A climber on a steep, exposed limestone via ferrata.

Via Ferrata in the Sarca Valley

Via Ferrata Adventures
Season
All year
Difficulty
3 / 10 Easy
Duration
1 day
Availability
Sep 2026 → Sep 2027
Group
See individual options
Ratio
Depends on the option
Meeting point
Agreed once the route is chosen, in the Sarca Valley between Sarche, Dro and Arco.

This trip uses our 1-10 overall difficulty scale (technical + fitness + exposure + environment). How this scale works

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights

  • Colodri and Rio Sallagoni for two different introductions to ferrata climbing.
  • Historic ladders and equipped paths on the Scaloni above Ceniga.
  • Longer or more technical outings on Che Guevara and Rino Pisetta.
  • Private groups, with the participant limit shown for each route.

OVERVIEW

About this trip

Some days in the Sarca Valley are a chance to try a ferrata for the first time. Colodri, just above Arco, is a short introduction; Rio Sallagoni takes you into the gorge below Castel Drena, across cables and rope bridges above the water. They’re very different places to climb, and neither is free of exposure. If you’d like a longer outing, the Scaloni follow old ladders and equipped paths above Ceniga. It’s a sentiero attrezzato rather than a continuous ferrata, with some exposed stretches along the way.

Che Guevara and Rino Pisetta ask more of you, in different ways. On Monte Casale, it’s the length of the Che Guevara ascent and descent that makes it a demanding day, more than the individual climbing moves. Rino Pisetta is steep, sustained and very exposed. We only consider it for people with previous ferrata experience.

You can choose the route you have in mind, or tell us a little about your group and we’ll help you decide. We’ll check the weather and conditions

ITINERARY

Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    How the outing works

    We meet at the point agreed for your chosen route, check the forecast and equipment, and practise clipping with the via ferrata set. After the approach, the guide sets a suitable pace on the equipped sections and helps with movement where needed.

    We finish by the appropriate descent path. See the selected option for the expected total outing time. Times include the approach, the equipped section and the walk back. They vary by route and are approximate; the group’s pace and conditions can affect the overall duration.

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements

  • Experience
    No previous via ferrata experience is needed for a suitable first outing on Colodri or Rio Sallagoni. Che Guevara needs strong mountain-walking fitness; Rino Pisetta requires previous ferrata experience and confident movement on steep rock. We assess the group before confirming.
  • Exposure
    All five routes have some exposed terrain. Scaloni is an equipped trail, but it is not exposure-free. Tell us if anyone in your group is unsure about heights or exposed paths.
  • Fitness
    The shorter routes still involve uphill walking and a descent. Scaloni involves a longer walk, while Che Guevara is a full mountain day with substantial ascent and descent. Tell us about your usual walking pace so we can choose a realistic route. Total outing times vary with the approach, descent, conditions and group pace.
  • Equipment
    Each participant needs a helmet, harness and energy-absorbing via ferrata set, plus suitable footwear and clothing. The technical kit is available to rent; tell us what you need before the outing. Rental costs are confirmed separately. Via ferrata gloves are strongly recommended.

GEAR CHECKLIST

Gear list

Required Provided Optional Available to rent

clothing

7
  • Approach shoes
    Required
    Approach or light trekking shoes for the walk-in and descent. Hiking or approach shoes with good grip are needed for the route and the walk down.
  • Base layers
    Required
    Breathable layers suitable for changing temperatures. Choose layers for the season and the selected route.
  • Hiking trousers
    Required
    Comfortable trousers suitable for hiking and scrambling. Wear comfortable trousers you can move in on rock and on the descent.
  • Light waterproof jacket
    Required
    A light waterproof layer that fits in your daypack. Bring it even when the outing starts in fine weather.
  • Gloves & hat
    Optional
    Light gloves, warm gloves or mittens, wool hat / buff. Warm gloves and a hat may be needed in cooler weather; these are separate from the recommended via ferrata gloves.
  • Insulated jacket
    Optional
    Warm insulated jacket (down or synthetic) for stops, summits and emergency situations. Bring additional warmth when the forecast or chosen route calls for it. We confirm this beforehand.
  • Via ferrata gloves
    Optional
    via ferrata gloves to protect your hands on the cable. Strongly recommended for handling the cables, but not mandatory. Bring your own.

emergency

2
  • Emergency bivouac shelter
    Provided
    Lightweight emergency bivouac shelter or thermal blanket for unexpected stops or emergencies.
  • First-aid equipment
    Provided
    The guide carries group emergency equipment; each participant should also carry a small personal first-aid kit.

personal

7
  • Backpack
    Required Available to rent
    Backpack with a gear-carry option; recommended size varies by trip, see the note. Bring a small daypack with room for water, food and a light waterproof layer.
  • Food & water
    Required
    Bring enough food and at least 1–1.5 L of water for the planned day. Carry enough for the full outing, including the approach and descent. We confirm route-specific needs, especially for Che Guevara.
  • Mobile phone
    Required
    Fully charged mobile phone for communication and emergency use.
  • Sun protection
    Required
    High SPF sunscreen and lip balm for protection against sun and wind at altitude. Bring sunscreen and sun protection appropriate for the selected route.
  • Sunglasses
    Required
    Sunglasses for the approach, route and descent. Bring your own.
  • Headlamp / head torch
    Optional
    Head torch with fresh batteries, required for early starts, late finishes or hut stays. A head torch is recommended in case of an early start or delayed return.
  • Power bank & cable
    Optional
    Power bank and charging cable to keep devices operational in cold conditions. Usually not needed for a one-day trip.

safety

2
  • Climbing Harness
    Required Available to rent
    Climbing harness suitable for via ferrata. Required. Tell us beforehand if children are joining so we can check fit and suitability.
  • Climbing Helmet
    Required Available to rent
    UIAA/CE-certified climbing helmet. Required. We can arrange rental with the harness and via ferrata set.

technical

2
  • Via ferrata set
    Required Available to rent
    Energy-absorbing via ferrata set with twin arms and automatic-locking (type K) karabiners. Required. We confirm suitable equipment for each participant before the outing; rental is available.
  • Navigation tools
    Provided
    Map, GPS device or smartphone app with offline maps and route information. Navigation equipment used by the guide is included. A personal map or navigation app is optional.

INCLUDED

Included

Included

  • IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guiding for the selected outing.
  • Route planning based on your group, the forecast and current conditions.
  • Guidance on movement, clipping and pacing along the route.
  • A route and equipment briefing before setting off.
  • The guide's standard group navigation and emergency equipment.
  • Shared ropes and group technical equipment used by the guide for the selected route.
  • Help choosing a suitable route and meeting point before confirmation.

Not included

  • Personal clothing, suitable footwear, food and drinks.
  • Personal technical equipment rental, unless specifically included in your quote.
  • Travel to the meeting point and local transfers, unless explicitly agreed.
  • Travel, medical and mountain-rescue insurance.
  • Accommodation and other overnight costs.
  • Anything else not listed as included or confirmed in your quote.

Optional

  • All personal technical equipment needed for the outing is available to rent through us. Tell us what you need when you send your request; we will confirm the equipment and rental cost before you book.