The dramatic Cadini Di Misurina viewpoint attracts hundreds of tourists daily, but only a few venture beyond it. You can cross the entire Cadini Di Misurina group along the beginner-friendly via ferrata Sentiero Bonacossa. Hint: It leads to one of my favourite huts in the Dolomites.
Total distance
7.3 kilometres / 4.5 miles
Elevation gain
504 meters / 1653 feet
Difficulty
Beginner (A/B)
Time required
4-5 hours
Overview of the via ferrata Sentiero Bonacossa
Via ferrata Sentiero Bonacossa runs between Rifugio Auronzo in the Tre Cime Nature Park and Col De Varda, which lies just outside the park’s border. The route crossed three mountain saddles: Forcella Rinbiano, Forcella del Diavolo (the highest point of the route), and Forcella di Misurina. It’s one of the very few via ferratas in the Dolomites that can be walked in either direction (in this post, I cover the direction from North to South). This is a fantastic half-day outing and a great route to escape the crowds on the famous Tre Cime Circuit trail.
TIP: Via ferrata Sentiero Bonacossa can be incorporated into a 3-4-day Tre Cime Nature Park traverse.
The map of the via ferrata
I created the map above to help you visualise the route better. Click the arrow in the top left corner to see the map’s details. For proper navigation, I recommend purchasing the Tabacco Map No. 10.
Important info about via ferrata Sentiero Bonacossa
The route is easy to follow, and the cable-protected sections are not long. The only challenging part was an approximately 15-meter-long downclimb in a tight gully (pictured below). Iron rods have been installed along this section to ease the downclimb. All in all, it is a beginner-friendly via ferrata, perfect for first-timers.
When to go: Mid June – Mid October
Trail numbers: 117, 115
Highest point: 2507 meters / 7766 feet
Parking:
46.57769, 12.25309 Parking 2:
46.58849, 12.25702
Trailhead: 46.61186, 12.29608
Nearest towns: Misurina, Dobiacco, Cortina D’Ampezzo
Getting to the trailhead
Since via ferrata Sentiero Bonacossa starts and finishes in two different locations, it’s best to leave your car at the bottom of the Col de Varda chairlift, then walk for 20 minutes (1.7 km / 1 mile) along the shoreline of Lake Misurina to Misurina Genzianella bus stop, then catch the bus to Rifugio Auronzo, where the route begins. That way, your vehicle will wait for you at the finish line.
Alternatively, you can leave your car at the parking lot near the Misurina Genzianella bus stop and walk the distance between the Col De Varda chairlift and the bus stop, after completing the via ferrata.
The Col De Varda chairlift usually runs from the third week of June until the third week of September.
By bus
During summer and early autumn, buses run daily from Dobiacco, Misurina, and Cortina. The bus stop is Rifugio Auronzo. Look for connections on the Süd Tirol Mobil info website.
By car
The last section of the road to Rifugio Auronzo is a toll road, and the parking lot fills up quickly. I do not recommend driving a car. Instead, park your vehicle at either of the two parking lots, which I marked on the map.
Overnight stay & dining possibilities
Rifugio Auronzo is located at the start of Via Ferrata Sentiero Bonacossa, and quite frankly, I am not a big fan of it. It stands near a massive parking lot where all tourists who come to hike the Tre Cime circuit leave their cars.
Rifugio Fonda Savio, one of my favourites in the Dolomites, is the second hut along Via Ferrata Sentiero Bonacossa and a nice alternative to Auronzo. Fonda Savio lies along the famous Alta Via 4. For that reason, it books out many months before summer even starts. You can still have a nice meal before continuing the hike.
At the end of via ferrata Sentiero Bonacossa, you will find Rifugio Col De Varda. This is where you will need to catch the chairlift down to Misurina.
For your reference, I marked all the huts on the map.
TIP: One of my favourite via ferratas in the Dolomites, Via Ferrata Merlone, starts near Rifugio Fonda Savio.
Where to stay nearby
If you plan on tackling via ferrata Sentiero Bonacossa, you can stay in Misurina, Cortina D’Ampezzo, or Dobiacco. Misurina is the closest, but also the smallest. Apart from a few hotels, you won’t find much here. Cortina is a great central hub for exploring the Dolomites. There are many hikes and via ferratas around Cortina that you can tackle (below are some of my recommendations for hotels in Cortina). Dobiacco is located in the Puster Valley in the northern parts of the Dolomites. You will also find many great outdoor activities in Val Pusteria.
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Shop my via ferrata gear essentials
Black Diamond Helmet
Rockfall is a significant concern on via ferrata routes. Unbeknownst to you, other climbing groups above you may accidentally dislodge a small rock and send it down the mountain. If it hits you on the head, it could have serious consequences. A helmet on your head (not inside your backpack) is necessary.
Shop on: Amazon (Worldwide) / Backcountry (US)
Black Diamond Momentum Harness
Another must-have on a via ferrata route is a climbing harness. A harness works as an anchor point for your via ferrata lanyard. Try it before your trip to ensure it fits snugly without limiting your movements. Aim for a lightweight harness that will be comfortable to wear between the cable-protected sections when hiking.
- Shop Women’s on Amazon (Worldwide) / Backcountry (US)
- Shop Men’s on Amazon (Worldwide) / Backcountry (US)
Edelrid, Camp or Black Diamond Via Ferrata Lanyard
A via ferrata lanyard connects the climber and their harness to the cables along the route. Its two arms and a hidden extra coil work as an energy absorption system in case of a fall. The two carabiners at the end of the lanyard clip into the cable. Make sure the carabiners are equipped with the palm squeeze mechanism. It’s the safest and most comfortable.
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Black Diamond Crag Gloves
The gloves protect your hands from cuts and scratches you may otherwise get if you haul yourself on the cable without them. I prefer full-finger gloves for extra protection against blisters. If your hands sweat quickly, go for the fingerless version.
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Salewa Wildfire Edge Approach Shoes
This is my go-to pair of hiking shoes for more accessible trails or via ferrata, where I don’t need extra ankle support. They provide excellent grip on the rock and are very durable.
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Reeloq Smartphone Securing System
If you want to take great photos on a via ferrata without worrying about losing your phone, Reeloq is the best tool for it. It’s a smartphone-securing system that allows you to use your phone on any adventure. This has been a great addition to my tool arsenal.
Shop on: REELOQ