VIA SOLDA’ – TORRE DI BABELE

Opened by Gino and Italo Soldà in 1937 on excellent rock. Very exposed and not always straightforward. Excellent rock quality. Upon reaching the rappels, it is possible to continue to the summit, although it is not recommended as the rock becomes friable and difficult to protect.

Difficulty:

Mostly V, with one VI- crux

Elevation Gain:

600m to Rifugio Vazzoler + 300m to the start + 300m for the route (400m total length). 13 pitches.

Timing:

5 hours

Approach:

From Rifugio Vazzoler, proceed on trail 560 towards Rifugio Tissi for about 500m, then turn right onto the road leading to Bivacco Tomè. Stay on this trail, cross a often dry ford, until reaching a scree. Leave the path to ascend the scree, arrive at the base of Torre di Babele, then enter the gully between the latter and Lo Gnome di Babele. Shortly after, find a comfortable ledge with the start of the route.

45 minutes to the start from Rifugio Vazzoler.

Gear:

The route has some pitons, but additional gear is necessary.

Descent:

After reaching the top of the route, cross the saddle towards the W side, where the first rappel is immediately found. Be cautious of other parties; dislodging rocks is quite easy.

1st rappel: 40m

2nd rappel: 60m (50+10 with a sundial) slightly to the right of the first

3rd rappel: 40m vertically to a sundial

4th rappel: 50m to a ledge to follow for the last rappel

5th rappel: 35m to the gully

From here, descend the scree and reach the start and then Rifugio Vazzoler.

2 hours to Rifugio Vazzoler, 45 minutes to Capanna Trieste