Classic loop hike from Cason di Lanza Pass, with beautiful via ferrata, to explore the line of trenches dating back to World War I on Mount Zermula.
We leave the car in front of Rifugio Cason di Lanza (1552 m). We take trail 442b (approach to the ferrata): we walk an hour or so, at a leisurely pace, through the forest that gradually fades into the karst landscape of the north side of Zermula; the ferrata attack is where smooth walls converge on scree (follow the mix of red-white signs and yellow circles). Just at the attack is a small terrace (1820 m) where you can put on your harness and helmet.
The Amici della Montagna ferrata consists of 14 cable sections, alternating between nearly vertical walls, oblique sections and short side ledges (the latter perfect for catching your breath). It is given as moderately difficult. Most beautiful point of the climb is definitely the "organ pipes." Before the last section of the via ferrata, you will find the red container with the ferrata book.
Coming out of the via ferrata on the narrow walkway (2095 m), it is worth taking to the right and following the short suspended path (only the beginning and slightly exposed) that leads to a saddle and, from here, with less than a hundred meters of elevation gain, to the summit of Mount Zermula (2143 m, summit cross and book).
From here we return to the trench exit and continue on the gravel ledge (wooden sign evident). We are in an open-air museum: we will skirt the rocky slope of Zermula and then briefly climb to the summit plateau accompanied by traces of the front line of World War I. Along the way we will see rock-cut tunnels, trenches and the remains of barracks, low walls, and the historic inscription left on rock by the 35th Alpine Battalion Susa.
The Trail of the Trenches takes us down the grassy eastern slope of the Zermula to Forca di Lanza (1831 m). From here we take Trail 442a to the left, which descends leisurely to Cason di Lanza, passing through the beautiful basin that lies at the base of the Zuc della Guardia.
