As an alternative to the trail through the glacier there is the ferrata of the western ridge, which goes to the Marmolada mountain pass before ascending up to the summit. The circular route is certainly the most popular. From the lush larches and Swiss pines of the pass, you arrive at the Ciamorcià area with its mountain pines and alpine meadows, and as you go up these give way to pioneer vegetation, scree and periglacial rocks. You will then find the Giant’s Kettles, dug out by the melt water of the glacier, and a suggestive canyon, all that remains of an ancient volcanic vein that cut into the limestone;

Go up to the Marmolada mountain pass and then take the ferrata along the Northwest Ridge where you’ll find galleries and remnants of the First World War at an altitude of 3000 m;

For more experienced mountaineers there are several climbing routes on the south face, “the silver wall”, that bring you near the rifugio, including the Tomasson way, which takes its name from the intrepid English climber who first climbed the face in 1904 together with the guides; the Soldà way, the legendary Micheluzzi way, the AlexAnna and the Larcher Vigiani.

EXCURSIONS ON MARMOLADA GLACIER with the Alpine Val di Fassa Guides – SUMMER 2020

1. SUNSET AND SUNRISE AT PUNTA PENIA 3.342m
Departure from Castiglioni Refuge we will start our climb on the glacier through the Normal Route or through the West Ridge Via Ferrata to reach Punta Penia. Here we will have the opportunity to spend the night at Capanna Punta Penia, the highest refuge of the Dolomites 3342m, to enjoy the sunset and a breathtaking sunrise!

Meeting point: 8.30 am or 11 am at Rif. Castiglioni. Expected return: 11.30 am the following day. Altitude gap: 1300m gain (first day), 1300m loss (second day). Normal route price: 300 € per person with 2 people, 200€ per person with 3-4 people. West Ridge price: 310 € per person with 2 people, 210€ per person with 3-4 people. The prices include Mountain Guide UIAGM, equipment (crampons, ice-axes,helmet, via ferrata kit), overnight stay with half board service at the Capanna Punta Penia refuge. Notes: Trekking clothes and boots, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended. Difficulty level: DIFFICULT - ADULTS

For those who prefer, there is also the possibility to overnight at Castiglioni refuge the evening before the excursion, in order to be already at Passo Fedaia early in the morning.

2. NORMAL ROUTE OR VIA FERRATA WEST RIDGE IN ONE DAY Departure from Castiglioni Refuge at 6.00 am. We will start the ascent, we will put on the crampons and continue through the glacier on the Normal route. Alternatively traverse towards Forcella Marmolada and climb along the Via Ferrata West Ridge. The summit will offer a 360° panorama over the val di Fassa Dolomites and beyond. Lunch break at the Punta Penia refuge and return through the Normal route. Price: ​ Normal route 110€ per person (min. 3 people), West Ridge Via Ferrata 120€ (min. 3 people). Price with 2 people: 150€ per person. Private guide 1 person 300€. This excursion requires excellent physical preparation. Altitude gap: 1300m (altitude gain) 1300m (altitude loss). Notes: Trekking clothes and boots, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended. Difficulty level: VERY DIFFICULT - ADULTS
There is the possibility to stay overnight at the refuge Castiglioni both the evening before the excursion (to be already at the Passo Fedaia early in the morning) and the evening after the excursion. Extra cost for accommodation with half board service: € 54 per person per night.

3. CLIMBING ROUTE BETTEGA-TOMASSON (1901 IV+/V)
Departure from Alba di Canazei in the late afternoon to reach the Contrin refuge where you will spend the night. In the morning departure at dawn to tackle the climbing route that goes up to Punta Penia. Great itinerary climbed on July 1st 1901 by Beatrice Tomasson with the guides Michele Bettega and Bortolo Zagonel. Overnight stay at Capanna Punta Penia refuge and we will return to the valley the next day through the via ferrata. Price: € 550 for 1 person, € 700 with 2 people. Overnight stay with half board service at Capanna Penia refuge € 54 per person.