Sentiero Benini

classification

starting point : Rif. Graffer - 2261 m
ending point : Rif. Tuckett - 2272 m
top point : under Cima Falkner - 2900 m
time requested : 4h
signs : 303 - 305
difficulty : medium
hardness : medium
exposition : medium-high

Overview

The Sentiero Benini is a relatively easy "Via Ferrata", good to get accustumed to the specials of the Brenta and a perfect start for a trip of several days through the Brenta. It links Groste pass that can easiliy reached by cablecar with the Tuckett hut, one of the central Brenta huts. The route is not long, so if you intend to sleep at Tuckett hut there is enough time to climb Cima Groste or Cima Falkner or both in addition.

Route description

Starting point is the station of the cablecar from Madonna di Campiglio to Groste pass (2442 m). Nearest hut to start is Rifugio Graffer (2261 m). From there it is 30 min ascent to Groste pass

Marked route Nr. 305 leads towards the block of Cima Groste. It can be climbed or even traversed.
Sentiero Benini passes it's east side. You will have fixed cables at every exposed section. On the backside of Cima Groste the route falls down a little to Bocchettta dei Camosci pass (2784 m). This pass is only touched, not crossed. The route then follwos a system of small ledges along the est sides of Campanile die Camosci (2926 m) and Cima Falkner (2999 m). when you reach SE-ridge of Cima Falkner (ca. 2910 m) you have gained the highest piont of the route. 2 h 15 min from Groste pass
It is not far and not difficult to climb the summit of Cima Falkner (2999 m) along a couloir filled with rubblestones, this excursion costs about half an hour in addition. Cima Falkner is probaly the best viewpoint to the near Cima Brenta, second highest of the Brenta Group.
At Bocca Alta di Vallesinella (2875 m) the route changes to the west side of Brenta main ridge. Cima Sella (2913 m) is passed on the west side and iron ladders and cables help down the steep section to the narrow Bocca di Tuckett pass (2648 m), 3 h 30 min from groste pass.
The descent to the west to Tuckett hut lasts another 45 min. There are some snow fields of a little harmless glacier. Later in summer this can be icy - or perhaps the whole ice has melted.

Essential Gear

Harness and a set for a via ferrata with two biners.
If you are at least a little experienced, you won't click in every cable because this costs too much time.
Short telescop sticks can be useful for the descent.
In early summer couloirs that have to be crossed may have snow. In this case an ice axe can be useful.

best time

as long as the route is free of snow. In most years this will not be the case before July

Images

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