Sella Group: Ferrata delle Mèsules

This is the ferrata on the Sella and, seeing that it dates back to 1912, also the oldest. It takes a line through the NW Face of Piz Ciavaces, first climbed in 1909 by Mayer and Haupt. The first 250m up the splendid vertical wall are airy and demanding but the difficulties ease off once the characteristic ledge at half-height is reached. The ferrate is one of the most beautiful in the area and consequently extremely popular. Those who prefer not to queue up… have been warned.

Access. The walk-in takes about 15 minutes. From Passo Sella follow the obvious path NW, traversing beneath the Sella towers to the base of the ferrata situated to the right of a large black streak which marks the line of a waterfall.

Ascent

Begin by climbing up cables to a series of chimneys with pegs. Continue past fantastic vertical rock up the NW Face (ladders and fixed cables) to reach a ledge and amphitheatre: follow this the broken ledge at half-height (2250m). Having surpassed the major difficulties enjoy the splendid view onto the Alps far in the distance and, close up, the elegant and imposing Sassolungo. Traverse left along the enormous ledge to the start of the second part of the ascent which, via gullies and stepped terrain, leads more easily to the Piz Selva summit (2941m).

Descent

From the Mesules plateau follow path no. 649 to forcella Antersase. Descend along path no. 647 down Val Lasties to reach the Passo Sella road which, in 2.5km, leads back up to the pass.

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