Dolomites – Part 1 | chossclimbers.com

Go back to Euro Sampler – Dolomites.
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08/19/08. Via Del Guide (IV, 4P) & Via Miriam (V+, 4P) on Torre Grande

Cinque Torri.

Given that our previous limestone climbing experience consisted of about 20 feet of climbing – all in Sedona, AZ where the three towers we’ve done have a 4-8 foot tall limestone band embedded in the sandstone – we had no idea what to expect. We set our expectations low as we rode the chairlift up to the Cinque Torri Group above Cortina. A grueling 5 minute approach brought us to the base of the “IV” route on Torre Grande/Cima Ovest. Rock is solid (despite the appearance from afar), grippy and well-featured. Scenic if crowded summit.

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And Cinque Torri.

Before heading down, we also got on Via Miriam next door. Nice route as well even if the first pitch is very polished. Things went well till I screwed up on the final pitch following a dead end line of loose pegs (felt harder than the expected grade V…). Mistake was corrected shortly at the cost of a nut (not mine fortunately!) and we were hiking down to the car making plans for the next day.

Photos

Shirley enduring the epic approach to the Cinque Torri area (Aug. 2008).

Shirley with Tofana di Rozes in the background (Aug. 2008).

The remainder of the arduous approach. Torre Grande dominates the views (Aug. 2008).

Leading pitch 1 of Via Delle Guide on Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).

Looking back at the short approach to Via Del Guide from the top of the chairlift and Rifugio Scoiattoli (Aug. 2008).

Consulting the guidebook at the first belay on Via Delle Guide on Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).

Shirley topping out on pitch 2 of Via Delle Guide (Aug. 2008).

Shirley topping out on pitch 3 (Aug. 2008).

Shirley leading pitch 4 (Aug. 2008).

Yours truly on the summit of Torre Grande with Tofana di Rozes in the background after our climb of Via delle Guide (Aug. 2008).

Shirley on the summit of Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).

Tofana di Rozes from the summit of Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).

Rapping off Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).

Unknown climbers on Torre Barancio as seen from the top of the Via Del Guide (Aug. 2008).

Shirley hiking over to the start of Via Miriam after our climb of Via Del Guide…both on Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).

Leading pitch 1 of Via Miriam on Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).

Some Dolomites flora (Aug. 2008).

Shirley topping out on pitch 1 of Via Miriam of Torre Grande (Aug. 2008).

Shirley leading pitch 2 of Via Miriam (Aug. 2008).

Starting up pitch 3 of Via Miriam (Aug. 2008).

Looking back at Shirley (Aug. 2008).

Shirley topping out on pitch 3 of Via Miriam (Aug. 2008).

Shirley starting up pitch 4 of Via Miriam (Aug. 2008).

Off-route start to pitch 4 of Via Miriam (Aug. 2008).

Shirley on pitch 4 (Aug. 2008).

Belaying Shirley on the exit pitch (#5) of Via Miriam on Torre Grande’s South Summit (Aug. 2008).

Topping out on Via Miriam (Aug. 2008).

Shirley rapping off Torre Grande after our first day of Dolomites climbing (Aug. 2008).

Back at the base (Aug. 2008).

Hiking back towards the (closed) ski lift at the end of the day (Aug. 2008).

Shirley and Tofana (Aug. 2008).

One more look at the Cinque Torri cluster of towers (Aug. 2008).

Go to Dolomites – Part 2.
Go back to Euro Sampler – Dolomites.