Pera Forada - Lagazuoi

Climbing Pera Forada (Ladin for "Pierced Rock" or "Stone with a Hole") on Lagazuoi is a fantastic experience that usually refers to a specific, relatively modern multi-pitch alpine route that culminates near the famous natural rock window.

It is important to distinguish between the technical climbing route and the hiking/Via Ferrata paths nearby. Assuming you are looking for the multi-pitch climb, here are the details:

1. The Climbing Route: "Via Pera Forada"
This is a modern classic on the West Face of Piccolo Lagazuoi, opened recently (around 2017/2018) by local guide Simon Kehrer and colleagues. It is celebrated for its solid rock and the unique experience of climbing toward the massive natural arch.

Difficulty: UIAA V (approx. 5.7/5.8) with some moves up to VI- (5.9). It is generally considered a "plaisir" route—meaning it is enjoyable and well-protected, but still an alpine environment.

Length: Approx. 470 meters (12 pitches).

Protection: The route is equipped with bolts at the belays and intermediate bolts on the pitches, but it is not a "sport climb" in the gym sense. You may need a few cams/friends to supplement the spacing between bolts.

Key Feature: The route aims for the distinctive hole in the ridge. Pitch 11 typically brings you right up to/through the window (depending on the exact variation and exit), offering a spectacular frame for the view of the Tofane and Marmolada groups.

2. Logistics
Approach: Start from Passo Valparola (near the "Tre Sassi" Austro-Hungarian fort/museum). You walk towards the base of the Lagazuoi West Face. The approach takes about 30–45 minutes.

Descent: This is one of the best parts of climbing on Lagazuoi. You top out near the ridge. From there, you can:

Walk down the Kaiserjägersteig (Austrian Kaiserjäger path) – a protected path/easy Via Ferrata (bring a kit just in case, though climbers often downclimb it carefully).

Continue to the Lagazuoi Cable Car top station and take the lift down (lazy option).

Descend via the Italian WWI Tunnels (Galleria Lagazuoi) – a steep, dark tunnel system inside the mountain (requires a headlamp/torch).

Weather forecast