Thousands of photographers flock to Passo Giau to capture the insanely photogenic Mount Ra Gusela and the curvy road running right at its foot. Few realize that the summit of Ra Gusela is easily accessible thanks to the beginner via ferrata bearing the same name. So put your helmet on, tighten your harness, clip on your lanyard, and get ready for some of the best sunrise views in the Dolomites.
Total roundtrip distance (incl. approach)
6.8 kilometres / 4.2 miles
Elevation gain
337 meters / 1105 feet
Difficulty
Beginner (A/B)
Time required
3-4 hours
The overview of via ferrata Ra Gusela
Via ferrata Ra Gusela is located near Passo Giau, one of the photogenic mountain passes of the Dolomites. Passo Giau connects Cortina with Selva Di Cadore in the Fiorentina Valley. The route is a circuit, and it is best to follow it counterclockwise. This is a beginner route, so if you have never done a via ferrata before, this is a good one to test your gear and learn new skills.
The map of the via ferrata Ra Gusela
The above map is for visualisation purposes only. I recommend getting the Tabacco map no. 03 and studying it before setting off to understand the route better.
Important info about the via ferrata
When to go: June – October
Trail numbers: 438, 439, 452
Highest point: 2595 meters / 8513 feet
Parking:
46.48238, 12.05342
Trailhead:
46.48238, 12.05342
Nearest towns: Cortina D’Ampezzo, Selva Di Cadore
Getting there
You can reach the start of Via ferrata Ra Gusela with public transport or private car. I marked the parking and bus stop on the map
By bus
During the summer (June-September), you can reach Passo Giau by public transport, using the Dolomitibus service, which connects Cortina d’Ampezzo – Passo Giau – Val Fiorentina.
By car
The Giau mountain pass can be reached within 30 minutes by car from Cortina D’Ampezzo. Before you set off, though, make sure you are a confident driver. The mountain roads in the Dolomites are very narrow and full of hairpin bends.
Route description
From Passo Giau, take the prominent cobblestone path toward Mount Ra Gusela. After ca. 100 meters, you will reach a sign pointing right toward Via Ferrata “Nuvolau” (path no. 438). This is another name the via ferrata Ra Gusela is known for. It takes its name from Nuvolau – the second summit the ferrata leads to.
On the top of Mount Nuvolau stands one of the Dolomites’ oldest and most photogenic mountain huts. The hut bears the same name as the summit on which it stands.
The ferrata initially scales the eastern side of Ra Gusela, and it’s straightforward. The route is marked with red/white paint marks. The cable protection is intermittent. After around 40 minutes of scrambling, you will reach a fork. The summit of Ra Gusela will be to your left and Nuvolau to your right.
I recommend that you first tick off the summit of Ra Gusela. Brace yourself for some jaw-dropping views upon reaching the top. It’s a 360-degree panorama that includes Tofane, Cristallo, and Sorapiss groups. Mount Pelmo, Antelao, Civetta, and Marmolada – Dolomite’s highest peaks can be seen from the peak. Passo Giau, where you started, will be visible below. You will also see Rifugio Nuvolau, your next objective for today.
From the summit of Ra Gusela, descend back to the fork. You will first drop down around 100 meters before climbing up again along a series of ladders and a few cable-protected sections to Rifugio Nuvolau. From Nuvolau, continue downhill along path no. 438. This time marked for Rifugio Averau. It’s a quick 30-minute hike down to the hut.
TIP: Once you reach Rifugio Averau, you can extend your day by adding only 2 hours to the itinerary and scramble to the summit of Mount Averau along via ferrata Averau.
From Rifugio Averau, follow path no. 452 towards Passo Giau. You should reach your car after 1,5 hours of mostly downhill hiking along a well-maintained path.
Overnight stay & dining possibilities
If you would like to catch the sunrise on the top of Mount Ra Gusela, I recommend booking a night in one of the two huts en route. The first, Rifugio Nuvolau (pictured above), lies only approximately 30 minutes from the summit of Ra Gusela. The second, Rifugio Averau, is approximately at the halfway point. Both huts lie on the Alta Via 1 traverse of the Dolomites and book out well in advance.
Where to stay nearby
Cortina D’Ampezzo is the nearest town to the trailhead for the via ferrata Ra Gusela. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Passo Giau. Cortina is located in the heart of the central Dolomites, and it is the perfect town to explore the nearby attractions. I highly recommend staying here for a few days.
Best Value
It is a great hotel away from the city centre with alpine-style rooms and a wellness centre.
Top Rated
Set in the heart of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Hotel Villa Alpina offers Alpine-style rooms, some with a balcony overlooking the Dolomites.
Other activities nearby
Travel resources for the Dolomites
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
Hi Marta. Thanks for the excellent guide. The wife and I will be in the Dolomites next month and are planning to do the following for a day, in this specific order:
1. Loop hike around Cinque Torri (taking the chairlift up to Rifugio Scoiattoli and starting from there)
2. Followed by the hike from Rifugio Scoiattoli to Rifugio Nuvolau passing by Rifugio Averau
3. Hike/via ferrata from Rifugio Averau to the peak of Ra Gusela
4. Return the same way from the peak of Ra Gusela to Rifugio Averau
5. Do via ferrata Averau
6. Return to Rifugio Scoiattoli and take the chairlift back down to the car
Can I ask if steps 3 and 4 in the plan (the return trip from Rifugio Averau to the peak of Ra Gusela) works, and would you have any tips/suggestions?
Hi Sean. From step two you can go to the summit of Ra Gusela directly from Rif. Nuvolau. Then return to Rifugio Averau on a parallel route and do VF Averau.
If I were to visit all these spots myself at once I would do the following. Bus to Passo Giau then VF Ra Gusela from Passo Giau, followed by Nuvolau summit, then descent to rif. Averau, followed by VF Averau, then down to Cinque Torri and chairlift from Scoiatolli, then bus back to town. No Backtracking, no stress with parking and no need to start and end in the same spot.
Hi Marta,
Thank you for your blog! My boyfriend and I have been looking at doing a 4 day portion of the Alta Via trail in early August. I know the Alta Via trail is one of the most famous in Europe so it will be pretty packed, especially in August, but I was wondering if you have any recommendations for a 4 day section that has the rugged views but is a little bit less traveled? We are both strong hikers- he has climbing experience and I don’t have much, but I am definitely willing to try some via ferratas as long as they aren’t super technical!
Hi Kristina. I would definitely recommend the second part of Alta Via 1. Starting in Alleghe, you can take the gondola up, then start the hike and stay the first night in Rifugio Tissi, then Carestiato, Pramperet and walk out to the end on the last day. I hope that helps!
Your descriptions are wonderful and very helpful. I’ll be arriving at Rifugio Averau from the north and spending the night. I was thinking of doing the ferrata on my way down to Passo Giau, but I know this is the opposite direction most do it. Any thoughts on that? Thanks!
Hi Jimmy. Since it is a beginner ferrata you shouldn’t have a problem climbing it down, providing you are surefooted. I do however recommend VF Averau as an extension instead. You can do it lightweight from Rif. Averau the the next day exit to Passo Giau.
Hi! This ferrata is available now in June or maybe it’s difficult to do it because of the snow? Thank you!
Hi Marcel. It is facing East so it is doable in June. I hope that helps!
Hi Marta, Our party of 4 adults and 4 teenagers (14-18) all with some rock climbing experience are looking forward to VF Ra Gusela and then the Rifugio and possibly Mt. Averau. My question is when cabled in how exposed to steep heights are the VF sections? Your detailed descriptions and pictures are amazing!! Thank you.
Hi Drew. Thanks for your amazing feedback! Via Ferrata Ra Gusela and Averau are easy via ferratas but you can still expect decent exposure. In those sections cables have been placed. There is nothing technical about either of these routes. Both via ferratas are very short when it comes down to actual cable time. Averau has less than a 100 meters of cable, the rest is just a hike to the summit. If you are already rock climbers then you will be able to tackle any via ferrata in the Dolomites, as long as you come equipped.
Hi, my boyfriend and I would love to make Via Ferratta. In this case, we were wondering if we need to bring our own equipment. Do you know any places nearby where we can rent the necessaries equipmentsé Does any place provides it? do you know a shop that provides any guides that can help us to show us the way so we can enjoy the activity to the fullest.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Have a nice day
Thierry
Hi Noemi. You can rent Via Ferrata Equipment in Cortina. There are also some sport shops where you can buy one. In Cortina you also have places that offer guiding services.
Beste Marta,
Als je de berghut nuvolau lopend wilt bereiken, dus als ik het goed begrijp met de klok mee (en dan zelfde weg omlaag weer lopend 1,5u) hoeveel km / tijdsduur wandelen omhoog is dit dan?
Alvast bedankt.
Hi Suzanne. I don’t speak Dutch but I translated your comment. I will just leavy my reply in English.
The distance depends on the route that you are taking. If going from Passo Giau it will take around 2 hours to reach the hut.
The quickest way to reach Rifugio Nuvolau is by taking the Cinque Torri chairlift to Rifugio Scoiatolli then from Scoiatolli hike to Nuvolau (ca. 60-90 minutes depending on your speed).
I hope that helps!
Hi Marta,
Planning a trip to the dolomites and your website has been very helpful! Thank you!
So far, we have the condensed 3 days hut to hut Tre Cime planned. We are trying to do the Lagazuoi Tunnels in half a day (looks like 4 hours maybe with an hour lunch or break) – Is there an option to take the gondola down? Even if we didn’t take the gondola down, if we started at 8 we could be at the Giau Pass to start the Ra Rugsela and Nuvolau combo at around worst case 3 or 4pm. That should leave us enough time (2 hr it appears) to get to Nuvolau rifugio hut before sunset. (~ 7:30 early september). Does that all seem reasonable to you? As well we have another 2 days to play with is there anything else you would suggest?
Thanks 🙂 🙂
We are doing the 3 – Day
Hi Brian. Thanks for stopping by on my site. Now for your questions. Yes you can take the cable car one way from Mount Lagazuoi down to Passo Falzarego. If you are planning to stay in Nuvolau that it makes more sense that you first hike from Passo Falzarego to Rifugio Averau (ca. 2 h) (you can follow the trail I describe in my alta via 1 guide, path 441 from Falzarego Pass to Averau hut), then do via ferrata Averau (2-3 h). After that hike up to Rif. Nuvolau (45min from Averau hut), stay the night and the next day descent down to Passo Giau ticking off the summit of Ra Gusela along the way. That way you will get to Nuvolau in time for dinner. if you get there by 7:30 the dinner will be probably already finished. If you plan on arriving at the hut later than 5PM then let them know in advance, otherwise they might give away your reservation and count you as no-show. Let me know if that helps.
Amazing thank you so much! One last questions – Do all the huts serve lunch?
With that information, I think we will make it easier and do the following!
8-12 Lagazuoi tunnels and piccollo Lagazuoi, then take the gondola down and then drive to take the gondola up 5 torri
12-1330 lunch at Scoiattoli
1330-6 Ferrata and will let the refugio we may arrive around 6pm
Hi Brian. Yes you can have lunch at any of the huts. Scoiatolli is quite busy, because it is right at the top of the chairlift station. I had lunch there once and there were a lot of people. I would recommend Averau for lunch. The huts usually stop serving lunch at 4PM so they can prepare dinner for the overnight guests. Sounds like you have a plan.
Oh and thanks for the support on Ko-FI! 🙂
My daughter and I will stay in San Candido for 4 nights. My daughter studies in Bolzano and I’m from the Western Cape. We would love to do a few beginner’s routes around San Candido and maybe towards Cortina too. What can you suggest please? A
+-10 -15 km per day but no hard climbing🫣please. I plan to hike around Mont Blanc next year. I have been following your amazing pists very closely. Thank you kindly!
Hi Andrienette. I have two articles that i published recently with top hikes, photo spot and via ferratas in Puster Valley (San Candido is in the Puster Valley) I recommend that you check it out. I also have a similar article for Cortina D’Ampezzo with suggestions on my favorite routes (including beginner ones). If you still have questions I am happy to schedule a call with you. Here are the details.
Hi Marta, Wondering on your recommendation if we would like to stay at Rifugio Nuvolau, and also do both via ferrata averau as well as ra gusela. Would you recommend starting at passo giau as in the post above, stop and stay the night at Nuvolau, then do VF averau the following day and exit from there?Or coming from the Averau direction and staying at Nuvolau then doing sunrise to Ra Gusela from Rif Nuvolau? Thanks!
Hi Paula. Strong hikers can easily do both ferratas in one day and then exit down to either Passo Falzarego or hike down to Cinque Torri chairlift and take the chairlift down.
If you really want to stay in the hut then yes you can start at Passo Giau go up Ra Gusela then go to the hut and then rest for the rest of the day. The next day you do via ferrata Averau and either return back to Passo Giau or keep hiking to Passo Falzarego. I hope that helps!
Thanks so much. We only wanted to stay at the hut from a photogenic perspective based on one of your other blogs. Do you think it’s worth staying there or should be nice enough to see it during the day? We are strong hikers and could otherwise do it all in one day I’m sure if it wasn’t particularly special to stay at Rif Nuvolau. Thanks again!
Yes Nuvolau has fantastic views. Another great one to stay up is Lagazuoi. You can view some photos from it here. If you did the traverse from Passo Giau to Passo Falzarego then in the afternoon you could catch the cable car up to the Lagazuoi refuge. I hope that helps!
Hi Marte,
Quick question. We are planning on doing VF Ra Gusela from Passo Giau, + VF Averau, then hike to passo falzarego to get the gondola to Rifugio Lagazoui to stay, as you recommended. I have tobacco map # 3, but trying to figure out timings, and wondering if you know how long roughly it takes to hike from Rifugio Averau yo Passo Falzarego via 441. Thanks!
Hi Paula. Hiking from Averau to Passo Falzarego will take no longer than 90 minutes. I hope that helps!
Hi Marta,
I’m planning a Via Ferrata trip to Cortina in the summer so was very excited to find your amazing guide. Just looking at the Via Ferrate Ra Gisela and Averau combo. Could you clarify if the starting and end point are in the same place as planning to go by car. Also any tips on best location and not too expensive accommodation near to majority Via Ferratas would be also really appreciated. We can tackle most via ferrets, including advanced. Many thanks!
Hi Radka. You can start at Passo Giau with Ra Gusela first then from Rif Nuvolau walk down to RIf. Averau. From here you can do via ferrata Averau which will take you back to rif Averau. From the hut you can hike back to Passo Giau on a route parallel to VF Ra Gusela. Get a map of the area then it will make more sense for you.
Your excellent information has motivated me to try a via ferrata on my upcoming visit. Can I rent equipment in Cortina?
Hi Ronnie. I am so happy to hear that. Yes you can rent the gear in Cortina. There are also stores in Cortina that sell them. Have lots of fun and stay safe!
Hi Marta. Your tips and information have been so helpful in planning our upcoming trip to the Dolomites! My husband and I have 1 day in the Cortina area and the top two areas we’re considering hiking is the Cinque Torri or the Tre Cime di Lavaredo areas. Between the two, we’d like to complete at least one Via Ferrata route. As beginners to via Ferrata (but experienced hikers), what is the #1 Via Ferrata you would recommend to us in either of those two areas, that will be the most efficient with our time in also seeing these popular sites of the region. Can’t wait to experience just a small taste of all the Dolomites has to offer. Thanks in advance.
Hi Michelle, Thanks for stopping by and for your lovely feedback. If you are doing Cinque Torri then check out via ferrata Averau. If you are doing Tre Cime Circuit then Innerkofler is a great beginner route to try. I hope that helps!
I usually run and hike in the mountains with trailrunning shoes. Do you think I can use trailrunners also for via ferrata, or is hiking boots recommended?
Also, I would like to thank you for an amazing guide, which I use a lot for my trips to the Dolomites.
Hi Linda. Thanks for stopping by. I noticed that trail running shoes are really popular in the Dolomites, however, do bear in mind that A lot of the trails are very rocky so good toe protection is a must. If that’s what you are most comfortable wearing then go for it. Approach shoes are also a good alternative to heavy hiking boots. Check approach shoes from La Sportiva for example. I hope that helps!