Via Ferrata of Monte Sarrandone

Introduction:

The Ferrata al Monte Sarradone is a short ferrata with no significant difficulties ascending to the little mountain of the same name.
It develops above the village of Castione della Presolana in the province of Bergamo. Short itinerary, ideal as a first approach to Vie Ferrate.
to via ferratas passable for most of the year.

Starting location:

The starting point of the itinerary is located in the hamlet of Bratto-Dorga in the municipality of Castione della Presolana.
Coming from the valley, you pass the village of Bratto in the direction of the Presolana Pass. after a hairpin we will notice in
up on the left the sign indicating the end of the hamlet. A few meters later, always on the left comes a
paved path but with a bar to close the passage. The approach takes place from that lane. possibility
of parking on the left side of the road just before the lane (a car) or about 100 meters ahead (3
cars).

Directions for Google Maps available here.

Approach:

The approach we advise is along the path mentioned in the previous paragraph. Parked the car e
uphill the paved path we climb ignoring a first track to the left. We go up to
intercept a path that comes from the right (path CAI 28) that we take to the left. Not long ago
we will reach a calcareous slab where the via ferrata begins, which is not signed (1260 m - ca 20 'from the parking lot)
- approx. 150 m difference in altitude - coordinates of the via ferrata 45 ° 55'39.30 "N 10 ° 3'59.05" E).

Via Ferrata:

The rock where the ferrata extends is for the most part limestone and in some places, especially towards the end,
dolomite.

The via ferrata can be divided into two sections:

• the first is mostly on rock with moderate slope, in support, practicable both climbing and
  using the steel cable. There are some traits with more pronounced slope but simple. We meet numerous
  supports and holds for hands and feet despite the a lot of vegetation present (mountain grass, small bushes,
  etc);

at the end of the first section, go up a stretch of connecting uphill towards the second slab, passing through the woods.

• the second section is mainly on limestone slabs in support and then becomes more fun with the increase
  of the slope until reaching a nice passage to the right that therefore to a vertical section with beautiful grips from
  go up in fun climbing.

After 20 meters you reach the top with view of the valley below (1460 m - ca 40 'from the start of the via ferrata - ca 1h total).

Descent:

The descent takes place backwards.
An interesting alternative is to do a double abseiling from the summit to a small amphitheater
natural (about 30 meters) and then pass through the woods and resume the via ferrata for the descent. Total time
of the itinerary about 1h 45 '.

Notes:

The via ferrata is fully aided with galvanized steel cable, stretched without slits, fixed with L-shaped taps. The ferrata is
rather simple and pleasant in its development. It is in fact used by some mountain guides in the area as
preparatory course for more challenging ferrates or from CAI schools for youth mountaineering courses. This is
probably the via Ferrata in the province of Bergamo easier with the Ferrata della Madonnina del Coren.

Opportunities:

The ferrata is located on the southern slope of the Presolana subgroup. On the north-east side one can travel along the length
route of the Ferrata to the Passo della Porta. Also in the Orobie Pre-Alps we meet the Via Ferrata Maurizio at Monte Alben,
the Ferrata of the Madonnina del Coren and the Via Ferrata of Monte Ocone. Moving north you can follow high altitude itineraries like the Ferrata del Pizzo del Becco and the Via Ferrata Rossi at Pizzo Strinato.

Review of Davide Ferrari.