6-day Climbing Safari in the Ossola Valley (VB)

The Ossola Valley in the northern end of Piedmont is a popular destination for climbers from all over Europe because of the famous Cadarese and Balmanoresca crack lines. These are natural cracks between the rocks, which make climbing fun, challenging and suitable for different levels of experience.

In the Ossola Valley, however, there are many other crags and long routes that will delight fans of the discipline. There is nothing better than discovering them together with a local mountain guide with a six-day itinerant stay: a real Climbing Safari.

During the experience, in addition to visiting magnificent places, you will test your climbing skills, improving your technique and acquiring new skills. It will be an exciting full immersion in Ossola climbing.

Get ready to go!

What we will do

It will be a six-day experience of sport, nature and discovering the Ossola region. We will move from one location to another mainly on foot and there will be no lack of moments of relaxation and fun, and we will stay overnight in refuges. Below is the complete programme.

Day 1

On the first day we will break the ice by getting to know each other and going over basic climbing manoeuvres. We will meet at 10:00 a.m. in Crevoladossola (VB) and then head to the Premia crag. Here we will start climbing in a not too demanding way, having fun and taking the opportunity to refresh the techniques and safety notions that we will need in the following days. In the evening, we will return to our homes or, if necessary, spend the night in a hotel.

Day 2

We set off in the morning for Cadarese, Italy's most famous area for crack climbing. We will spend a day of trad climbing at one of the cult crags in the area and, at the end, we will transfer to Devero, where we will spend the night in a refuge.

Day 3

The third day will be completely dedicated to climbing a multi-pitch route on the walls of Devero. The length and difficulty of the route will be decided by mutual agreement depending on the level of the group. After the demanding day, we will return to rest at the refuge.

Day 4

We immerse ourselves in the beautiful scenery of the Codelago dam, where the Mirror Lake cliff is located. Here we will devote ourselves to a few relaxing pitches, and in the afternoon, a long walk is planned to reach the refuge in Valle Formazza, the final stop of the day.

Day 5

We explore the Vannino Valley and its alpine lakes. Here, we will choose whether to climb a multi-pitch route or dedicate ourselves to single pitches. Afterwards, we return to the hut in Valle Formazza.

Day 6

We set off early to climb to the Gallo pass (approx. 2500 m altitude). From there we will descend into the Freghera valley to reach the wall where we will do one last climb. In the afternoon we will return to Formazza and from there to Crevoladossola, where we will say goodbye until the next adventure!

Who it is aimed at

This activity is at an intermediate level. Climbers with experience level 5 can participate, good physical training and independence in basic manoeuvres.

Other information

Attention! Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time.

The experience is for groups of 2 to 6 climbers. The group will be accompanied by only one guide during crag climbs, while for long routes there will be one guide for every 2 people.

The activity takes place on the dates indicated in the calendar, subject to reaching the minimum number. We only accept bookings made at least 15 days in advance.

Half-board in the huts/b&b is the responsibility of the participants and must be paid for on site. CAI card holders will benefit from reduced rates.

There will only be two transfers by car/shuttle bus, on the first and last day to and from Crevoladossola. The guide will try to organise these by his own means, but if this is not possible due to the number of participants, the expenses for the return journey by taxi-bus will be shared.

Common safety equipment is provided by the guide. Personal equipment is the responsibility of the participants (a detailed list of equipment needed will be provided after booking. If you are missing something, you can request it from the guide).

Recommended clothing

• comfortable clothing suitable for climbing
• thermal clothing and goretex jacket
• gloves and hat

Don't forget to bring

• backpack
• climbing kit
• harness
• shoes
• magnesite
• helmet
• carabiners
• self-locking knot lanyard