A long and challenging via ferrata, which requires a good training, but offers breathtaking views on the Sarca Valley!
A marvellous route up the east wall of Monte Casale which at 1500 metres is one of the most imposing bastions of the Prealps. The immense concave wall is veined with dozens of climbing routes of the highest level. The protected route climbs for 1200 m along the south face of the great concavity. As you climb higher you feel smaller and smaller amid this sea of rock surrounding you on all sides. Once you reach the summit of Monte Casale, the surroundings change abruptly and bare rock gives way to flowering meadows.
The ferrata does not have any particularly challenging sections but you do need to be in perfect physical health, very fit, and have excellent weather conditions given the length of the ferrata and the absence of any escape routes.
Facing a via ferrata requires knowledge of the right technique of progression and some training. If you want to try out this experience for the first time or check the use of the via ferrata set, we recommend that you contact one of our mountain guides: Guides – Via ferratas with the experts
For further information on routes, activities, events and accommodation at lake Garda: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
Safety Tips
Choose the route based on your actual psycho-physical preparation, technical ability, and experience. Always assess the conditions of crowding, weather, the state of the fixed equipment, and the route. The final decision and responsibility for the passability of the route lie entirely with the person who decides to undertake it. If you are unsure, seek information or rely on qualified professionals.
Only do the via ferrata if you are reasonably fit and in excellent health.
Use proper safety gear (helmet, harness, ferrata kit with double selflocking carabiners and energy absorbing systems). Put on your helmet once you get near to the wall in case of rock falls.
Check the weather report and do not undertake the via ferrata ascent in adverse weather conditions, especially in the event of a thunderstorm threat.
The risk of rock falls increases if there are others on the via ferrata or with wind or rain.
During progression always keep both carabiners clipped onto the safety cable and when you pass the anchor points make sure at least one carabiner is clipped on to the metal cable.
Only one person may be on any length of cable between two anchor points.
Always check route conditions; in winter you may find snow and ice, making progress very dangerous.
Do not do the via ferrata alone: if you have an accident nobody will be able to call for help.
Emergency telephone number 112.
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Access
Park your car on the far side of Pietramurata and take the road on your left which runs along the quarry at the foot of sheer wall of Monte Casale. A steep trail through the woods leads to the first bolted section.
Ascent
The first section has vertical stretches in clefts and dihedrals followed by atraverse to the right and then a diagonal bend back towards the left acrossshort rock walls and ledges up to the summit of Croz del Pin (1). From here youstart crossing the smooth expanse which is the wall of Monte Casale. Rungsand stirrups (2) help you across the ramparts up to an elevation of 1200 m,where you come across the logbook (3). This marks the end of the difficultsection but the ascent continues with another 400 m of elevation gain withshort bolted sections before you reach the summit of Monte Casale and, soonafter, the mountain hut Rifugio Don Zio.
Return
From the Rifugio Don Zio hut take the trail SAT427 towards Sarche and from there continue to Pietramurata.
Pietramurata is connected by the intercity bus line 205 (Riva del Garda – Sarche - Trento) to the other places in Garda Trentino.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
From Riva del Garda and Torbole follow first signs to Arco and then to Trento, on the SS 45 bis. Pietramurata is on the main road, short after Dro.
Parking KS Che Guevara in Pietramurata (Via Collungo).
You need to wear the right clothing and take the proper gear when you go hiking in the mountains. Even on relatively short easy outings make sure to take all you need so you don't run into trouble if things take an unexpected turn, for example a storm blows up or you have a sudden drop in energy levels.
What should you absolutely have with you on a via ferrata tour?
