Via ferrata Sass Rigais, Mountain climbing route in Val Gardena, Dolomites, Italy
The via ferrata Sass Rigais stretches across 12.2 kilometers of rocky terrain, leading climbers through steep sections secured by steel cables to reach 3025 meters elevation.
The route gained recognition when mountaineer Reinhold Messner completed his first ascent of Sass Rigais with his father at age five, before the installation of safety equipment.
The summit features a traditional Alpine cross, reflecting the strong Catholic influence in the Dolomites region while marking the highest point of the climbing route.
Climbers need to rent or bring specific equipment including harnesses, helmets, and via ferrata sets, which are available at rental shops in Ortisei and Selva.
The path offers two distinct climbing options - the steeper eastern route and the moderate southern route - allowing climbers to create a circular journey to the summit.
Location: Santa Cristina - Gherdëina
Address: Sass Rigais, 39047 Santa Cristina Gherdëina, Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol, Italy 39047 39047
GPS coordinates: 46.60835,11.76627
Latest update: November 28, 2025 21:54
Via ferrata routes in the Alps combine steel cables, metal rungs, and bridges into protected climbing paths through alpine rock faces. The routes extend through the Dolomites, French Alps, Austrian Ötztal, and Swiss mountain regions between 2,600 and 9,800 feet in elevation. Routes such as the Ivano Dibona or Cresta Ovest della Marmolada follow former military paths from World War I. Routes like the Via Ferrata de la Cascade in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes run alongside waterfalls and gorges. In the Salzkammergut and Grisons regions, routes such as Postalm and Schwarzhorn access summits and mountain lakes. The Spanish Voie Olmo near Alicante offers Mediterranean climbing sections in limestone cliffs. Technical sections with overhangs and traverses alternate with secured walking passages. Most via ferrata require climbing harnesses and appropriate equipment.
Secëda
3.2 km
Puez-Geisler Nature Park
3 km
Sas Rigais
112 m
Furchëta
702 m
Sandro Pertini via ferrata
0 m
Stevia
3.6 km
Piz Duleda
2.5 km
Pizes de Puez
3.8 km
Gran Fermeda
1.3 km
Sas dla Porta
760 m
Puez-Odle / Puez-Geisler / Pöz-Odles
3.1 km
Gran Odla
946 m
Pitla Fermeda
1.5 km
Piz Somplunt
4 km
Riserva di caccia Zannes
3.3 km
Klettergarten Zanser Alm
1.6 km
Scenic viewpoint
3.2 km
Scenic viewpoint
2.7 km
Scenic viewpoint
1.9 km
Scenic viewpoint
3.6 km
Geislerkino
2 km
Scenic viewpoint
1.8 km
Scenic viewpoint
2.4 km
Dolomites UNESCO Welterbeterrasse Mastlé - Dolomites UNESCO Balcone panoramico Mastlé
2.4 km
Scenic viewpoint
2.5 km
Scenic viewpoint
3.1 km
Scenic viewpoint
2.3 km
Scenic viewpoint
2 kmReviews
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