Papilio on Sass de Stria, Dolomites, climbed by Anna & Michal Coubal

On 14 August 2021 my daughter Anna and I climbed a new route up the southeast face of Sass da Stria and named it Papilio. During the ascent we were accompanied by many small brown butterflies, that rested on our heads and shoulders, acting like friendly, divine creatures.

Papilio was climbed using a traditional approach, without bolts. This part of the face is comprised of nice, high-quality limestone that is rarely broken. There are also pleasant cracks and corners, so a good selection of nuts and friends will be found necesary.

The journey isn't particularly long, just 8 pitches, but it provides a pleasant ascent and descent. Together with the well-bolted Ultima tule put up by Roly Galvagni and Diego Filippi in 2008, it provides an intersting contrast on this section of the wall with one classic outing and one alpine sport climb.

by Michal Coubal