Via Cassin - Cima Piccolissima di Lavaredo

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.

Walk to the forcella Lavaredo and follow the small path leftwards to the base of the wall. Start beneath the obvious diagonal corner, reached by scrambling up the ledges.

Abseil down using the abseil rings (do not use the pegs). The first abseil leads from the summit to a ledge: traverse right to a small terrace on the North West Face (this can otherwise be reached by traversing along the ledge prior to the last pitch before the easy final chimney). Two abseils lead to the saddle that separates the Piccolissima from the Punta di Frida. Five further abseils down the South East gully lead back down to the foot of the wall. Beware of loose stones.

Take a full set of wires, friends, slings, kevlar threads and plenty of quickdraws.