16. Via Ferrata Merlone - Cima Cadini (2,788 m)
Difficulty: 2
Total rating: 2
Via ferrata in detail: 35% steel ropes, 30% ladders, 35% exposed tracks
Total duration: ca. 5 hours
Difference of altitude: 890 meters
Duration ascent: ca. 1 ¾ hours
Climbing time: ca. 2 hours (incl. descent across the Ferrata) 280 meters in ascent & descent
Duration descent:ca. 1 ¼ hours (starting from the access of the Ferrata
Orientation: west
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A Via Ferrata with long ladders

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Arrival and starting point
To Dobbiaco, turn left in direction Cortina until Carbonin. Turn left to the Misurina and further in direction Rifugio Auronzo hut (indications). After two curves turn right (following the signs to the hut, parking place). Across the path number 115 to the Rifugio Fonda Savio hut (2.367m).
Difficulty and general information
The west wall of the Cima Cadini Nord east gets over an exposed ladder row. In between there are exposed traverses, passages with steel ropes and not saved walking terrain. In the last part attention regarding thrown object hazard. Unfortunately, this ferrata is not one of the well-maintained tracks in surroundings of Cortina.
Access
From the Rifugio Fonda Savio further on the path number 116 till underneath the Cima Cadini Nordwest and forward to the Cadin del Nevaio. On the marked path turn left (indication “Ferrata Merlone”).
Rout-Information
Scenically a nice mountain hike, which has about 100 meters of difference of altitude along ladders, hardly exposed and steeply upwards through. The uppers part requires mountain experience and foothold. The descent occurs back above the via ferrata, which should be considered at the planning of the tour (weather). For those who love long rows of ladders, this is the right ferrata.
Characteristic and technical details
Three long ladder rows, in between with steel ropes passages and towards the peak exposed walking terrain. The access to the begin of the steel ropes is simple climbing in exposed ground. The ladders as well as the rest of the steel ropes are from an older generation and should absolutely getting modernized. Attention: watch the status of the steel ropes and hooks. In case of unsecure and thundery weather the tour should be avoided.
Descent
The same way back, across the Via ferrata.