Cima Rocca West Couloir skied in Brenta Dolomites by Dallavalle brothers

For some time now, while driving up towards Passo Campo Carlo Magno, my eye had been caught by this obvious couloir that ends above a high rocky cliff above Val Centonia. After a season with unfavourable conditions, we took advantage of a day with little wind, still low temperatures and fairly stable snow to go and have a look, just before the arrival of warm weather.

Roberto, who often visits the area in summer, had hypothesised a passage via traverses, grassy slabs and a couloir below the buttresses of Finestra Quadra. We managed to find a hidden passage that led us to the lower part of the couloir. We climbed the couloir and then the north face to the summit, then skied down the same line. A route in a spectacular setting; I have no knowledge of previous descents.

Vertical drop from Cima Rocca to the lower part of the couloir: approximately 700m
Total vertical drop: 1700m
Gradient: 40–45°, with steeper sections.

- Luca Dallavalle