The rocky pillar of Dain Piccolo closes the Sarca Valley to the north, towering above the town of Sarche and Lake Toblino. It is difficult, long and challenging
The sheer wall of Dain Piccolo has witnessed some of the most exhilarating feats in climbing, from the masterpiece of the Canna d’Organo freed by Bruno Detassis to the extreme modern routes by Larcher and co..
To the far right of the SE wall a via ferrata was created in 1982 and dedicated to the mountaineer Rino Pisetta. The bolted route is the most challenging in all the Sarca Valley and one of the most difficult in the entire Alps. The continuous exposure, limited number of holds, and length, mean that it requires basic climbing technique as well as athletic training. The first section is deliberately difficult, giving you a chance to understand the nature of the ferrata and if needs be, leave by the escape route, as from here on abandoning the ferrata becomes challenging and dangerous. The route leaves indelible memories with its smooth limestone slabs risingy sheer above Lake Toblino.
Facing a via ferrata requires knowledge of the right technique of progression and some training. If you want to try out this experience for the first time or check the use of the via ferrata set, we recommend that you contact one of our mountain guides: Guides – Via ferratas with the experts
For further information on routes, activities, events and accommodation at lake Garda: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
Safety Tips
Emergency telephone number 112.
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Access
From the roundabout in Sarche follow the road for Madonna di Campiglio for just 50 m, then turn right into a narrow street, which leads to the car park (signposted Via Ferrata). Follow the directions along the trail through the woods, across the base of the Piccolo Dain crag as far as the start of the ferrata marked by a metal plaque.
Ascent
Climb a first vertical wall bolted with cables and at the end of which you canchoose to turn back by taking the bolted trail to the right (1). An exposedtraverse (2) leads to a system of slabs after which you come to a great pillar (3).Head up the pillar, first along the left ridge and then up the centre, until youcome to the log book (4) at the top of the pillar: after this point the route to thesummit is less demanding.
Return
Head north along a steep trail and then a dirt track until you get to thevillage of Ranzo. At the column of San Vigilio take the trail on the leftwhich leads down under the south face of Piccolo Dain. Short sectionsbolted with cables allow you to descend over rocky outcrops and reachthe steep trail which leads down to Sarche.
Sarche is connected by the intercity bus line 205 (Riva del Garda – Sarche – Trento to the other places in Garda Trentino.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
Sarche is about 23 kms from Riva del Garda and Torbole, 17 from Arco. Follow the directions to Trento / SS 45 bis: you pass by Ceniga, Dro and Pietramurata. Once in Sarche, at the roundabout, follow the directions to Madonna di Campiglio / Comano Terme; after 50m, just opposite the gas station, turn right (sign P - Via ferrata Rino Pisetta).
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Parking next to the main road between the two roundabouts in Sarche or in Via Caffaro.
You need to wear the right clothing and take the proper gear when you go hiking in the mountains. Even on relatively short easy outings make sure to take all you need so you don't run into trouble if things take an unexpected turn, for example a storm blows up or you have a sudden drop in energy levels.
What should you absolutely have with you on a via ferrata tour?
