Sass De Putia (in German: Peitlerkofel) is one of the most iconic mountains in the Italian Dolomites with fantastic views over the Puez Odle Nature Park. The summit of this lone-standing peak can be reached via a beginner-level via ferrata.
Total roundtrip distance (incl. approach)
12.1 kilometres / 7.5 miles
Elevation gain
930 meters / 3050 feet
Difficulty
Beginner (B)
Time required
5-7 hours
Overview of the via ferrata
Via ferrata Sass De Putia is a perfect route for beginners who never scrambled along a via ferrata. The majority of the trail is a hike. The aided cabled section only begins around 200 vertical meters below the summit. The footholds are always excellent; you won’t need much upper-body strength to complete it. It’s an out-and-back route, meaning you must climb up and down the via ferrata section.
From the summit of Sass De Putia, you will have an incredible 360-degree Panorama of the Austrian Alps to the North and Dolomites to the South, including Marmolada – the highest peak, which you can distinguish by the glaciers clinging to its face.
The map of the via ferrata
Important info about the via ferrata Sass De Putia
The summit of Sass De Putia is 2875 meters (9432 feet) in elevation. The route starts at Passo Delle Erbe and hikes to Del Putia Saddle (Forcella), following the same path as the Sass De Putia Circuit hike. The trail splits on the saddle and follows a zig-zag route towards the summit. Combining the circuit trail with the summit excursion into a full adventure day is possible.
When to go: July – October
Trail numbers: 8A, 4B
Highest point: 2875 meters / 9432 feet
Parking: 46.67479, 11.81321
Trailhead: 46.67479, 11.81321
Nearest towns: Antermoia, Santa Maddalena in Val Di Funes, San Martino in Badia
Getting there
The road to the Delle Erbe mountain pass is narrow and windy. If you are uncomfortable driving on mountain roads, use public transport.
By bus
During the hiking season, buses run regularly to Passo Delle Erbe. Check the Sued Tirol Mobil info website for schedules. The bus stop is called Passo Delle Erbe (Würzjoch).
By car
A big paid parking lot is right on the pass opposite Ütia Di Börz. It can fill up quickly in the high season (July-August). It takes 35 minutes to reach the pass from Santa Maddalena in Val Di Funes, 8 minutes from Antermoia, and 22 minutes from San Martino in Badia.
Overnight stay & dining possibilities
On the via ferrata Sass De Putia, there are a few dining and overnight possibilities. However, all three are very close to the start, so I recommend bringing enough food and water to keep your energy going.
The first two are on the Delle Erbe Pass, near the trailhead: Ütia Di Börz and Baita Cir (dining only). The third, Munt de Fornella, is ca. 30 minutes from the start. I marked all options on the map. If you click on the individual icons, a window will pop up with links to each hotel or restaurant.
Suppose you combine Via ferrata Sass De Putia with the circuit trail around the mountain, and then you will have a couple more dining options: Ütia Vaciara and Ütia Goma.
Where to stay nearby
You can access the Sass De Putia Circuit hike from Val Badia or Val Di Funes. Both are great valleys to base yourself in for a few days and explore the nearby trails and via ferratas.
Best Value
Hotel Rezia in La Villa (Val Badia)
This is a beautiful, modern hotel with a local flair. The fruit and vegetables served in the restaurant are sourced locally.
Top Rated
MiraOdle Apartments (Val Di Funes)
These apartments are in the perfect location to admire the view of the spires in the Odle Geisler group.
Other activities nearby
Hikes
- Adolf Munkel Trail
- Panorama trail
- Seceda Ridgeline
- Alta Via 2
- Croda Rossa (Rotwand)
Via ferrata
- Gunther Messner
- Sass Rigais
- Sassongher
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.
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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.
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- 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.
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