Via Ferrata Funs

As of spring 2020, the difficult path is closed for maintenance.

Introduction:

The Ferrata dei Funs is a recent via ferrata in French style that extends on the Ico Quaranta near Entracque in the province of Cuneo. The via ferrata is vertical, exposed with overhanging sections that make it athletic. The abundance of metal brackets minimizes contact with the rock however our judgment is positive and the itinerary is fun and rewarding.

Starting location:

The starting point is the village of Tetti Violini above Entraque in the province of Cuneo. Once in Tetti Violini, park and take the approach path.

Directions for Google Maps available here.

Approach:

From the parking lot follow the signs and the yellow notches indicating the start of the Ferrata dei Funs. For the first three junctions keep to the right and you will reach the sign of the beginning of the ferrata (30' from the parking lot).

Via Ferrata:

From the approach path the wall is attached diagonally using the brackets also present. We approach an edge and start to climb vertically. As you go up the wall, it takes the form of an unmarked dihedral in which you continue first on one side and then on the other using the abundant brackets present (a feature that will accompany us all along the way). The first section of the via ferrata is decidedly vertical with some overhanging sections and you quickly gain altitude by climbing up the wall in a growing exposure. Unfortunately, the chances of actual climbing are kept to a minimum, however the progression remains fun and the panorama behind us is beautiful. You then come to a marked saddle: on the left an easy road and on the right a difficult road. These soon rejoin. The two variants differ in the amount of overhanging sections present. After the two variants join together, the first section ends and we continue on a path in the woods. We reach a rocky prominence that is around and we are soon on the start of the second section.

The second section begins with a long vertical wall with plenty of brackets. Go up the slab and on the right you can see the suspension bridge that we will soon follow. Continue slightly diagonally until you cross a airy and then meet the bridge. Cross it and you will soon reach the end of the via ferrata (2h 30 'from the start - 3h total). Continue on the path and reach the top (5 'from the end of the via ferrata).

Descent:

The descent takes place following the yellow markings and a partially aided path so we suggest not removing the harness upon arrival of the via ferrata. Descend steeply to a signposted junction. Continue along the path that goes around the climbing wall with the ferrata and after 1 hour rejoins the approach path of the via ferrata and then backwards to the car (1h 30' from the end of the via ferrata - 4h 30' total).

Notes:

The Funs Ferrata is definitely challenging, exposed and athletic. The first section is the most challenging due to the overhanging walls. The subsequent sections, although challenging, are less tiring and more pleasant.

It is a French type via ferrata with plenty of brackets, decidedly athletic and not very climbing. It still remains fun and adrenaline.

Opportunities:

The Ferrata dei Funs is located quite close to another route: in just under an hour by car you can reach the beginning of the itinerary of the Via Ferrata of the BEC Valletta. Among the others via ferrate in the province of Cuneo which we suggest to deepen there are also the Ferrata degli Alpini, the Via Ferrata Chiaronto, the Ferrata Rocca dei Senghi and of Camoglieres in Val Varaita. If you want to move to the south instead you can reach the Via Ferrata of the Artists.