Complete Picture Guide to the Pitla Cir Via Ferrata, Dolomites

The Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze), a 2,514-metre peak in the Cir Group of the Puez-Odle Nature Park in the Italian Dolomites, offers a rewarding via ferrata experience for climbers of all levels.

With its moderate difficulty (graded B), the Pitla Cir (meaning Small Cir) is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate climbers, including children. Its convenient starting point and manageable challenges make it a great option for those looking to expand their climbing experience.

As you ascend the route, enjoy stunning views of the Sella Group and Sassolungo while navigating exposed sections with secure cables. While not overly demanding, the route offers enough challenge to keep things interesting.

We combined the Pitla Cir via ferrata with the Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze) via ferrata, starting on the Pitla Cir. My two children, ages 10 and 13, absolutely nailed both routes.

Note: Always check official sources for the latest information on the via ferrata route’s accessibility before you set out on your adventure.

Table of Contents

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Stats for the Pitla Cir Via Ferrata

Start/Finish: Passo Gardena (Grödner Joch)
Distance: 3.5 km
Difficulty: B
Wire Length: 100 m
Time: 3-4 hours
Total Ascent/Descent: 415 m
Minimum Elevation: 2113 m
Maximum Elevation: 2514 m
Mountain Group: Puez Group
Map: Tabacco 05 – Val Gardena – Alpe di Siusi / Göden – Seiseralm or Tabacco 07 – Alta Badia Arabba / Marmolada
Route Map & Stats, GPX File: View Route Map & Stats and Download GPX File
Parking: Passo Gardena parking | Open in Google Maps

Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) (blue) and Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze) (red) Via Ferrata – Route Map

Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) Via Ferrata – Elevation Profile

Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) Via Ferrata – Elevation Profile

Getting to the Start of the Pitla Cir Via Ferrata

Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) | Passo Gardena (Groedner Joch) — Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) via Ferrata | Passo Gardena (Grödner Joch) Parking

The car park at Passo Gardena (Grödner Joch) is the starting point to access the Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) via ferrata. Parking is available on both sides of the road (fees apply). Due to high demand during the summer months (July and August), it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a parking space.

Alternatively, you can take the cable car from Selva di Val Gardena (Wolkenstein) to the Dantercëpies Mountain Station. From there, it’s a quick 15-minute hike to the start of the via ferrata.

Pitla Cir Via Ferrata Trail Description

From Passo Gardena (Grödner Joch), follow trail number 2B for a 30-minute hike to Pitla Cir.

Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) via Ferrata | Sign-Post to Pitla Cir

At the junction, turn onto path no. 12A towards Dantercëpies. The Pitla Cir via ferrata is located along this route before reaching Dantercëpies.

Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) via Ferrata | Sign-Post towards Dantercëpies

Alternatively, save yourself 30 minutes of hiking by taking the Cir chairlift from Passo Gardena (Grödner Joch), which is what we did.

Needless to say that my kids loved the chairlift ride…!

Tip: For an even more adventurous day, consider combining the Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) via ferrata with the nearby, easier Gran Cir (Grosse Cirspitze) via ferrata – that’s exactly what we did! The reward for your efforts is a truly breathtaking panorama that won’t disappoint.

Climbing the Pitla Cir Via Ferrata

After the chairlift ride, it’s a 15-minute hike on path no. 12A to the start of the via ferrata. The via ferrata begins to the left of the descent gully. Red paint dots mark the route, leading you shortly to the aided-cable section where you’ll clip in your via ferrata set.

The initial ascent is steep and exhilarating, offering a fantastic introduction to the via ferrata experience. Both my children and I thoroughly enjoyed this challenging yet rewarding section.

The junction at the ladder marks the point where the ascent and descent paths diverge. To continue your climb, ascend the ladder. On your return, follow the designated descent route.

The ascent continues with thrilling climbing.

Admire breath-taking views of Sassolungo (Langkofel) to the southwest…

… while the majestic Sella Group towers to the south.

The obligatory summit picture with the Sella Group in the background!

Descending the Pitla Cir via Ferrata

The descent route differs from the ascent, helping to avoid congestion on the via ferrata.

You’ll descend a steep gully where the final section is unprotected by cables but should pose no significant challenges.

At the junction by the ladder, continue along the path you used for the ascent to return to the starting point.

Tip: If you’re planning to climb the Gran Cir via ferrata next, don’t retrace your steps all the way down to path no. 12A. Instead, turn left and follow a higher footpath that will lead you to the base of Gran Cir. You’ll easily spot the clear footpath ahead as you approach it. This is the route we took and is also visible on the maps included above.

Essential Via Ferrata Gear

For a safe and fun via ferrata experience, having the right gear is essential. You’ll need the following:

Helmet (adults) / (kids)
Harness (adults) / (kids)
Via Ferrata Set
Via Ferrata Gloves
Hiking Shoes/Hiking Boots/Approach Shoes

Where to Hire Via Ferrata Gear in Val Gardena (Gröden)?

If you don’t want to invest in your own via ferrata gear just yet, renting is a convenient option. Many local shops offer a helmet, harness, and via ferrata set rentals.

We had a fantastic experience renting our equipment and received exceptional service from Mountain Guides Catores in Ortisei (St. Ulrich), Val Gardena. You can also hire a mountain guide there.

Resources

To plan our 7 epic via ferrata adventures in the Dolomites, Cicerone’s Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites Vol 1: 75 routes – north, central and east ranges provided invaluable details.

FAQs

What is a Via Ferrata?
A via ferrata (Klettersteig) is a protected climbing route that combines hiking and climbing. Often referred to as an “iron path,” it is equipped with steel cables, rungs and ladders, allowing climbers to ascend challenging terrain while minimising fall risks. Climbers secure themselves to the cables using a harness and via ferrata equipment.

Is the Pitla Cir via ferrata safe?
While the Pitla Cir via ferrata is generally considered safe, like all via ferratas, it carries inherent risks such as falls, rockfall and unpredictable weather conditions. To minimise these hazards, it’s crucial to use the correct equipment and adhere to safety guidelines. Proper preparation, equipment and skill are essential for enjoying a safe and successful climb.

What fitness level is required for the Pitla Cir via ferrata?
You need to be reasonably fit to tackle the Pitla Cir via ferrata. As it combines hiking and climbing, having good cardio and upper body strength is beneficial. While the Pitla Cir via ferrata is suitable for beginners and intermediate climbers, it’s still important to assess your fitness level to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Can you take children on the Pitla Cir via ferrata?
Absolutely! The Pitla Cir via ferrata is a great option for families with children. My own children, ages 10 and 13, thoroughly enjoyed it. Both the Pitla Cir and the neighbouring Gran Cir are excellent choices for introducing children and beginners to via ferratas. However, the suitability of a specific via ferrata for a child depends on individual factors. It’s essential to assess your child’s abilities and comfort level before deciding if a particular route is appropriate.

What equipment do I need for the Pitla Cir via ferrata?
For the Pitla Cir via ferrata, you’ll need a harness, helmet, via ferrata set (which includes two lanyards with karabiners), and gloves.

Do I need any previous experience for the Pitla Cir via ferrata?
While no prior climbing experience is necessary to tackle the Pitla Cir via ferrata, being comfortable with heights and having a basic level of fitness is helpful. Many people embark on their first via ferrata without any previous experience. However, it’s advisable to choose a route that suits your abilities and experience level.

Do you need a guide for the Pitla Cir via ferrata climb?
No, you don’t need a guide for the Pitla Cir via ferrata provided you’re sure-footed and comfortable with heights. However, if you’re unsure, inexperienced, or climbing with children, I recommend hiring a guide. I highly recommend Mountain Guides Catores.

What does the grade of the Pitla Cir via ferrata mean?
This article uses the Schall scale to indicate the difficulty of the via ferrata climb. The Pitla Cir via ferrata is graded B.

The Schall scale is a popular system for grading via ferrata difficulty in Europe, using letters (A to E) to represent increasing levels of challenge. Below is an overview of the German and French scales, with comparison with the Austrian and Italian ones as presented by the The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA).

Via Ferrata Difficulty Scale | Source: https://theuiaa.org/documents/sport/Via-Ferrata-Brief-History-and-Difficulties.pdf

Where to stay in Val Gardena (Gröden)

Val Gardena (Gröden), nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveller’s needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the main areas to consider (from west to east):

Ortisei (St. Ulrich): As the largest town in Val Gardena, Ortisei offers a vibrant atmosphere, a wide range of accommodation options, and convenient access to amenities. We chose Ortisei as our base and thoroughly enjoyed its lively character and central location.

S. Cristina (St. Christina): Those seeking a quieter escape will appreciate Santa Cristina’s charming village setting and proximity to stunning mountain scenery.

Selva (Wolkenstein): A lively hub surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, offering a wide range of activities and accommodation options.

Final Words

The Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze) via ferrata was our first real via ferrata experience (our initial climb on Sass de Putia/Peitlerkofel didn’t necessarily require specialised via ferrata gear).

This route set the stage and stoked our excitement for future via ferrata adventures in the weeks to come. It provided a solid foundation for what we were looking for in a great via ferrata: a physical challenge with breathtaking views!

The Pitla Cir via ferrata is ideal for beginners and intermediate climbers, but it shouldn’t be underestimated as it includes some slightly demanding sections.

Happy via ferrata’ing!

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