Cristallo di Mezzo (3,154 m) along with Monte Cristallo and Piz Popena is one of the three large summits of the Cristallo group. Due to easy accessibility and beautiful views, it's one of the most popular peaks in Dolomites.
Ascent: The starting point is the parking lot (no fee) at Passo Tre Croci. From the parking lot, it's an easy walk on the broad forest road till Rifugio Son Forca. From the hut, follow the directions to Ferrata Ivano Dibona on the left. The trail goes down a bit in the beginning before long traverse on the gravel. Soon you arrive at the entry point of the ferrata. The whole path till now is well marked with red dots.
Via Ferrata Ivano Dibona (B): From the entry point you start on easy ferrata, difficult sections are secured with rope. On bifurcation, you have to pay special attentions to follow the ferrata on the right. There are stone cairns to mislead there. The ferrata goes over many beautiful scenes of Dolomites. Finally it finishes at the not maintained (anymore) hut, Rifugio Lorenzi.
Via Ferrata Marino Bianchi (C/D): Via ferrata starts right at the hut leading to Cristallo di Mezzo. There is an easier variant (B), which is often used for the descent from the summit. You can find the top here: TOPO.
Descent: From the hut Rifugio Lorenzi, follow the steep scree slope toward Rifugio Son Forca. Then continue on the same path as ascent to the parking lot.
