Terza Cengia del Pomagagnon - Forcella Zumeles

Getting there
From Cortina take the SS 51 to the small village Chiave (1319 m), located about 2.5 Km to the north of the center of Cortina. Continue to the Istituto Elioterapico Putti above the village and park the car here. Access
Close to Istituto Elioterapeutico Putti path no. 202 leads in about 1 1/2 hours through the woods to the base of the large open scree-filled gully that leads up to Forcella del Pomagagnon. Instead of following the path left up into the gully turn right and continue along a narrow track that leads to the start of the traverse. Itinerary
Climb steeply and cross beneath Testa del Bartoldo (2442m), the third peak of five from the left that mark this broken Pomagagnon crest. Once past the exposed southern arete of Costa del Bartoldo (2435m) descend slightly by continuing along the ledge towards the gully that separates Costa del Bartoldo from nearby Croda Cestellis (2250m). Cross this steep gully and ascend up rocky terrain towards the col that divides Croda Cestellis from Punta Erbing (2301), the final two peaks on Pomagagnon’s eastern flank. At this point the ledge terminates and the path continues east following cairns along the opposite side of the ridge that opens out onto Val Grande and the Cristallo massif. The path takes a wide arc and coasts beneath the Crepe di Zuméles walls before leading to the homonymous pass, Forcella Zuméles (2072m). Descent
Descend from Forcella delle Zumeles (from where path no. 205 leads to Rif Franchetti at the foot of the Cristallo massif) following path no. 204 to the starting point at Chiave. 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
This very exposed route poses no particular difficulties but, given its total ascent, is best suited to well experienced, fit walkers. Due care and attention is required when crossing the rubble ledges.