Rock Climb the Dolomites

This summer we discovered the Cinque Torri near Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Dolomites, and I think it may be my new favourite place to climb.

In the summertime there are a few ways to reach the Cinque Torri. If you're only coming for the day, one of the easiest ways is to park on the Passo Falzarego and take the chairlift up to Rifugio Scoiattoli (or hike up for about an hour under the lift if you're feeling fit). If you're planning on staying for a couple of nights (which I highly recommend), then you can drive up a narrow road to Rifugio Cinque Torri where you can leave the car, and either sleep there or hike for 10 minutes further and sleep at Rif. Scoiattoli (which we did).

The Cinque Torri (Five Towers in English although there are actually more than 5) are a short walk from both of the rifugios and have so many options for climbers. 

Sport Climbing

There are a number of bolted, single-pitch sport routes of various difficulties, from French grade 4a up to 8b.

Trad Climbing

Whether you're new to trad climbing or you're a seasoned pro, there are so many routes at the Cinque Torre to choose from. This was our first time trying trad climbing, and doing multi-pitch, so we had a mountain guide to show us the ropes (quite literally). There are routes from UIAA grade III to VIII+, from 3 to 6 pitches in length.