Via Ferrata Sass Rigais: Eastern + Southwestern Routes (original) (raw)

Sass Rigais (3025 m) along with Furcheta (3025 m) is the highest peak in the Puez-Odle (Puez-Geisler) mountain group in the Dolomites.

Set in Puez-Odle Nature Park, the Odle/Geisler mountain range is bounded by Val Gardena, Val di Funes, and Val Badia in South Tyrol.

The only way to reach the summit of Sass Rigais is along a via ferrata, or klettersteig route. In total, there are three secured climbing routes to Sass Rigais peak: eastern, southwestern, and Villnösser Einstieg (Val di Funes entrance). All of these routes are Grade B/C and require special equipment (via ferrata kit).

Most via ferrata hikers start the tour at the Col Raiser mountain station, accessible by cableway from Santa Cristina in Val Gardena. Because we were staying in Casa al Sole in Ortisei, we started the route at the Seceda mountain station. Though the Seceda approach is longer, it was still doable.

We ascended the eastern route and descended the southwestern route, completing the Sass Rigais via ferrata crossing counterclockwise. I’ve explained the differences between these three Sass Rigais ferratas below.

Sass Rigais Via Ferrata, Val Gardena, Dolomites

Via Ferrata Sass Rigais Route Map

Sass Rigais Ferrata Southwestern, Val Gardena, Dolomites

Eastern | The eastern route begins with a very long ascent up the scree-filled gully of Val dla Salieries. The via ferrata follows the eastern ridge to the summit, alternating between secured sections and free scrambling sections.

Southwestern | The southwestern route starts below the Mittagsscharte, a mountain pass that connects Val di Funes with Val Gardena. From the Val Gardena side, the southwestern route branches off trail 29, before reaching the mountain pass. After a secured section, the ascent continues up and across a very rugged slope for a significant amount of time. The southwestern route merges with the higher Villnöss/Val Di Funes route. The hike continues to the base of the southwestern via ferrata, secured to the summit.

Villnösser Einstieg (Val Di Funes Entrance) / Western | This is the via ferrata route that begins at the Mittagsscharte (Forcella de Mesdi / Furcela de Mesdi) mountain pass (2615 m). Those approaching from Val di Funes start here. This is the least popular route, because it’s the most challenging.

We ascended the eastern via ferrata and descended the southwestern via ferrata.

The “eastern” route is more difficult than the “southwestern route,” due to more vertical meters. For that reason, most sources, including bergsteigen.com, recommend ascending the eastern route.

Even so, descending the southwestern route is by no means easy. Though perhaps the secured sections are “easier,” the descent involves a great deal of unsecured, technical hiking over very rugged terrain. When you’re already tired, this is a bit of a nightmare.

Sass Rigais Ferrata Difficulty

Climbing Sass Rigais Via Ferrata, Val Gardena, Dolomites

Sass Rigais is a grade B/C via ferrata, which signifies intermediate difficulty.

Hikers must be very comfortable with exposure, as not all exposed areas are secured.

The actual secured sections are moderate, with one exception.

On the eastern route, there is a chasm, which has to be crossed with one elongated step, mostly using the strength of your arms. You have to anchor your foot across the void and hoist yourself to the other side. To be clear, there’s a “floor” below the chasm, but it’s out of reach. It’s not an abyss.

Long-legged hikers may not even notice this gap.

Though the via ferrata sections present minimal difficulty, the tour as a whole is long and exhausting.

Unlike many intermediate via ferratas we’ve completed (e.g. Oskar Schuster Via Ferrata), the Sass Rigais crossing links two via ferrata routes, which means it doesn’t end at the summit. It continues across the summit for a long time, requiring stamina.

Furthermore, it takes hours to reach the actual start of the via ferrata. Those that aren’t properly acclimated and trained will feel worn out before the actual secured climbing commences. And, I’m speaking from experience, because Kati and I were not in fighting shape when we did this.

For us, the most difficult section of the entire route was the lengthy, unsecured descent across a rugged slope (southwestern route). This section requires great concentration at all times.

When we were carefully picking our way down this chaos of stone, the words “carnage” and “massacre” kept popping up in my mind, because the mountain (the trail, the terrain, etc..) felt butchered.

Where to Start the Sass Rigais Via Ferrata

Col Raiser Gondola Mountain Station

Col Raiser mountain station is the most popular starting point.

The Col Raiser gondola valley station is located in Santa Cristina in Val Gardena, where there is ample paid parking. Check opening times and prices.

Seceda Mountain Station

Seceda, Dolomites

As stated earlier, we decided to start the route at Seceda, because we were staying in Ortisei.

The Seceda approach is 0.4 kilometers longer than the Col Raiser approach. It may feel easier in the morning, because it’s almost entirely downhill (3 meters elevation gain, 222 meters elevation loss).

However, at the end of the day, after completing the via ferrata circuit, you will have to hike up the 222 meters back to Seceda. Those that started at Col Raiser will have an easier time, since it’s the shorter way and mostly downhill.

Seceda Approach (1 hour)

Seceda to Sass Rigais Via Ferrata starting point, Val Gardena, Dolomites

Follow trail 1, bypassing the Seceda ridge, across the Seceda Alp.

Continue on trail 2B to Pieralongia mountain pasture, passing by the hut and the spires. Continue east on trail 2B and then follow signs to the Sass Rigais via ferrata.

Pieralongia, Sass Rigais Via Ferrata Approach, Val Gardena, Dolomites

This very easy, but tremendously stunning path across meadows ultimately brings you to Plan Ciautier at the foot of Sass Rigas.

Trails 13, 2B, and 29 converge at the base of Sass Rigais.

The signed junction indicates the direction of the southwestern approach, the one that branches off trail 29 below the Mittagsscharte. But, when we hiked this route, there was no sign indicating the eastern approach.

Standing at the signed junction facing the Odle Peaks, look to your right, or east. There is a narrow, but well-established path that diagonally ascends a green slope to reach Val dla Salieries.

Seceda Approach Stats

Starting Point | Seceda Cableway Mountain Station

Ending Point | Plan Ciautier Signed Junction

Distance | 3.7 km point-to-point

Time Needed | 1:05 hours

Elevation Gain | 26 meters

Elevation Loss | 199 meters

Eastern Route Ascent (2 – 2:30 hours)

Val dla Salieries/Val dala Salieres, Eastern Route, Sass Rigais, Dolomites

The ascent up Val dla Salieries/Val dala Salieres (Wasserrinnental in German) is long and continuous. This sloping gully reminded me of a slide with a ball pit, with limestone-dolomite rocks rather than colorful plastic balls.

Furcheta looms large above the twisting trail that meanders up mounds of scree, boulders, and rock. Though it looks severe, the trail is rather smooth.

Hiking up Val dla Salieries to the Sass Rigais Via Ferrata starting point, Val Gardena, Dolomites

When you reach the airy saddle, turn left.

The ascent continues for 30 minutes, alternating between free scrambling and hiking sections. Follow the red-painted waymarks.

Via Ferrata Sass Rigais Eastern Route ascent, Puez-Odle, Dolomites

The fixed cables are a joy to see after so much hiking. From the first fixed cable to the summit, it takes about 1 hour.

Fixed cables and footholds along the via ferrata Sass Rigais eastern route, Puez-Odle Nature Park, Dolomites

After navigating a short wall step and a few gullies, the route ascends steeply. This vertical section is secured with fixed cables and footholds.

Sass Rigais Via Ferrata, Val Gardena, Dolomites

After, there’s the airy step across the chasm, which I described earlier. Hikers must bridge the gap with a long elongated step and use your arms to pull yourself across.

Via Ferrata Sass Eastern Ridge Ascent, Val Gardena, Dolomites

The ascent to the summit continues up rock steps, with minimal difficulty.

The summit is marked with a Gipfelkreuz and summit register.

Sass Rigais Summit, Odle Geisler mountains, Dolomites

Eastern Route Ascent Stats

Starting Point | Plan Ciautier Signed Junction

Ending Point | Sass Rigais Summit

Distance | 2.6 km point-to-point

Time Needed | 2 hours (It took us 2:30 hours)

Elevation Gain | 727 meters

Elevation Loss | 5 meters

Southwestern Route Descent (2 – 2:30 hours)

Via Ferrata Sass Rigais Southwestern Route Descent, Dolomites

The via ferrata continues across the southwest ridge.

Though people were ascending this route, it wasn’t as problematic as we expected. There are many opportunities to let people pass, simply by crossing to the other side of the fixed cable.

Sass Rigais Via Ferrata southwestern route, Val Gardena, Dolomites

After the secured cables end, the “middle hiking section” begins. The trail will divide, with the right upper path leading to the Villnöss/Val di Funes Entrance to Mittagsscharte, and the lower left path continuing down the southwest route.

Sass Rigais Southwestern Route descent, hiking section, Dolomites

Following the southwest route, the trail descends across rugged and slippery terrain for at least one hour.

Eventually, the trail eases into friendly serpentines.

There is a final stretch of via ferrata that delivers you to the gully, below Mittagscharte.

Sass Rigais Via Ferrata Southwestern Route, Val Gardena, Dolomites

When you reach the gully, you’re on trail 29. Hike down the timber-bolstered path to complete the Sass Rigais via ferrata circuit.

Trail 29, Puez-Odle Nature Park, Gully at the end of the southwestern route of Sass Rigais ferrata

Southwestern Route Descent Stats

Starting Point | Sass Rigais Summit

Ending Point | Plan Ciautier Signed Junction

Distance | 1.6 km point-to-point

Time Needed | 2 hours (It took us 2:30 hours)

Elevation Gain | 1 meter

Elevation Loss | 721 meters

Return Route to Seceda (1:20 hours)

Mountain pastures along trail 2B, Val Gardena, Dolomites

We returned along the same trail via Pieralongia back to Seceda.

With some time to spare, we ate a Brettljause at Baita Sofie, before hopping on the cableway back down to Ortisei.

Brettljause at Baita Sofie, Seceda, Dolomites

Note: If you’re staying in Ortisei, it’s also possible to descend to the Col Raiser gondola mountain station. From the gondola valley station, you can return by bus to Ortisei.

Seceda Return Stats

Starting Point | Plan Ciautier Signed Junction

Ending Point | Seceda

Distance | 3.7 km point-to-point

Time Needed | 1:20 hours

Elevation Gain | 199 meters

Elevation Loss | 26 meters

Essential Gear for Sass Rigais Klettersteig

You need a full via ferrata kit for this protected climbing route: climbing helmet, climbing harness, and via ferrata lanyard with carabiners. Climbing gloves like Black Diamond half finger gloves are also essential.

Climbing Helmet

Climbing Harness

Lanyard

Where to Stay in Val Gardena

Ortisei

Budget | B&B Lavi Ortisei val Gardena is a clean and comfortable bed and breakfast managed by a very friendly host. The B&B is situated outside of the town center, though within walking distance (~15 minutes).

Midrange | Casa al Sole is a newly renovated bed and breakfast in the center of Ortisei, only a short walk from the Seceda cableway and the Resciesa funicular. Highlights of staying here include the modern minimal interiors, comfortable bedrooms, warm hospitality, and delicious homemade breakfast. At Casa al Sole, Alexandra and Manuel host with great care and enthusiasm, and are always available to offer advice and help make dinner reservations.

Midrange | Chalet Hotel Hartmann is a charming adults-only hotel featuring tastefully furnished alpine interiors, a delicious breakfast buffet, a complimentary afternoon snack, and a spa area (bio-sauna, steam bath and solarium). This is an ideal accommodation for couples and anyone traveling without children. It’s a 20-minute walk to reach the town center.

Midrange | Hotel Garni Walter is a top-rated, family-run accommodation in Ortisei. Guests love the generous breakfast buffet, the views, the location, and the overall cleanliness. It’s a 5-minute walk to the Ortisei village center.

Look for accommodation in Ortisei.

Santa Cristina

Budget | Hotel Garni Ruscel is a great-value bed and breakfast in Santa Cristina. 4 nights minimum stay in high season.

Budget | Bed & Breakfast Kaserer is a charming B&B with clean, traditional rooms and excellent hospitality. 3 nights minimum stay.

Budget | Smart Hotel Saslong is a no-frills hotel in Santa Cristina featuring modern, minimalist interiors decorated in local wood. Guests have access to a self-service bar, free parking (indoor and outdoor), and on-site restaurant serving local cuisine. This is a perfect place to stay if you’re traveling with friends. Book breakfast!

Midrange | Charme Hotel Uridl is a family-run hotel set in a mountain chalet dating back to the 17th century. Stay here for the cozy and quaint atmosphere and delicious breakfast buffets and dinners.

Top Choice – Boutique Luxury | Dorfhotel Beludei is a 4-star-superior boutique hotel set in a quiet location above the village church. Stay here for the innovative cuisine (half board only), Ladin hospitality, and spacious suites. Complimentary Perks: garage parking, winter shuttle to ski slopes, guided hiking tours, and afternoon snack. Read our Dorfhotel Beludei Hotel Review.

Find an accommodation in Santa Cristina.

Selva di Gardena

Budget | Hotel Garni Morene is a clean and comfortable family-run guesthouse, set in an idyllic location outside the town center of Selva. Stay here for the unbeatable price, mountain views, and hospitality. Breakfast included.

Budget | Garni Sunela B&B is an immaculate bed and breakfast with spacious rooms, a spa, bar, parking garage, and a phenomenal breakfast, including fresh eggs from the resident chickens. Check-in is only until 7 pm.

Midrange | Garni Hotel Bel Vert is a B&B in Selva, located on the Biancavieve Slope, outside the town center. Rooms are beautiful and spacious. There’s even a small spa. 3 nights minimum stay.

Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Freina is a welcoming family-run hotel in Selva with an excellent on-site restaurant (serving vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free options), wonderful spa, and free garage parking.

Find an accommodation in Selva di Val Gardena.

Val Gardena Travel and Hiking Guides

Hotels:

Hiking Trails:

Via Ferratas:

GET YOUR FREE EBOOK

Signup for our newsletter to get our guide to “Secret Hiking Destinations in Europe.”

Dolomites Trip Planning Essentials

Use our Dolomites Travel Guide and our Dolomites blog archive to plan an unforgettable trip to northeastern Italy.

When to Visit the Dolomites

Winter Season. For skiing and winter activities, the best time to visit is between mid/late December and March. Read Dolomites in December.

Summer and Fall Seasons. The best time to road trip and hike in the Dolomites is between mid-June and mid-September. If the weather is stable, the hiking season can easily continue until late October. Read Best Time to Visit the Dolomites, Dolomites in September, and Dolomites in October.

Spring Season. Most accommodations in the Dolomites shut down in spring, between the main winter and summer seasons. Spring is too unstable and risky for hiking, due to snow conditions. Learn more: Dolomites in May.

How to Get to the Dolomites

Read How to Get to the Dolomites to find out how to travel to the Dolomites from the closest airports, train stations, and bus terminals.

If you’re traveling without a car, also check out How to Visit the Dolomites Without a Car.

Car Rental

The easiest way to travel between hiking destinations in the Italian Dolomites is with your own car. Check out our itineraries for trip inspiration:

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.

Check car rental rates here.

Best Places to Stay

Figuring out where to stay in the Dolomites is probably the biggest hurdle to planning a trip to the Dolomites. We’ve created three guides to help you decide where to stay:

We suggest choosing 2-4 bases for your Dolomites trip and spending 2-4 nights in each base.

What to See & Do

During your trip to the Dolomites, you can go via ferrata climbing, culinary hiking, hut to hut hiking, cycling, paragliding, and so much more. We’ve highlighted our favorite experiences in Best Things to Do in the Dolomites.

Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be surrounded by glorious mountain scenery and incredible natural landmarks.

In Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites, we’ve outlined the most iconic attractions as well as lesser-known destinations across the Dolomites, including Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Braies, Prato Piazza, Val Fiscalina, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Sorapis, Lago Federa, Seceda, Baita Segantini, and the Adolf Munkel Trail to Geiserlalm, and Cadini di Misurina.

Dolomites Packing List

Hiking Gear

Outdoor Photography Gear

Dolomites Hiking Guides

Hiking in the Dolomites is our passion. Year after year, we love discovering new trails and expanding our knowledge of the area. For day hiking, check out Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites. For trekking, take a look at our guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in the Dolomites and Alta Via 1.

For region-specific hiking trails, check out:

Recommended Hiking Guidebook: Shorter Walks in the Dolomites (Cicerone Guide)

Sass Rigais Via Ferrata climbing guide, Val Gardena, Dolomites

Moon & Honey Travel is an independent blog created by two passionate hikers. We are able to provide free content to you, because of ads and affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Happy travels and happy trails, Sabrina and Kati