Dry Canyoning Canal Pianone in the Apuan Alps

Immerse yourself in the charm of the Apuan Alps and admire suggestive lunar landscapes and incredible rocky vistas along the dry canyoning route on Canal Pianone.

Dry canyoning is the 'dry' variant of canyoning. It consists of progression in rocky and steep environments, with techniques similar to those of classic canyoning but without water, although there are some clear pools on the route generated by rainwater or thawing.

The route on the Canal Pianone is characterised by vertical walls and overhangs and is particularly impressive in winter, when the rock walls are filled with sharp ice stalactites.

What we will do

We will meet in the village of Resceto, a hamlet of the town of Massa (MS). We will meet the guide, who will provide us with all the necessaryequipment, and we will proceed to the briefing on progression techniques and the safety rules to be followed during the activity. After that, we will be ready for our dry canyoning adventure!

Before reaching Canal Pianone, we will make an approximate 20-minute approach along the historic Via Vandelli, the ancient road connecting Massa and Modena, which has now become a famous hiking route for the beauty of the landscape it offers.

We will continue along an increasingly narrow and steep path until we reach the Canal Pianone gorge. The landscape here will be predominantly rocky and moon-like, and will offer us truly special and unusual views. It will be a succession of rope descents from various heights (maximum 25 metres), for which no specific skills are required, just follow the guide's directions.

We will be walking on very steep and uneven sections and from time to time we will encounter crystal-clear pools in which to dive, if the water flow is sufficient. With the cold winter temperatures, the landscape will be dotted with rows of ice stalactites and the scenery will make us feel like real adventurers in an unexplored land!

The activity lasts a total of about 4½ hours, of which 2.5/3 hours will be spent completing the route, and ends with the return to the meeting point.

Who it is aimed at

This activity is at an intermediate level. It is necessary to be familiar with the water and to be in good health, i.e. not to have heart or respiratory diseases that could impair the activity. Children from 10 years of age can also participate.

Canyoning requires some physical effort. If you are over 60 years old, contact your guide to make sure you can do the activity.

Other information

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

This activity is bookable from December to March (under favourable weather conditions and subject to availability of guides) and is confirmed when there are at least 4 participants.

No rings can be worn during the activity and, if you wear glasses, you will have to fasten them so that you don't lose them. The use of contact lenses is recommended.

Rock shoes or rock climbing shoes are not permitted. Hiking, running or classic trainers are permitted. Alternatively, suitable shoes can be hired on site at a cost of €10.

Recommended clothing

• Clothing appropriate to the season
• Polyester T-shirt to wear under the wetsuit
• Hiking or trainers to get wet (no rock or rock shoes)

Don't forget to bring

• Towel
• Complete change