Col Rosa (2,166 m) – Ettore Bovero Via Ferrata [C/D]

Col Rosa (2,166 m a.s.l.) is a peak in the Dolomites, located just a few kilometers north of the popular Cortina d’Ampezzo. The summit can be reached in two ways: via a classic trekking path, or via the interesting Ettore Bovero via ferrata with difficulties reaching C/D [on a scale up to F]. While the summit may not be excessively high, it provides heavenly, panoramic views in every direction. Col Rosa is ideal for a short half-day trip or as a warm-up before higher and more difficult peaks. In this post, I will describe reaching the summit via the Ettore Bovero ferrata and the descent via the trekking variant.

Table of Contents

1. Approach to the Ferrata from Olympia Camping
2. Ettore Bovero Via Ferrata [C/D]
3. Col Rosa Summit (2,166 m a.s.l.)
4. Trekking Descent from Col Rosa
5. Trip Map

Approach to the Ferrata from Olympia Camping

It is almost 5 PM when our group of six leaves our base – Olympia Camping (approx. 1,290 m a.s.l.), located about 5 km from the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo. This is already our second trek of the day – earlier, we were on the nearby peak of Punta Fiames (2,240 m a.s.l.), which features the easy but interesting Strobel ferrata [C]. Following local customs, after the morning trip, we had a two-hour siesta for preparing dinner and relaxing in the Italian sun. However, once the body had rested and the burning rays had softened a bit, it was time for the next challenge: tackling one of the local classics – the Ettore Bovero ferrata.

After crossing the camping entrance gate, we head right onto a wide, comfortable path. For 300 meters, we follow the camping fence, but moments later, we find ourselves among the trees. For a dozen minutes, we walk along a flat path leading through the Boite river valley. From time to time, on the right side, a view opens up of the monumental wall of Punta Fiames, which we had the pleasure of exploring just a few hours ago.

1.3 kilometers from the camping, we reach Pian de Ra Spines (approx. 1,300 m a.s.l.), where the two variants of reaching the Col Rosa summit – ferrata and trekking – diverge. Most of the team chooses the first one, thus starting an intensive ascent via hiking trail no. 408. The path leads through a dense forest, winding in numerous zig-zags up the steep slope. At an altitude of approx. 1,370 m a.s.l., we enter the boundary of the Parco naturale regionale delle Dolomiti d’Ampezzo. Apparently, Italy has such a wealth of beautiful areas that even the magic of the Dolomites here did not qualify for protection within a national park, but “only” a regional one.

The ascent is heavily forested, but I find it very pleasant. Elevation is gained efficiently, the path is comfortable for the boots, interesting views flash from behind the trees, and the intense green of the local forest stimulates all my senses. In this way, after two kilometers of walking and 400 meters of elevation gain, we reach the Passo Pospórcora (1,711 m a.s.l.) pass. This spot is significant because hiking trails from all four cardinal directions cross here. We reach the pass shortly before 6 PM, less than an hour after leaving the camping.

Ettore Bovero Via Ferrata [C/D]

From the Passo Pospórcora pass, we turn northward. We quickly rise above the forest level, entering among dense patches of dwarf mountain pine. Via a stony but comfortable path, we gain another 200 meters of elevation. Ettore Bovero starts in earnest at a level of approx. 1,950 m a.s.l. Although the ferrata is quite short, it is considered fairly ambitious. This is due to several more difficult sections requiring the scaling of vertical walls and dealing with strong exposure. For a person comfortable with rock and heights, the passage should not pose a major problem, but for beginners and intermediates, Ettore Bovero can be a certain challenge.

Ettore Bovero is a sequence of several vertical walls occurring one after another, separated by easier sections. Unlike the nearby Strobel ferrata, the terrain here is demanding enough that instead of climbing purely on the rock, I most often pull myself up on the steel cable. The most difficult section [C/D] leads through a steep and exposed chimney, and I put quite a bit of strength into overcoming it. On the ferrata, I notice the strong exposure – believe me, at times it is really “airy”!

Col Rosa Summit (2,166 m a.s.l.)

The steel cable is brought up to an altitude of approx. 2,060 m a.s.l. Higher up, this type of protection is no longer needed, as the ascent takes on a purely trekking character again. It becomes rocky again just before the summit, where a series of iron rungs were installed to efficiently overcome a small wall. I reach the Col Rosa summit (2,166 m a.s.l.) around 7:05 PM, which is 45 minutes after starting the ferrata and just over two hours after leaving our camping. At the peak, there is a wooden cross and a metal box with a summit register.

And the view… well… I am not exaggerating at all if I write that the panoramic view from the Col Rosa summit is one of the most beautiful things I have experienced during this year’s Italian holidays. The monumental Tofana massif and Cortina d’Ampezzo, surrounded by dozens of peaks, look insanely beautiful from here. Everywhere you look, there is a swarm of peaks of significant height and imaginative shapes. It becomes even more beautiful after 8 PM, when the setting sun floods the limestone walls with soft, golden light. Ah, the Alps…

Trekking Descent from Col Rosa

After a longer break at the summit, we begin the descent via the trekking variant, i.e., hiking trail no. 447. The route runs along the northern slopes of Col Rosa, cutting through the dense dwarf mountain pine layer. At an altitude of approx. 1,800 m a.s.l., the trail turns right, and we find ourselves once again in a dense coniferous forest. We lose the next 500 meters of elevation via a tedious, stony path descending in zig-zags directly toward the Boite river valley. The descent section contains no technical difficulties and does not involve exposure.

A few dozen minutes later, we check back in on the flat dirt road running parallel to the Boite river valley. We turn right, continuing our march for about 2.5 kilometers. In the meantime, it gets completely dark, and we finish the trip by the light of our handheld torches. We return to the camping a few dozen minutes after 9 PM – in high spirits and eager for more adventures. To celebrate a good day’s work, we end the evening with a fantastic pizza from the camping pizzeria. We will need our strength – tomorrow we intend to traverse a real ferrata giant – the Lipella ferrata on Tofana di Rozes.

Date of the trip: August 10, 2025

Trip statistics: 10 km; 880 meters of elevation gain

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Trip Map