Ferrata Sottotenente Mario Fusetti on the Sass de Stria

Start and finish: The starting point of this breathtaking via ferrata in Arabba is the parking area near the Valparola Pass. The route leads through World War 1 tunnels in the Dolomites and past trenches all the way to the summit of the Sass de Stria.
Historical significance: The Via Ferrata Sottotenente Mario Fusetti is dedicated to a former second lieutenant, the hero of the Sass de Stria. In 1915, during the First World War in the Dolomites, he managed to climb the steep, almost vertical face of the mountain and conquer its summit. Surrounded by vastly superior forces, he was eventually forced to surrender and died after a desperate and heroic fight – his remains were never found. For his bravery, Mario Fusetti was awarded the “Medaglia d’oro al valor militare”, Italy’s highest military decoration for valor. The via ferrata in the Dolomites was also created in his honor and was inaugurated in 2018.
Why it’s worth it: Climbing in the Dolomites has never been this exciting! This thrilling via ferrata is extremely scenic, leading through fields of edelweiss and allowing you to visit the open-air museum dedicated to the First World War. On the mighty Sass de Stria, you can get a sense of what the soldiers must have felt during their arduous ascent.
Suitable for: sporty beginners and slightly more experienced climbers – the difficulty level is moderate, with only a few technical challenges.

Ferrata delle Trincee

Start and finish: The starting point is Arabba – from there you can take the cable car to the Porta Vescovo peak and reach the via ferrata entrance in just 15 minutes. This via ferrata in the Dolomites ends at the Bivacco Bontadini – surrounded by numerous military remains – and finally at the Passo Padon.
Historical significance: The Padon Group played an important strategic role during the First World War in the Dolomites. It was intended to block the advance of enemy troops in the event that the Marmolada should fall. Fortifications, caves carved into the rock, and numerous branches leading to machine-gun positions and observation points overlooking the Marmolada all bear witness to the importance of the area around the Ferrata delle Trincee
Why it’s worth it: The Ferrata delle Trincee is one of the most impressive climbing routes in the Dolomites. Not only is it historically significant, but it also offers a stunning view of the Marmolada glacier, the “Queen of the Dolomites.”
Suitable for: climbers with some experience and good physical condition – this popular via ferrata features a few exposed sections and World War 1 tunnels passages in the beautiful Dolomites.

Climbing in Arabba: Discovering traces of the First World War