Rock Climbing Day on the Sella Towers, Dolomites
5.0
(6)
Join an experienced certified guide for a multi-ítch rock climb on the incredible Sella Towers in the Dolomites of Italy.
Private
Dolomite Mountains
1 Day
May - Sep
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Climb the First Sella Tower on one of its classic routes.
- Choose among historic routes such as Pilastrini, Spigolo Steger, or Via Trenker depending on conditions and ability.
- Enjoy a memorable day climbing in one of the Dolomites’ most iconic settings.
Description
The Sella Towers, above Sella Pass in the Dolomites, are one of Italy’s most famous rock climbing venues. This private guided day trip is focused on the First Sella Tower, where several classic moderate routes offer an excellent introduction to Dolomite multi-pitch climbing.
The First Tower offers shorter and more accessible climbs than the neighboring towers, making it the best standard objective for this trip.
Common routes on the First Tower include:
- Pilastrini – Grade IV, classic and popular
- Spigolo Steger – Grade IV
- Via Trenker – Grade IV with one move of V
- Rossi-Schober – Grade VI (for stronger climbers, conditions permitting)
If clients are moving well and efficiently, it is sometimes possible to continue to the Second Sella Tower via the Glueck Route (4 additional pitches). In this case, the total day is usually around 5 to 6 hours from parking to parking.
Upon request, for stronger and more experienced climbers looking for longer or more difficult climbs, other premium objectives may be arranged, including:
- Messner Route on the Second Tower
- Vinatzer Route on the Third Tower
These routes are significantly more demanding, require guide approval, and are offered at a higher price than the standard First Tower trip.
Send a request and join me for a fantastic day of climbing in the heart of the Dolomites!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Price details
- Price includes the Guiding fee for a standard climb on the First Sella Tower (5/6 hours). Routes such as Messner (Second Tower) and Vinatzer (Third Tower) are harder, longer objectives with a higher guiding price.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: First Sella Tower Climb
Meet in the morning for a briefing and gear check. Approach the First Tower and climb one of the selected classic routes based on conditions and your level.
After the summit, descend back to the pass.
If time, conditions, and pace allow, an extension to the Second Tower via Glueck may be possible.
Typical duration: 5 to 6 hours parking to parking.
Details
More info
This trip is for a standard climb on the First Sella Tower (5/6 hours). Routes such as Messner (Second Tower) and Vinatzer (Third Tower) are harder, longer objectives with a higher guiding price.
FAQs
What is the difficulty level of the climbing routes on this tour?
The Sella Towers offer climbing routes suitable for intermediate to advanced climbers. The routes are generally graded between IV and VI on the UIAA scale. On this tour we will climb one of the moderate routes on the First Sella Tower. Routes such as Messner (Second Tower) and Vinatzer (Third Tower) are harder, longer objectives with a higher guiding price.
Do I need previous climbing experience to join this tour?
Yes, some previous climbing experience is required. You should be comfortable climbing on multi-pitch routes and have experience with belaying and rappelling.
What equipment do I need to bring, and what will be provided?
I will provide ropes and climbing gear. You should bring personal equipment such as climbing shoes, a harness, a helmet, and appropriate clothing for the weather. If you don't have your own gear, it can be rented locally.
How can I reach the meeting point, and is public transportation available?
We usually meet in Campitello di Fassa or Canazei, but the exact meeting point for the tour will be agreed depending on where you'll be staying. It's recommended to travel by car, but public transportation options are available, and I can provide guidance on how to reach the meeting point.
What is the best time of year for this rock climbing tour?
The best time to climb the Sella Towers is from June to September when the weather conditions are most favorable. The routes can be crowded during peak season, so weekdays are preferable if you want to avoid the crowds.
How many routes will we climb during the day, and how long will the tour last?
Typically, we will climb one multi-pitch routes on the First Sella Tower. If we are fast enough, we can continue to the Second Sella Tower via the Glueck Route (4 additional pitches). In all cases, the total day is usually around 5 to 6 hours from parking to parking.
Is it possible to join a group, or is this tour private?
This is a private tour, but if you are traveling with a group, I can accommodate up to 2 participants per guide to ensure safety and a personalized experience.
Are there any special requirements such as permits or insurance?
No special permits are required for this tour. However, it's advisable to have personal accident insurance that covers mountain sports.
What route is included in the listed price?
The listed price covers a guided climb on the First Sella Tower. Options include the following routes: Pilastrini – Spigolo Steger – Via Trenker – Rossi-Schober. Your guide will select the most suitable route based on ability and conditions.
How long does the day last?
The standard day is usually around 5 to 6 hours parking to parking, depending on route choice and pace.
Can I climb another tower instead?
Yes, routes on the Second or Third Tower can be arranged on request, but these are longer and more demanding, so the price is higher. Popular examples include:
Messner Route on the Second Tower – 500 EUR + fees for 1 person (300 + fees per person for 2).
Vinatzer Route on the Third Tower – 550 EUR + fees for 1 person (330 + fees per person for 2).
About the guide
Renato & Guides' team
4.8
(441)
Mountain Guide
Hi! I'm Renato, IFMGA guide from the Dolomites, and I work together with my colleagues Robert, Patrick & Walter (German speaking), Paolo, Matteo, Davide, Giorgia and Luca.
If I'm not available to guide you, one of them will take care of you.
I was born in 1961, I live in Campitello di Fassa, in the Dolomites, together with my family. I have two sons, one is a mountain guide, the other is a ski instructor. I am a certified mountain guide since 1982, an instructor of guides, alpine ski instructor and a Federal coach for ISEF.
Being in the mountains has always been my passion, guiding people, teaching them climbing, mountaineering... during the various seasons of the year. I very much enjoy drawing nice curves in fresh powder snow and discover the charm of the frozen waterfalls.
My curriculum and professional mountaineering is made of many ascents and some openings of routes in the Dolomites and the Alps. I climbed in Yosemite Valley (California), Ben Nevis (Scotland) and Norway, Greece, Spain and Sardinia. I did also several high altitude climbs like Mt Denali (Alaska), Ama Dablam (6828m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Manaslu (8163m), Shivling in India (6545m), Cotopaxi and Chimborazo in Ecuador (5897m and 6310m), Patagonia (Argentina).
Feel free to get in touch with me if you are coming in the Dolomites for skiing (alpine, freeride and ski touring), rock climbing, sport climbing and multi pitch climbing. It will be my pleasure to guide you here and let you discover my secret spots.
Languages
Italian | German | English
Certificates
UIAGM
Reviews with photos
5
5
5
5What people are saying about this trip
Ethan
Mark
We were paired with Paolo. Prior to our climbing day, Paolo messaged us asking about our climbing experience. He then gave us a couple of options. We opted for Delenda Cathargo at Sella Towers. Paolo then dropped a pin for a meeting location making it very easy to find. Paolo was an amazing guide. He easily lead us up the route, took all the proper caution and took great photos of us climbing along the way! Delenda Cathargo is a solid 5.10 climb. First two pitches are really easy (5.4), the third pitch is the hardest (5.10d) and then the final few pitches are all solid 5.10 while offering stunning dolomite views. I’d highly recommend climbing Sella Towers and Paolo as a guide!
Charles
Such a great experience! Davide was our guide and couldn’t have been more accommodating. We climbed it two locations with varying skill levels. He was so helpful and made our trip to the dolomites perfect!
Chessie
Robert, on Renato's team, was a delight. I had some difficulty comparing the French, UIAA and US climbing ratings so he took me out to an area to test my skill. Once he knew my level, he found a route that was ideal. He gave me feedback on a bit of feedback on ascent, descent and climbing, just enough to focus without overwhelming me with information. Robert knows the area very well and found all kinds of unique features of the rock to share. You can tell his family has been doing this for generations. I am definitely referring my friends!
Mitch
Paolo and Patrick were our guides for Gaudeamos (12 pitch max of 6a) near Falzarego Pass. Paolo was communicative ahead of time in making arrangements and ensuring our climb matched our desires. During the climb, they were safe and efficient and all 4 members of our party came away from the outing feeling challenged and excited about the day. Overall, we had a fantastic day out and we were able to tackle a much larger & more grand objective than we otherwise could have on our own without our guides. Thanks Paolo & Patrick!!
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