The Ricci ferrata and the Danesi ferrata are two of the most beautiful and popular via ferratas of the Gran Sasso, the first taking you to the eastern peak of the Corno Grande and the other to the top of the Corno Piccolo.
These via ferratas will show you two of the most striking aspects of the Gran Sasso: the Danesi is technically slightly higher due to some steeper passages and iron steps and takes you to the incredibly compact walls of calcareous rock at the heart of the Corno Piccolo, attracting many climbing enthusiasts; the Ricci brings you a sense of untouched wilderness with breathtaking views of the Gran Sasso ‘Paretone’, its impressive high and gloomy vertical walls and grandiose surroundings that have always been awe-inspiring to those passing by.
The best starting point for both via ferratas is Prati di Tivo (1450 m), in the municipality of Pietracamela (TE), but if you do not mind a longer route you can also start on the L’Aquila side. At Prati di Tivo you take the cable car (recommended) to get to the Madonnina (2000 m), or you can go on foot starting from the Piana del Laghetto (1600 m), passing Arapietra and the hotel ruins (45′).
From the Madonnina, follow the signs for the Franchetti rifugio and enter the Cornacchie valley zigzagging to the rifugio (2433 m, approx. 1h 15′).
The Danesi Ferrata
From the rifugio go to the Sella dei Due Corni (approx. 20′) and descend into the Ginepri valley until you get to the characteristic pinnacle of the Campanile Livia. Then after a steep slope of scree and some going up and down you reach the start of the renewed ferrata, which takes you along an enjoyable route and a few more exposed stretches to the summit of the Corno Piccolo (2655 m, approx. 1h 30′).
From the top you descend along the challenging normal route with some exposed passages (grade I and II) to the intersection with the Ventricini path. To make a round trip you climb back up to the Sella dei Due Corni (approx. 1h 30′), return to the rifugio and down to the Madonnina (approx. 1h 15′).
• Ascent/Descent: 900 m
The Ricci Ferrata
From the rifugio you quickly reach the start of the renewed ferrata (approx. 15′). There you go up a diagonal ledge and along a stretch of detrital rocks to reach the face of the Paretone, the most vertical section that will take you the northern first top (2700 m, approx. 1h 30′). Continue until you come across the newly fitted stretch and follow this downhill (there are some signs and a big cairn), then slightly up to the left to a forcellino that takes you to the normal route up to the eastern peak (approx. 30′).
From the summit go down backwards; at the forcellino you could go down to the left along the normal route, but this is not recommended. It is better to climb over the forcellino again to the right and, shortly after the big cairn, use the newly fitted cable that takes us quickly and safely to the bowl-shaped hollow of the Calderone glacier. From here you pass the Sella dei Due Corni and complete the round trip at the rifugio (approx. 1h 20′). Then down to the Madonnina (approx. 1h).
• Ascent/Descent: 900 m
Cost: €300 + VAT per person.
