-Cogne

A recent trip to Cogne in Italy was cut very short and saw only two days of climbing. This was disappointing and as a result I captured only a handful of images. This alpine ice mecca is a stunning area with many jaw dropping ice falls and beautiful mountain scenery. We stopped off in Chamonix, France (photo above) before driving through the surreal Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. On the first day we took the lazy option and chose the ten minute approach to Cascate di Lillaz, a classic 3+. This is a popular ice fall and is used by guides to teach on. So expect a queue and some missiles. The five pitches are stretched out by short walks giving the route a more alpine feel. It is a good introduction to ice climbing and well equipped at the belays so is therefore ideal for your first sketchy ascent. There are also many variations possible on all the pitches throughout the route. Top roping the first pitch seems popular so be patient or gain the higher pitches from the path that runs up the right side of the fall.