Alpine Logistics

At the eastern end of Gran Paradiso National Park is Forzo Valley. You can smell the mountain air as you step out of the car. The River Soana winds its way down from the glaciers of the Gran Paradiso massif, carving itself a platform amongst the granite mountains and pine forests of this peaceful valley.

Towering above the valley’s northwest flank is some of the Park’s best granite climbing: Anciesieu, Schiappe delle Grise Nere and Apherian. Today we came to warm up on the first granite this year: an 8 pitch climb on the slabs and cracks of Apherian. The idea is to prepare for a summer on the higher elevation routes in Gran Paradiso, Monte Bianco and Val di Mello.

Being in such a beautiful place makes me feel like I’m taking part in something special. It regenerates my soul and makes me dream of adventure and times gone by, when the Alps and other great mountain ranges were still largely unexplored and uncontaminated. It’s always a privilege to experience these places.