Via Ferrata Vallon

The starting point of the route is the top station of the Vallon chairlift (2537 m), which can be reached from Corvara via two separate lifts: first, the Boè gondola lift takes you up to the Piz Boè Alpine Lounge, then a short walk leads to the Vallon chairlift that brings you to the start of the hike.

Those who wish to avoid the lifts can start from Passo Campolongo (1860 m), between Arabba and Corvara, and hike up the wide CAI 638 trail until the junction leading to the via ferrata, just before reaching Rifugio Kostner.

From the Vallon chairlift top station, follow the sign on the right for the Piz da Lech and Vallon via ferratas. After a level section, the trail climbs gently over scree slopes, staying on the right side of the valley, until reaching the via ferrata start marked with large red dots at the base of an impressive glacial cirque. Alternatively, follow CAI 638 towards Rifugio Kostner and turn off before reaching the hut to enter the cirque.

The Vallon Via Ferrata begins with an easy diagonal traverse and a series of well-stepped rock sections. The cable, always on the left, serves as self-protection, though the climbing is easy and well-featured. After a first chimney, a fixed-aid trail ascends toward a striking black-yellow rock wall. A second, similar chimney leads to the route’s most iconic section: a suspended bridge near a waterfall. While the old route continued to the left of the waterfall, the current one stays on the right side, with the former equipment still visible.

Next comes a 20-meter vertical wall with solid hand and footholds, followed by a diagonal section resembling a sloping dihedral. This leads to the final easy rock steps and a panoramic terrace above the glacial cirque.

From the end of the ferrata, follow the path up to a saddle. From here, you can:

• descend left along the Lichtenfels Trail (CAI 638) to Rifugio Kostner, via an easy trail with a few short protected sections;

• or ascend to Piz Boè (3152 m) along the Cresta Stenta (CAI 672), which features some protected and exposed sections.

From Rifugio Kostner, follow CAI 638 and 646B trails to return to the Vallon chairlift top station.
From here, return to Corvara by descending first with the Vallon chairlift and then with the Boè gondola lift.