Via Ferrata Formenton - Tofana di Dentro

Getting there
The itinerary starts at the Tofana cable car, situated close to the ice stadium in Cortina. Access
From Cortina take the three  ‘Freccia nel cielo’ cable cars and follow the path towards the summit of Tofana di Mezzo to a fork signposted  “Ferrata Formenton” that leads up to Tofana III. The ascent of Tofana di Mezzo, though optional, is a useful (and not to be missed) start to the itinerary. Itinerary
From the fork beneath the summit of Tofana di Mezzo cross the ridge and make the steep descent, with the help of cables, to the pass that separates Tofana di Mezzo from nearby Tofana di Dentro (or Tofana III). Ignore the signs for the Via Normale that ascends from Rifugio Giussani and descend to the lowest point between the two Tofane, to then begin the ascent up easy ledges and stepped terrain to the southern crest of Tofana III. The environment is beautiful and alpine. Though not particularly demanding, it guarantees a highly satisfying ascent. Pass a cave and remnants of the First World War to then continue via the wide and well-trodden ridge to the summit (3237m).  From this one can almost touch the slightly higher Tofana di Mezzo, from where the traverse began almost 1 1/2 hours earlier. The view over Cortina and the fantastic Ampezzane summits is truly magnificent. Descent
Descend from the summit following the ‘Ferrata Formenton’ signs along the easy and wide north ridge. At the start of the season this may still be covered in snow and ice and consequently due care and attention is required. The route leads past red wooden markers to the emergency Baracca degli Alpini bivouac in its lower section (2922m 1 hour), before proceeding to col “Sella di Formenton” (2860m). A rocky path leads away from here along the east face to the scree slopes and path no. 407; following signs for Ra Valles the cable car’s middle station is reached, after a final rise, in about half an hour. Finish the route with a comfortable cable car ride back down to Cortina. Gear
Take mountaineering equipment for the snow at the start of the season. Maps/Bibliography
Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites: Vol 1 by John Smith and Graham Fletcher. Cicerone Press 2002 Difficulty
This relatively high up, mid-grade ferrata should only be undertaken in perfect weather. Snow is often to be found at the start of the season and the itinerary demands mountaineering experience, especially along its descent via the north ridge and past its rocky and friable sections.