If Chamonix is the Mecca of granite climbing than the Dolomites are the Mecca of limestone climbing.
Due to their unique geology (admittedly, it's not pure limestone), the Dolomites form the steepest alpine mountain range far and wide. The North Faces of the Cima Grande and Cima Oueste are constantly overhanging for as much as 300 meters, and there are giant roofs 200 meters off the deck.
But also the more moderate routes are steep and you will be surprised to climb slightly overhanging routes graded a mere french 4+ (US 5.4, UK D). However, the rock is very well sculpted and its fun to climb on big jugs with total exposure.
There are numerous towers, big faces and elegant ridgelines in all difficulties, but the main advantage of the Dolomites is that there are tons of long and spectacular mid grade routes.
The massive petrified jurassic coral reefs are interspersed with gentle meadows and lush forests. The towns are of an alpine style typical for Tyrol and Alto Adige (South Tyrol) with a special mixture of Austrian and Italian Culture. For example, you will get excellent German style bread and real Italian coffee, all in the same bakery!
During our 6 days climbing trip, we will climb classics à la carte. Among others the iconic Cima Grande, the huge Tofana South Face or the elegant Sella or Vajolett Towers.
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We don't propose a fixed schedule here.
The programme can be adjusted to your climbing experience and specific goals. We'll be able to reach any climb within the Dolomites by car which gives us great flexibility in the choice of routes and to adjust to bad weather.
Some recommended routes are:
We are also flexible in terms of accommodation. Either we stay in the valley and do day trips, or we hike up to a hut and climb multiple routes from there.
The nearest Airports are Munich or Innsbruck. We'll be happy to try to pick you up at a convenient meeting point depending on where you are travelling from. We'll discuss the details of transportation with you before the trip.
You'll typically stay in basic hotels. It is also possible to camp on campgrounds. It may be necessary to stay on a mountain hut. The huts in the Dolomites are more hotel style with small rooms but a common shower and bathroom. The food is excellent, the traditional Tyrolian kitchen is very rich and tasty. Local wine and beer is also available.
Please don't hesitate to contact us in case of questions.
Alpine climbing kit. Rock climbing shoes, approach shoes or lightweight mountain boots depending on conditions.
Flexibility is our working method - not a slick marketing slogan. We budget 1-2 extra days in the planning of many of our trips to factor in adverse weather conditions. The days can for example be used to move the trip a day or two as to use the best weather window for the summit bid.
Of course you only pay the actual guiding days. We'd rather achieve your goal than insist on doing a poor alternative.
The job of mountain guides is demanding and highly responsible. Clearly, this work has to be appropriately remunerated. Yet we are climbers, not tough business men. That's why our emphasis is on dealing fairly with our clients.
We block dates for your trip. Sometimes the arranged climb still doesn't work out. We then appreciate your understanding that we cannot bear the cancellation risk alone. On the other hand we do understand that you don't want to pay the summit rate of a prestigious goal for an alternative destination. With open communication and consideration for each other's situation, we will find a good solution. The summit rate only applies if the conditions are right and we make a summit bid.
Because you still wouldn't know if a trip is confirmed. Bookings can be cancelled after all. Besides, well, the displayed number of available places can be fake — we all know that from the flight search engines.
Don't panic if the minimum number of participants is not yet reached! We often try to directly address long term clients, bring together bookings for different dates or find alternatives. Maybe we are really keen on doing the trip ourselves and offer you a special deal. Anyway we are keeping you updated. You might tell us your deadline by which you have to know if the trip takes place or not.