Belopeška jezera - Vevnica (Via della Vita)

Access to starting point:
From Ljubljana direction on Gorenjska highway to exit Hrušica. From there on a regional road to the border crossing Rateče and ahead few kilometers to the settlement Fužine / Fusine. Here we drive past the former factory that made chains and ahead over a bridge. Right after it there is a marked turn-off of the road (sharply left) towards lakes Belopeška jezera. On this road we continue to the upper lake, where there is a large parking lot. From Ljubljana to here we need approximately 1 hour.

Path description:
Access to ferrata: We will go in the direction of the mountain pasture Alpe Vecchia, or on shortest approach to ferrata Via de la Vita. There we will ascend towards Vevnica.
The beginning of the path and signposts we find by small inn on the edge of the parking lot. We continue past it on a nice macadam road in the direction of marks 512. We soon come to a crossing, where we continue on the right road with sign 513. This leads to the mountain pasture Tamar and continues by its left edge. Soon after the mountain pasture there is the next crossing. Here we go left. Paths number is still 513. When we start ascending uphill, we have to pay attention to turn off, where macadam path passes into a forest footpath. If we walk in dark, it can be poorly visible. The turn-off is marked on cutted trunk of a spruce just by the road (look pictures). On a forest path we are gently ascending towards the mountain pasture Alpe Vecchia and when we step out of the forest, we are at the turn-off for ferrata Via de la Vita. To here we can without a problem walk in dark (with appropriate lighting of course).
The crossing is now nicely marked and also the footpath towards ferrata Via de la Vita is well beaten. Beginning runs through a meadow and its course is clearly visible. The problem arises, when footpath turns on gravel terrain and becomes hard to follow. The path runs by the right edge, where we occasionally see red dots. We continue in the direction of a large boulder, which is located right from a rocky rib. We DO NOT turn on this ridge, even though the beaten path leads there as well. We continue past the boulder and above it we will again catch marked footpath which above the already mentioned rib turns to the left. From here on, there aren't any problems with following to the entrance in ferrata. Difficulties can be caused by crossing a snow field little before the entrance, which usually stays there entire year.
Ferrata VIA de la Vita: Entrance in ferrata is a little before the beginning of the scree, on the left side. It is marked with a red dot. In the early summer here can cause problems a randkluft, which is preventing normal entrance. The beginning of the path is another story. If you will have problems already here, you shouldn't go higher. Protective steel cable is ruined and is useless. This rocky jump we easiest overcome with free climbing on the right edge. For less experienced belaying with a rope is very recommended. Higher the fixed safety gear are good. The path continues on system of ledges and crosses more rocky parts. We are ascending towards the main wall of rocky massif. The atmosphere is great, views wonderful. We are getting closer to the most interesting part of the path, unfortunately also the most exposed to falling stones, which are usually triggered by other mountaineers. This part starts with smooth rounded plate, on which we already from far see chains and iron footholds. Here we need to go. We grab the chain, we look for a good stance, we look for holds and we go …. We are already past. Be carefully with a chain. It isn't always very well attached, which we usually see only when we are past.
Continuation is even more interesting. On system of chains and stemples we are long time ascending almost vertically to distinct traverse where we turn right. Here is space for the most attractive photos. There isn't much resting. Ascents and crossings continue all the way until mountain wall breaks and we come to the scree. The most difficult part is here behind us. We follow the path and red dots to rocky slopes in the main part of the gully. On the left side, there is a faded sign Via de la Vita. We have to go past it and we start crossing unsecured rocky slope in the direction of easiest footholds. There is enough holds, and the slope isn't too exposed, so we can quickly move forward. We follow red dots, or we are ascending towards the upper left edge. There we notice metal ladder, which doesn't represent a problem, because it is entirely attached both on the bottom and top. Above it this part of Via de la Vita ends. We continue to a crossing, where right path leads to bivouac, and left on Vevnica.
Vevnica: Path on Vevnica technically isn't demanding, but is poorly visible. In fog is practically unrecognizable. Red dots are rare, so we have to look for continuation from far. Fixed safety gear are rare and are mostly in good condition. In the initial part, the path is overcoming rocky sections, and higher it passes on a ridge crossing on the scree. The peak is getting closer and when you step up, you can be proud. You are one of rare, that Vevnica accepts. Give it a good honor and prepare for a descent. Here you are in the middle of perfect wilderness and a long, difficult path awaits wherever you go.
Descent: If you want to return to the starting point, there are three options, and none of them are easy. You can return on the ascent route or you continue in the direction of Ponce from where you descend to the starting point (for this crossing look descriptions Strug and Srednja Ponca). Third option is short return to bivouac, further path in the direction of Mangart and descent past the bivouac Norina to the starting point. If you don't have enough time or energy, you can of course sleep in bivouac Alberto Busettini. Good luck.