Shampoo Dry, drytooling at Champorcher, Valle d'Aosta, Italy

Champorcher is one of the wildest valleys in Valle d'Aosta as regards to tourism and the land development. I'd say that the right term is "authentic". As you ascend the valley it's not the hamlets, rebuilt and tailored to the tourists, or the great ski resort buildings, that catch the eye. No, it's the untouched nature, the local farmers who work the land, ancient buildings perched next to each other where the smoke that comes out of the chimneys recalls images of the past. None of these aspects should be interpreted as negative, as a sign of neglect. On the contrary, it is precisely this beauty and uniqueness that enables alpinists, walkers and ski mountaineers to imagine their very own little paradise as they ascend up into the valley. Just one old ski lift, at the end of the valley, hints towards what might be defined as modern tourism, but I dare say that by now it's integrated well into the surroundings and is neither intrusive or annoying. Having said, there have been some recent developments in the Champorcher valley: dry tooling.

Dry tooling has only recently become a more popular activity in Italy, but there are very few areas that are suitable for beginners. The new crag I'm writing about is called Shampoo Dry and was designed to be a beginners crag, just like in rock climbing, with easy and mid-grade routes, good gear that allows the beginners to climb and reduce the risk to a minimum, a short approach and relaxing surroundings. The cliffs are located at the side of a road that is covered in snow in winter and a dirt track in summer. The surroundings are enchanting and offer a beautiful view onto the lower and upper Champorcher Valley. South facing, the area enjoys the sun until late afternoon. The routes are all natural in the central and left sectors, while on the detached boulder holds have been improved, following the logic of the rock's morphology. The crag is therefore ideal for teaching those who want to learn how to use ice axes and crampons to then feel safer when they're in the mountains.

In January there will be an inauguration event together with the mountain guides who will offer advice and allow climbers to climb in safety. Follow us to find out more about when, where and how.

SHAMPOO DRY
New dytooling and total dry crag designed by Enrico Bonino and bolted with the help of Hugues Bonnel (Odyssee Montagne) and Giancarlo Bazzocchi. Thanks also to Ilaria Sonatore, Marco Ghisio and Filippo Laurora.

Thanks, as usual, to the sponsors: S.C.A.R.P.A., Millet, Baroli Sport

TOPO: Shampoo Dry, Valle di Champorcher, Valle d'Aosta