08.08.2020
We celebrate the farewell to the Dolomites and Italy
With a heavy heart we leave the Dolomites and Italy. As a farewell we combine two routes in the Pala Group to a very long climbing day and treat ourselves to a break in Arco.

Two in a day

05.08.2020 - Sigi wants to make the most of the last beautiful day in the Dolomites. He proposes to combine the routes Frisch-Corradini (V+, 16 pitches) on the Pala del Rifugio and the Wiessner-Kees (VI-, 10 pitches) on the Sass d’Ortiga. At sunrise we set off from the parking area into the valley passing the Rifugio Treviso to the Pala del Rifugio. The first pitches are wet and the climbing is unpleasant. Afterwards the route is getting more beautiful, but finding the way is not easy since there are only a few protections. Some pitches are really steep, but good to climb. We only take time for a summit picture before we climb down to the west face of the Sass d’Ortiga.

The route Wiessner-Kees starts just below a large jammed rock. We climb most of the 10 pitches simultaneously. The crux of the route is right after the belay on a large jammed rock in the upper section of the wall. It takes two pulls on rather small holds to pass the slightly overhanging section. After 26 pitches we are happy to reach the summit, but we cannot stay long in order to reach at least the trail back to the Rifugio Treviso by sunset. After about 15 hours we finally arrive at our van in the light of the headlamps.

Sigi sets off into the route Frisch-Corradini

Sigi sets off into the route Frisch-Corradini

Sigi leads one pitch after the other

Sigi leads one pitch after the other

Barbara follows in a good mood...

Barbara follows in a good mood...

... until she reaches the very exposed traverse

... until she reaches the very exposed traverse

Most of the climb is on steep and grippy rock

Most of the climb is on steep and grippy rock

Sigi obviously enjoys the climb

Sigi obviously enjoys the climb

Some sections are very steep and you sometimes have to pull hard

Some sections are very steep and you sometimes have to pull hard

Sigi and Barbara on the summit of the Pala del Rifugio

Sigi and Barbara on the summit of the Pala del Rifugio

Barbara at the jammed rock just above the beginning of the route Wiessner-Kees

Barbara at the jammed rock just above the beginning of the route Wiessner-Kees

Sigi in the route Wiessner-Kees

Sigi in the route Wiessner-Kees

Barbara on the last meters to the summit of the Sass d'Ortiga with the Pala del Rifugio in the background

Barbara on the last meters to the summit of the Sass d'Ortiga with the Pala del Rifugio in the background

Barbara and Sigi are happy about the successful climbs

Barbara and Sigi are happy about the successful climbs

Long descent at twilight

Long descent at twilight

Interesting rock formation

Interesting rock formation

Overnight stay: N 46.2235, E 11.8908

Shopping and Pizza

06.08.2020-08.08.2020 - Based on the weather forecast we decide to head for France. Prior to this, we treat ourselves to a break in Arco and stay at least one night at a camping ground. Shopping, eating pizza and ice cream in Arco are somehow almost part of a climbing holiday in Northern Italy. But it is much too hot for us here and therefore we drive on as soon as possible.

Goat at the camping ground

Goat at the camping ground

Overnight stay: N 45.947933, E 10.900751

Lessons Learned

  • Dolomites: Impressive mountains, rough rocks, lush green meadows, beautiful wild flowers and crystal clear water.
Written by Barbara