Walking tour through history, lake and culture
5 February 2026
For those who experience climbing as a constant challenge and are looking for routes that test technique, concentration and cold blood, the Simone Contessi Ferrata at Mount Two Hands is a destination that does not disappoint. It is a ferrata commitment, drawn along the rocky towers that mark the crest of the mountain, suspended above Ballabio as a natural balcony over the Lecco pre-alpine arc.
The itinerary unfolds in a succession of jumps, exposed traverses and vertical walls, where the rock is the absolute protagonist. The progression is continuous, never banal, and requires sure-footedness and the ability to read the terrain. On the other hand, every metre gained gives strong emotions and far-reaching views: your gaze runs from the Grigne at Resegone, to the blue of the Lake Como, in an unusual and spectacular perspective.
From a technical point of view, the via ferrata is designed for experienced hikers: good rock climbing experience is essential, as well as the correct use of the’complete via ferrata equipment (harness, helmet, heatsink set). An interesting element of the track is the presence of a parallel path which, at several points, makes it possible to bypass the towers: a useful solution both to modulate the difficulty and to abandon the route if necessary.
The starting point is located along the provincial road connecting Ballabio to Morterone (SP 63). You travel about 5 km of hairpin bends; Once you have passed the tunnel, you can park your car on the left at an opening marked by a sign (spaces are limited; alternatively, you can continue slightly down the road).
Leaving the car, we take a steep forest path that in about 10 minutes leads to the attack of the ferrata, which is clearly indicated by a plaque.
The Simone Contessi Ferrata is not just an equipped route: it is a complete vertical experience, combining technique, exposure and landscape. Ideal for those looking for a “real”, uncompromising ferrata, capable of leaving its mark on both legs and memory.
Progression along the ferrata continues to require good technical skill and cold blood: exposed passages are not lacking and, in the most vertical sections, progression is facilitated by artificial stirrups that help overcome the most severe rock jumps without detracting from the strong character of the route.
The key passage is undoubtedly the Tower of Discord. Here the ferrata shows its most challenging face, with overhanging walls and high difficulties, which test arm strength and exposure management. This section can also be circumvented, but tackling it means tackling one of the most spectacular passages of the entire route. Chains, metal cables and artificial stirrups accompany the ascent, making it safe but never banal.
Having passed the more mountaineering section, the via ferrata gives way to a more open environment: it remains to traverse the ridge trail of the Mount Two Hands, equipped in several places and incredibly scenic. It is a stretch that invites you to slow your pace, breathe and enjoy the surroundings, while in approximately one hour you reach the summit, where you meet the characteristic igloo bivouac, a symbolic and perfect point of arrival for a contemplative pause.
The total travel time, from the attack of the ferrata to the summit of the Due Mani is approx. 3 hours 15 minutes, which varies according to training and time spent on more technical passages.
The descent offers two possibilities:
follow the normal descent path from Due Mani, an easier solution but with the disadvantage of coming out at about 4 km from the car park;
or take the steep path no. 36, which runs alongside the ferrata. This option is more direct but must be tackled with due precautions, especially on steep terrain and in the presence of moisture.
A fitting end to an itinerary that is not just a ferrata, but a true vertical journey: technical, aerial and deeply satisfying for those who love climbing and the “real” mountain.
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