This relatively new via ferrata provides a great experience to those who don’t want to spend too much energy on the initial approach. Located only a few hundred meters from the nearest road yet still very impressive with its views, Via ferrata Degli Alpini Al Col Dei Bos is nothing to be sniffed at.
Everything to know about Via Ferrata Degli Alpini Al Col Dei Bos
Via Ferrata Degli Alpini Al Col Dei Bos is in the Falzarego Mountain Pass area. This is a historically significant location with many remnants of World War I. The route is quite popular with guided groups, so I suggest starting early to avoid waiting around. As you will see in my photos, I did this route at the break of dawn, which provided fantastic photography conditions.
Via Ferrata Degli Alpini Al Col Dei Bos: Map & Stats
- Distance: 3.7 km / 2.3 mi
- Elevation gain: 470 m / 1540 ft
- Time required: 3-4 hours
- Route difficulty: intermediate (B/C)
- Parking: 46.52025, 12.01926
- Map required: Tabacco Map no. 03 (Dolomiti Ampezzane)
- Accessibility: June – October
The location of Via Ferrata Degli Alpini Al Col Dei Bos
The ferrata starts directly behind “Da Strobel” Restaurant, halfway between the Falzarego mountain pass and the Cinque Torri chairlift. The nearest town is Cortina D’Ampezzo (17 kilometres/ca. 30 minutes away). If you travel by car, ample parking is beside the road and near Rifugio Col Gallina.
Read more: Guide to Cortina D’Ampezzo: Best Hikes, Via Ferratas & Photography Locations.
This is probably the only time I will say it, but you won’t need a map on this route. I still like to carry one because I am always curious about what peaks surround me once I reach the top. Tabacco map no. 03 ( I linked to it in the stats) covers the area, and it can also be purchased at many local stores around Cortina.
Hotel recommendations in Cortina D’Ampezzo
Getting to the trailhead by bus
In the summer, frequent public buses are operated by the Dolomiti bus company. The name of the bus stop near the trailhead is Col Gallina (also marked on the map). Bus lane no. 30 operates on this route, and the journey from Cortina is approximately 40 minutes. You can check for schedules here or on Google Maps.
What you can see along the route
The prominent peaks of Cinque Torri, one of the iconic photography spots in the Dolomites, will be behind you every step. Other distinguishable peaks include the pyramid-shaped Mount Antelao, the second-highest mountain in the Dolomites, nicknamed by the locals the King of the Dolomites.
What would be a King without its Queen? Marmolada – the Dolomiti Queen and the highest peak can be seen in the southwest. You can recognize it from the glaciers covering one of its faces.
Stages of Via Ferrata Degli Alpini Al Col Dei Bos
Stage 1: The Approach
The path is marked with signs for “Col Dei Bos” from the start. It takes around half an hour to reach the first section, which is equipped with cables. En route, you will pass old military ruins dating back to the First World War, one of many war remnants in this part of the Italian Dolomites.
Stage 2: The scrambling
Once you reach the cables, prepare yourself for a challenge. The first bit goes up vertically for about 100 meters, so good strength in your legs and arms will be helpful.
You will be fine if you stay clipped into the cables and watch where you place your feet. Although the whole route to the top is steep and exposed, it is always very well protected.
A few sections along the way allow you to rest your legs and admire the surrounding views. In the gully to your left, you can spot the zig-zag path. This will be your way down.
The whole climb shouldn’t take longer than 2 hours. Add to it the 30 minutes of the initial approach, and in 2,5 hours, you should be standing on the top of Cima Bois (2559 meters). Right below the summit is an ample grass plateau where you can rest and take photos.
Stage 3: The descent
You can descend the same way, but I’d advise against it. Due to the popularity of this via ferrata, it will only create unnecessary traffic. Instead, walk down the scree path you could see on the ascent.
Although not as exciting, it is certainly a lot faster. Within 45 minutes to an hour, you should return to the restaurant, where you can reward yourself with an apple strudel. It’s a staple food after each via ferrata that I complete.
Possible extension to Via Ferrata Degli Alpini Al Col Dei Bos
If you want to extend your day and shoot two birds with one stone, instead of descending, you can head over to Rifugio Lagazuoi, visible from Cima Col Dei Bos, along path no. 401. This famous mountain hut provides access to the Lagazuoi tunnels – a well-known day hike in the Dolomites.
Other things to do around Cortina & Passo Falzarego
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
More travel and hiking resources in the Dolomites
- Photography spots in the Italian Dolomites
- Regions in the Italian Dolomites
- Itineraries for the Italian Dolomites
- Via ferratas in the Italian Dolomites
- Day hikes in the Italian Dolomites
- Hut-to-hut treks in the Italian Dolomites
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If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!
This post is super helpful, thanks for all the info.
Do you think it’s safe for me to do it alone? I have beginner level experience with easy climbs.
Do you recommend any guides there? Thank you!
Hi Gabriela. There are plenty of guiding companies in Cortina D’Ampezzo that often take their clients to this via ferrata. Whether it is safe to do it alone, is something you can only answer yourself. I am always a big advocate of venturing into the mountains with a partner.