Zermula Ring

We leave the car in front of the Rifugio Cason di Lanza (1552 m). We take path 442b (approach to the via ferrata): about an hour's walk at a relaxed pace through the forest that gradually fades into the karst landscape of the north side of Zermula; the start of the via ferrata is where smooth walls converge on the scree slopes (follow the mix of white-red marks and yellow circles). Right at the start there is a small terrace (1820 m) where you put on your harness and helmet.

The Amici della Montagna via ferrata consists of 14 cable sections, alternating on almost vertical walls, oblique sections and short side ledges (the latter are perfect for catching your breath). It is rated as moderately difficult. The most beautiful point of the ascent is definitely the "organ pipes". Before the last section of the via ferrata, there is a red box with the via ferrata logbook.

Having emerged from the via ferrata onto the narrow walkway (2095 m), it's worth taking the right and walking the short suspended path (only the beginning is slightly exposed) that leads to a saddle and, from here, with less than a hundred meters of elevation gain, to the summit of Monte Zermula (2143 m, summit cross and logbook).

From here return to the exit of the trench and continue on the scree ledge (clear wooden sign). We are in an open-air museum: we will follow the rocky side of Zermula and then briefly climb the summit plateau accompanied by traces of the First World War front line. Along the route, we will see tunnels dug into the rock, trenches and remains of barracks, stone walls, and the historic inscription left on the rock by the 35th Alpine Battalion Susa.

The Trenches Path takes us down the grassy eastern slope of Zermula, to Forca di Lanza (1831 m). From here we take path 442a to the left, which calmly descends back to Cason di Lanza, passing through the beautiful basin at the base of Zuc della Guardia.