Sentiero Ivano Dibona - Cristallino d'Ampezzo (3008m)

Getting there
From Cortina take the SS 48 towards Passo Tre Croci to Capanna Rio Gere and park at the start of the Sonforca chairlift (1698m), located beneath Mt. Cristallo. Access
Take the chairlift to Rif. Sonforca and continue in gondolas to Forcella Staunies (2919m). From the top of the lift a clearly signposted iron ladder leads to the first cables.

NOTE: the Staunies lift that leads to Monte Cristallo in the Dolomites was closed on 24/07/2016 until further notice due to 'technical and administrative problems.' Itinerary
From the top of the lift climb up the iron ladder to the first cables which lead leftwards to the wooden ‘Ponte del Cristallo’ suspension bridge. Once across this awe-inspiring but safe gangway that crosses the deep gorge the itinerary continues towards Forcella Grande (2874m), from where an equipped path leads off up to the summit of Cristallino d’Ampezzo (3008m - h 0,30).

From Forcella Grande it is also possible to descend to Forcella Verde and the Ferrata De Pol by following the obvious marked path. Our itinerary continues however past the Forcella Grande and along the south face via ledges, equipped in places, to beneath the Cresta Bianca (2932m). After having passed various military constructions the path leads to Forcella Padeon (2760m) and the bivouac Bivacco Mag. Carlo Buffa di Perrero, before ascending slightly along the south face of Col Pistone (2862m) and Vecio del Forame (2868m) to Forcella Alta (2640m). A steep scree descent leads to Forcella Bassa (2417m), from where a path leads leftwards directly down into Val Padeon, shortening the walk by 2 hours.

The Sentiero Ivano Dibona continues however along scree slopes, past First World War Italian military positions and the Cresta del Zurlon (2379m) to Col dei Stombi (2168m), to then zig-zag rapidly down into the forest and the Val Padeon. Descent
Once on the path no. 203 either proceed to Ospitale (1490m) and the SS 51 to return by bus or second car, or alternatively return to Rif. Somforca (2110m) to then descend by chairlift to the starting point. Gear
Normal via ferrata kit. Maps/Bibliography
Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites: Vol 1 by John Smith and Graham Fletcher. Cicerone Press 2002 Difficulty
Although predominantly downhill and always well-equipped wherever necessary, this itinerary is long and requires a certain degree of general fitness. Check the weather and snow conditions before setting off.