Ra Gusela (2,595 m) is an incredibly photogenic mountain in the Nuvolau Dolomites, Italy. Rising in all its majesty from the Passo Giau pass, located just 20 km from the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the mountain is well worth not just a photo, but the few hundred meters of elevation gain to the summit. That’s right – you can climb to the top of Ra Gusela via the easy, beginner friendly Via Ferrata Ra Gusela.
General Information about Via ferrata Ra Gusela
- 📍 Mountain Group: Nuvolau Dolomites, Italy
- 🧗♀️ Route Difficulty: A*
- ⏰ Duration: 3–4 hours
- 📏 Total Distance: 7 km
- 📈 Elevation Gain: 500 m
- 🔗 Cable Length: 125 m
- ⛰️ Highest Point: Ra Gusela (2,595 m)
- 🪢 Equipment & Preparation: For more information on via ferrata difficulty levels, required gear and preparation, read our article: Via Ferrata: What You Need to Know Before Starting.
Via Ferrata Ra Gusela: Where to Start?
🅿️ Parking Parcheggio Passo Giau
The most convenient starting point for Via Ferrata Ra Gusela is the Passo Giau mountain pass. There is a large, free parking lot here. Like most spots in the Dolomites during the summer, it fills up quickly, so I recommend arriving early – no later than 8:30 AM to secure a spot. If you do arrive later, you can park along the roadside as you descend from the pass in either direction.
Route Map
Via ferrata Ra Gusela stages
Below, you’ll find the stages and details of the Via Ferrata Ra Gusela route to keep in mind when planning your trip.
Stage 1: Approach
Via Ferrata Ra Gusela is most easily accessed from the Passo Giau pass. After parking at Parcheggio Passo Giau, a wide and obvious trail leads past the Rifugio Fedare hut. This is where Ra Gusela is at its most photogenic. Photographers love coming here at sunrise, when the morning light paints the mountain in the most beautiful hues.
About 100 meters down the wide trail from Passo Giau (don’t walk too far!), you will see a small gate in the fence on your right. Signs might point toward Via Ferrata Nuvolau which is the older name for Via Ferrata Ra Gusela.
After passing through the gate, you will find yourself on a smaller mountain path leading toward the eastern side of Ra Gusela. After heavy rain, the trail can be muddy, but this section is short and soon transitions to a rocky/gravelly mountain path. Follow it until you reach signs pointing toward Via Ferrata Nuvolau. From the trail marker, hike up a short distance to reach the first via ferrata cables.
Stage 2: Via Ferrata Ra Gusela to the Summit
The via ferrata section leading to the summit of Ra Gusela is relatively short and easy. The cables have been recently updated and the rock offers plenty of secure footholds and handholds. After climbing the via ferrata, a red-marked stone path leads to the summit, which is marked by a small cross.
The peak offers a 360-degree panorama of the neighboring Tofane, Cristallo, and Sella mountain groups, with Marmolada on full display. The Passo Giau pass is also clearly visible below – looking up at Ra Gusela from the pass, you’d hardly believe it’s such an accessible climb!
Stage 3: Via ferrata Ra Gusela to Rifugio Nuvolau
Heading down from the summit of Ra Gusela, you return to the same red-marked trail. From here, you can either turn back or continue toward Rifugio Nuvolau situated at the top of the Nuvolau peak. The hut is visible from the trail, as is the path leading to it. Closer to the hut, the trail becomes steeper and another via ferrata section begins. This one is a bit more interesting, featuring installed ladders in places. The ferrata ends right at the Rifugio Nuvolau hut.
Stage 4: Descend
The easiest way back is via the trail leading toward Rifugio Averau, and then along a well-maintained path from Rifugio Averau back to Passo Giau.
Alternative Route Variations
If you want a longer day, I highly recommend combining Via Ferrata Ra Gusela with Via Ferrata Averau, which leads to the summit of Averau. You can also visit the Cinque Torri towers along the same route. Walking around them is a fascinating add-on and there is an open air World War I museum nearby.
Via Ferrata Ra Gusela: Where to Stay?
The easiest way to reach Via Ferrata Ra Gusela is from the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo or its surroundings. Although Cortina is considered the capital of the Dolomites and accommodation here can be quite expensive, you can find more budget-friendly options by booking in advance on Booking.com.
- Option 1: Travelling with a group of 9 people, we comfortably fit into the Spacious Alpine Retreat & Parking apartment. It includes an underground parking space, which is a huge advantage when staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s also centrally located, with plenty of cafes and restaurants within walking distance.
- Option 2: Another great apartment a bit further from the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo (about a 10-minute walk) is Via Cantore Exclusive Stay. It’s suitable for groups of up to 6 people, featuring 3 bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a large balcony with mountain views. These apartments have everything you need for a comfortable stay, including laundry detergent, cooking spices, and more.
Other Nearby Routes
- Via ferrata Averau – A. Suitable for beginners.
- Via ferrata Strada degli Alpini – B. Suitable for beginners.
- Via ferrata degli Alpini al col dei Bos – B/C. Suitable for those with some via ferrata experience.
- Via ferrata Giuseppe Olivieri and Gianni Aglio – C/D. For experts.