Via Sandro Pertini

ZOOM ++

Highly recommended route up the cold West Face of Cima Grande di Lavaredo, up surprisingly good rock and with all the makings of a modern alpine classic.

Although first ascended as late as the 1980's, it falls in the category of techno-direttisimas and was freed in summer 2010 by the visiting Slovenian climbers Krajnc and Grmovšek who climbed the line in 6 pitches making use of the original, in-sito gear.

GETTING THERE

The ideal starting points are Cortina d'Ampezzo and Auronzo.
These can be reached from the north via the Pusteria Valley, or from the south by first taking the motorway (A27) to Longarone and then following the state road northwards. Both points of departure lead to Misurina, from where a private toll-road winds steeply almost to the base of the Tre Cime's south faces. Park the car at Rifugio Auronzo, situated at the end of the road and either sleep here or in Rifugio Lavaredo, reached by following the path for 15 minutes underneath the majestic South Faces which contain, amongst many other famous routes, the Spigolo Giallo.

ACCESS

From Rifugio Auronzo walk up the scree-filled gully which lies between the Cima Ovest and the Cima Grande. Start left of big tower, about 15m left of Via Dülfer, and follow slings, pitons and bolts.

ROUTE

P1: 6b, 35m
P2: 6a+, 50m
P3: 6a, 55m
P4: 7c, 35m
P5: 5c, 30m
P6: 6a, 25m

DESCENT

Descend down the classic descent route or abseil down the nearby Via Marco Zambelli Franz.

GEAR

The route is mostly bolt protected (old Cassin bolts), but take a set of friends and nuts for supplementary protection.