The Brigata Tridentina is probably the busiest via ferrata in the Dolomites, and for good reason: in just over 600 metres of climbing it packs in everything you want from a ferrata. You start from the big car park just below Passo Gardena on the Val Badia side and climb alongside a waterfall, first over easy rock steps, then into a rocky funnel where the cables run up a steep, fairly exposed wall. The high point is the Tibetan bridge near Torre Exner: short but dramatic, it swings you across to the Pisciadù plateau.
From there, ten minutes of easy path lead to Rifugio Cavazza al Pisciadù, perched above its mountain lake at 2,585 metres in one of the finest amphitheatres of the Sella Group, with the view opening toward Puez-Odle. This is a hard route, meant for people with via ferrata experience and a full kit: harness, certified via ferrata set with energy absorber, and helmet. If you want to skip the steepest final stretch, you can exit just before the last wall and still reach the refuge by path. However you get there, it's worth every step.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tridentina via ferrata suitable for beginners?
No. It's a hard route (EEA) that needs via ferrata experience, good fitness and a head for heights, with a steep, exposed final section. If it's your first time, go with a mountain guide.
What equipment is needed for the Tridentina?
You need a harness, a certified via ferrata set with energy absorber, and a helmet. Gloves and boots with a grippy sole are strongly recommended. The Tibetan bridge is very exposed but stable and well kept.