrata di Rocca Senghi, while in Viola St. Gree (Valle Mongia) there is the challenging via ferrata Rocca dei Corvi.