Monte Popera Circuit: A 4-Day Hut-to-Hut Via Ferrata Adventure

The Monte Popera Circuit is an intense but spectacular four day hut-to-hut trek around the Monte Popera peak in the Sesto (Sexten) Dolomites, Italy. This route is a perfect example of the via ferrata network, connecting hard to reach parts of the Dolomites through a hut-to-hut system. The circuit covers six different via ferratas, requiring not only good physical fitness but also significant mountain experience – there are many exposed sections along the way! I had no doubt this route would be beautiful but Dolomites surprised me again – it was impressive!

Monte Popera Circuit: General Information

📍 Location: Sesto Dolomites, Italy

🍁 Season: Mid-June to mid-October
🪢 Equipment & Preparation: For more information on gear and preparation read the article Via Ferrata: What You Need to Know Before Starting.

Monte Popera Circuit Map

Via Ferratas in the Monte Popera Circuit

The Monte Popera Circuit consists of six via ferratas, ranging from easy to very difficult. Before starting the journey, it is crucial to ensure you are capable of handling the most difficult sections.

• Via ferrata Nord – A/B (2B)
• Via ferrata Mario Zandonella – C (4C)
• Via ferrata Aldo Roghel – C/D (4C)
• Via ferrata Cengia Gabriella – C/D (3C)
• Via ferrata Severino Casara – C (3C)
• Via ferrata Strada degli Alpini – B (2B)

For more information on the via ferrata grading system see article Via Ferrata: What You Need to Know Before Starting.

Monte Popera Circuit: Stages and Progression

Day #1: Rotwand Lift – Rifugio Berti

We began the route by taking the Croda Rossa lift up to the Rotwandwiesen hut. From there, we headed toward the summit of Croda Rossa (2,965 m). We ascended via the easy Via Ferrata Croda Rossa di Sesto (A/B), where 80% of the path is a hiking trail. Steep sections are protected by cables and ladders. The descent followed Via Ferrata Zandonella (C), which is difficult. It features many exposed areas, and about 75% of the route consists of steep sections with via ferrata cables.

Acommodation: Rifugio Berti (1,950 m). Reservations can be made on the Rifugio Berti website. A deposit of €20 per person is required at the time of booking. Alpine club discounts apply.

• Price for a bed with half-board (breakfast and dinner): €66 to €78.
• Price for a bed without food: €32.

Day #2: Rifugio Berti – Rifugio Carducci

This is the longest and hardest day of the Monte Popera Circuit. It combines two very difficult C/D level via ferratas: Aldo Roghel and Cengia Gabriella. This is the shortest path between the Berti and Carducci huts, so if you’ve planned your stay there, there are no convenient alternatives. Once you start the ferratas, there are also no exit routes to bail out from the trek. Due to the difficulty and length, very few people choose this route—we met only two other hikers and quickly lost sight of them, leaving us alone for the rest of the day. What a luxury in the popular Dolomites!

The approach to Via Ferrata Aldo Roghel goes through a long gravel gorge. 95% of the route consists of climbing metal cables and rocks. Helpful steps are installed in the most difficult spots; in a few sections, we even had to overcome overhanging rocks. Via Ferrata Cengia Gabriella is technically easier but significantly longer. Most of it follows a ledge circling the Monte Giralba mountain. There are many exposed areas, and not all have protective cables. It required a lot of attention and focus.

Accommodation: Rifugio Carducci (2,295 m). Reservations open in February and can be made via sending an email. A deposit is required; bank transfer details are provided by email.
Alpine club discounts apply.

Day #3: Rifugio Carducci – Rifugio Zsigmondy Comici

The second day of the Monte Popera Circuit had drained the energy of many, so on day three, part of the team wanted to take a break from via ferratas. When I went to pay for the hut, the warden encouraged us not to skip Via Ferrata Severino Casara (C) – otherwise, he said, we’d miss the most beautiful views the area has to offer. This ferrata was already in my travel plan.

We split into two groups: some rested and took the hiking path to the Comici hut (about 2 hours), while the rest of us turned toward the via ferrata. As soon as we passed the first part of the route, it became clear that the warden knew his surroundings well—the views were the most beautiful of all four days. Via Ferrata Severino Casara was only opened in 2015 and is more accessible; we met more people here. 60% of the route is protected by metal cables, and it features two suspension bridges.

The Rifugio Zsigmondy Comici hut is also very popular, as there are many easy ways to reach it. While the previous huts had a true mountain refuge atmosphere, this one felt more like a busy tavern—lots of loud, celebrating crowds!

Accommodation: Rifugio Zsigmondy Comici (2,224 m). Reservations can be made via the Hut Reservation system. A deposit of €20 per person is required. Alpine club discounts apply.

• Price for a bed with half-board: €66 to €78.
• Price for a bed without food: €32.

Day #4: Rifugio Zsigmondy Comici – Chairlift

The final and easiest day of the Monte Popera Circuit. Most of Via Ferrata Strada degli Alpini (Alpinisteig) follows a wide ledge with metal cables. The northern slopes were covered in snow in some places. We finished the route right where we started—at the Rotwandwiesen hut. Before heading down with the lift, we lay on the grass for a while and stopped at the hut for a meal. The fatigue from all those days and difficult ferratas finally set in. We were all thrilled to have completed such a beautiful route in the Dolomites!

The Monte Popera Circuit is an ideal route for experienced via ferrata enthusiasts looking for a long, technically challenging and extremely scenic trek in the heart of the Sesto Dolomites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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