Via Ferrata Mariano Bianchi, Cliffhanger Bridge, Scree Slope Fun

Rifugio Son Forca definitely re-energized us for our next adventure which was via ferrata Mariano Bianchi to the summit of Cristalli de Mezzo. We were showered, well fed, and even bidet'd. The young Italian men eagerly said good morning to us (especially Maya and Juno). Our breakfast was super excellent. The hot chocolate was so thick, it was like drinking a chocolate bar. We hoped that it would help power us up the scree slope we needed to ascend. After breakfast, we headed out with what we needed for the via ferrata ahead.

However, there was a dreaded scree slope between us and via ferrata Mariano Bianchi. All three kids boogied up and then waited at the top of the saddle for their very slow parents. There used to be a chairlift up, but it has been out of operation for 5 years. Once we made it to the saddle, we admired the view on the other side, put on sun screen, ate some bars, put on our via ferrata gear, and were ready to rock! 

The via ferrata was exposed at times, but never so much that anyone (even me) had anything more than a sweet adrenaline rush. However, there were some places with loose rock for the footing which always is a little scary when there are big drops around you. This was a classic via ferrata route, so of course, it was calling out names.

The deck where we had hung out the day before at Rifugio Son Forca

Awesome breakfast at Rifugio Son Forca

Sunrise at Rifugio Son Forc

At the beginning of the climb

The view down the scree slope after climbing up

Even James was not a fan of this unprotected section going down because of the loose rock

Navigating around snow that had buried some cable

A knife's edge close to the summit of Cristalli de Mezzo

Some clouds rolled in while we were on the summit, but the views were still awesome

Mountain goats!

Rifugio Son Forca at sunrise

James relaxing after the 1st via ferrata

The "Cliffhanger" bridge was part of the classic via ferrata Ivano Dibona route. Even in this spot, there were old tunnels from WWI.

Part of via ferrata Ivano Dibona

Going down the dreaded scree slope - it felt kind of like skiing

Hotel Miramonti in Corvara

Walking to dinner in Corvara

Dinner in Corvara - delicious

Panna Cotta - yum!

Moorise over the mountains in Corvara

All in all, it was a super day filled with really fun adventures. The kids are getting really good at via ferrats. After the Italian guys said goodbye to our teens and we took the chairlift down to our car, we made our way to Corvara. It is a bustling town with chairlifts everywhere - we stayed in an actual hotel and got food at a yummy Italian restaurant. Pizza just can't be beat. Everyone slept really well.