MARMOLADA – 3343 m – WEST RIDGE on the Glacier

Difficulty: medium
Performance: hardware included
Dates: dates on request
Price: per person: 210 €
Number of participants: min. 3

Marmolada – Westridge
The Marmolada – reaching a height of 3.343 m at Punta Penìa (meaning “nothing more” in the Ladin language) – is also known as the “Queen of the Dolomites”, as it is the highest peak in the region and home to its largest glacier.

This via ferrata runs along the aerial west ridge of the Marmolada. Technically it is not very difficult, but you are in a very Alpine region with snow and ice. I’ts a very long alpine glacier tour only for very fit participants who should not be underestimated.
Very good physical condition is essential, total 6 hours glacier hiking with crampon and ice axe.

NEWS in the SUMMER SEASON 2023:

The cablecar no longer works! The Marmolada hut is not working, only the Contrin hut is open. Therefore, the ascent is only possible as a 2-day tour.

Starting point:
from Canazei you arrives the village of Alba di Canazei, parking on the Ciampac cable car.

1st day:
Departure from the parking on path n° 602 an easily reached on foot thanks to a dirt road to the refugio Contrin at 2016 m. Total: about 1.30 – 2 hours, 500 m in ascent.
In the evening briefing with the mountain guide and distribution of the hardware.

2st day:
starting at 6am! Now we ascent to the forcella/saddle Marmolada on a path without glacier.
Here starts the via ferrata along the west ridge. From the Marmolada saddle the via ferrata continues along compact plates, always full of artificial steps, which allow an easier progression.
On the summit there are a rest stop to eat and drink something.
Total time ascent: about 4 hours, 1330m in ascent.

Descent:
along the same way to the refugio Contrin and after to Alba di Canazei.
Total time decent: 4,30 hours, 1800m in descent.

Only for very strong climbers! Total hiking time: 8 – 9 hours, 1300 meters in ascent and 1800m in descent!