Via Ferrata Jacopo Compagnoni, Rhaetian Alps A/B

A new via ferrata in the Valle dei Forni above Santa Caterina Valfurva in the Stelvio National Park, opened in late June 2026. It climbs the rock spurs by Rifugio Branca below the glaciers of the Ortles-Cevedale group. Grade A/B (CAI EEA), about 500 m long with 115 m of height gain on the protected section, starting at 2,340 m and topping out at 2,490 m. There are two sections, lower and upper, and you can do either one on its own. The lower part runs over slabs and easy steps and ends at the track to Branca. Cross the track and a short path takes you to the upper part, which is a bit steeper with a few short vertical walls that need more arm work. Continuous cable and metal steps throughout. Allow 45 minutes from Rifugio Forni to the start, about 2 hours on the ferrata and 3 h 45 min for the whole trip. Good as a first alpine ferrata, but you need a sure foot and some mountain experience.