Ferrate a Cortina

28 via ferratas in the Cortina d'Ampezzo valley. The construction of via ferratas in the mountains of the Ampezzo valley since the 1960s has not been free from criticism. The via ferrata, in a certain way, allows the ascent to a peak with artificial, let's say ethically unfair, means. It provides security for the route and the possible return, and allows you to use a steel rope for progression. In fact it is not climbing, the body and mind are only rarely or partially concentrated on overcoming the passages in a harmonious and integral way. Furthermore, the routes traced many times retrace climbing itineraries of the past. With the via ferratas we have arrived at another compromise between purity and falsity. Having been built by the Scoiattoli themselves, they still have their own ethics, they allow those who frequent them the illusion of conquest as effort, exposure and, albeit minimally, a certain amount of risk remain. In retracing them I discovered a world of authentic lovers of the mountains, of singers of the beauty of the places, while aware of the artificiality of their performance. A compromise, in fact, between safety and movement, between vertical and enjoyment of the summit. Middle-aged people, young couples, children on the easier routes, have brought me to the awareness that the wall is not just risk and high difficulties but also carefree and relaxation. This is an aspect that leads to the common objective of frequenting the mountains for an inner elevation that is increasingly less frequent nowadays.