The Sass de Putia, also known as Sasso delle Putia or Peitlerkofel in German, is located in the north-western part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, within the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Its striking summit rises south of Passo delle Erbe (Würzjoch), at 2,006 metres, along the road connecting Val Badia with Val di Funes, marking the linguistic border between the Ladin- and German-speaking valleys.
The Sass de Putia mountain lies along the so-called Funes Fault Line, a fragile geological formation made of quartzite phyllites. With an elevation of 2,875 metres, Sass de Putia towers about 60 metres above its smaller neighbour, Piccolo Putia. Both peaks can be reached via the Forcella del Putia. To the south-west runs the famous Messner Steig High Route, leading towards the Odle di Eores. The imposing north face of Sass de Putia was once a training ground for legendary climber Reinhold Messner.
Thanks to its isolated position, the summit of Sass de Putia offers an extraordinary 360-degree panoramic view. To the north, hikers can admire the main Alpine ridge (Ortles, Weisskugel, Zillertal Alps, Rieserferner Group and Großglockner), as well as Mount Plose and Mount Gabler. Looking south, the view opens onto the iconic Dolomite mountain groups, including the Puez-Odle Group, Marmolada and the Sella Group.
How to reach Sass de Putia
The Sass de Putia via ferrata is rated Grade I, with a short and easy climbing section. The starting point is Passo delle Erbe. After parking, follow trail 8A, which circles the mountain and reaches the alpine hut Munt de Fornella (2,080 m) in about 20 minutes.
From here, turn right and cross the Campaccio meadows until reaching a junction. Continue on trail no. 4, which becomes increasingly steep and leads to the Forcella del Putia (2,357 m). Turn left and follow the well-marked path up a steep slope to the saddle between the main summit and the secondary peak. Turn right and climb the secured via ferrata with fixed ropes to reach the summit.
The descent follows the same route. From the saddle, hikers can also extend the hike by completing a circular route around the mountain via the Prati di Putia.
Distance: 10.5 km
Duration: approx. 5 hours (round trip)
