Melloblocco 2026: new areas, same spirit

This year, Melloblocco stretches its arms even wider: Val Masino, Val di Mello and Valle dei Bagni will all be part of the experience. New areas, new boulders, and the long‑awaited return of Bagni di Masino, a name that already stirs memories and anticipation.

But Melloblocco is never just about “new sectors”. It’s about emotion. Every edition carries stories, friendships, discoveries and the quiet joy of touching stone shaped by time. A dictionary may define a boulder as “a rock”, but climbers know better. A boulder is a possibility. A line waiting to be imagined. A moment suspended between effort and grace.

“Our philosophy hasn’t changed”, says route setter Matteo De Zaiacomo. “We explore new corners of the valley and bring old classics back to life, always with respect, always with a light touch”. The team is cleaning and restoring boulders of every grade, because Melloblocco belongs to everyone - kids, beginners, seasoned climbers, and those who come to test themselves on the legendary boulders with prize money.

And through all the evolution, one thing remains untouched: the spirit. “The nature of the event has never changed”, the organisers remind us. “Melloblocco was born to bring people together in a place of extraordinary beauty, to share a sport that is both simple and profound”. Since 2004, Melloblocco has been a celebration of climbing without competition, just passion, curiosity and connection.

WHAT MELLOBLOCCO IS
Melloblocco is the world-famous bouldering gathering, welcoming thousands of climbers from more than 80 countries. Over 18 editions, more than 33,000 people have climbed here and among them legends like Chris Sharma, Adam Ondra and Janja Garnbret.

But fame is not the point. Melloblocco is about the valley, the granite, the people you meet, the laughter in the meadows, the evenings under the stars.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Registration at melloblocco.it is now live. The €25 fee supports the event and includes a bag with the boulder map, partner gadgets and a T‑shirt (2,500 available). They always run out, so early registration is a wise move.

And if you want to share the magic, the “Give Melloblocco as a gift” initiative lets you gift someone the chance to be part of the gathering – just add their name, surname and a heartfelt message.

THE MELLOBLOCCO VILLAGE
At the heart of the event lies the Village in San Martino, a place where climbers and non‑climbers mingle, where music plays, where brands bring games and challenges, and where the evenings turn into celebrations of stories, films, and the award ceremonies for the prize‑money boulders.

Last year’s stage saw athletes like Michael Piccolruaz, Simone Tentori, Stefano Carnati, Davide Bassotto, James Pearson (GBR), Melissa Le Nevé (FRA), Barbara Zangerl (AUT), Salomé Romain (FRA), Giulia Rosa, Martina Blanchet, Elisa Lauretano e Mina Markovic (SLO) and many others. This year, new stories will unfold.

ORGANISE YOUR MELLOBLOCCO
There are three things to do before the event: register for Melloblocco 2026, book your accommodation (hotel, campsite, B&B, holiday home: see all the options here), and think about how you will travel. Melloblocco is committed to respecting and protecting the natural environment and invites you to travel to Val Masino by public transport or, why not, by bike. There is also a WhatsApp group for those looking for or offering a lift.

All the useful information is available at melloblocco.it.

Melloblocco collaborates with the Val Masino Administration on the Interreg APICI project, which aims to create an International Climbing Centre between Val Masino and Val Bregaglia, improve the trail network, and promote inclusive activities that nurture physical, mental and emotional well‑being.

The event is organised by the Consorzio turistico Porte di Valtellina, with the support of the Lombardy Region, the Province of Sondrio, BIM Adda, the Valtellina Mountain Community of Morbegno, the Municipality of Val Masino, and the long‑standing promoters Michele Comi, Nicola Noè e Stefano Scetti and local associations who have shaped Melloblocco since the beginning.