The Alps rank high among the world's foremost destinations for canyoning. This book brings together 90 of the most celebrated descents in the Alpine regions of northern Italy and Ticino in Switzerland. Divided into five areas, the descents described in the guide present a huge variety of terrain, rock and styles of canyoning. Route difficulty is split into seven grades, from easier canyons suited to beginners, through to the strongest aquatic and technical challenges, which demand experienced rope skills, physical fitness and a calm head for high water.
The Alps are home to some of the most extraordinary geological creations in the world, and the range's canyons are no exception, from limestone to granite-gneiss aquaparks. Sights to tempt any canyoner await; from the art-deco sweep of water-carved rock, to knife-thin chasms reaching overhead, to serene blue pools cradled in a natural ampitheatre.
The guide introduces routes in Val d'Ossola, Ticino, Lake Como and the Belluno Dolomites through to canyons in Austria and Slovenia. There is information on Alpine geology and the history of Canyoning, as well as details on access and accommodation in each area, advice on technique, risks, preparation and necessary equipment. It is an indispensable companion to any canyoner looking for an exhilarating adventure in the Alps.
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detailed maps, photography and topos of all 90 descents
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advice on equipment, hazards and techniques specific to canyoning
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practical advice on planning a canyoning trip to each region
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background information on the areas covered in Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia
Map of areas covered
Preface
Introduction
Canyoning – a brief history
Geology of the Alps (for canyoners)
Weather and when to go
Getting there
Getting around
Waymarking, access routes and maps
The risks of canyoning
Canyoning rope techniques
Equipment and clothing
Cameras and photography
Canyon safety – precautions and pre-trip preparations
Mountain rescue, local healthcare and insurance
Canyon etiquette
Using this guide
Key facts
Val d’Ossola
Route 1 Massaschluct
Route 2 Gondo
Route 3 Rasiga Superiore
Route 3a Rasiga Inferiore
Route 4 Variola Superiore
Route 5 Mondelli 2
Route 5a Mondelli 1
Route 6 Mondelli 3
Route 7 Bianca
Route 7a Segnara
Route 8 Toce
Route 9 Rio d’Alba
Route 10 Antolina
Route 11 Isorno Finale
Route 12 Antoliva
Route 13 Ogliana di Quarata
Route 13a Menta Inferiore
Route 14 Ogliana di Beura – Parte Finale
Route 15 Marona
Ticino
Route 16 Serenello
Route 17 Bignasco
Route 18 Sponde
Route 19 Giumaglio
Route 20 Salto
Route 21 Val di Gei Inferiore
Route 22 Val Grande Inferiore
Route 23 Loco Inferiore
Route 24 Ticinetto Inferiore
Route 25 Barougia
Route 26 Malvaglia Inferiore
Route 27 Combra
Route 28 Pontirone Superiore
Route 29 Pontirone Inferiore
Route 30 Iragna Superiore
Route 31 Iragna Inferiore
Route 32 Lodrino Intermedio
Route 33 Lodrino Inferiore
Route 34 Osogna Intermedio
Route 34a Osogna Superiore
Route 35 Osogna Inferiore
Route 36 Cresciano Superiore
Route 37 Cresciano Inferiore
Lake Como
Route 38 Bodengo 2
Route 38a Bodengo 1
Route 39 Bodengo 3
Route 40 Pilotera
Route 41 Mengasca
Route 42 Casenda
Route 43 Bares
Route 44 Borgo
Route 45 Perlana Inferiore
Route 46 Bondasca
Route 46a Drögh Grand
Route 47 Lesina
Route 48 Ferro
Route 49 Cormor
Route 50 Valle di Scerscen
Route 51 Val Brutta
Route 52 Esino Inferiore
Route 53 Boazzo
The Belluno and Friuli Dolomites
Route 54 Grigno
Route 55 La Soffia
Route 56 Forti
Route 57 Pisson
Route 58 Clusa Superiore
Route 59 Clusa Inferiore
Route 60 Mus Inferiore
Route 60a Mus Superiore
Route 61 Fogarè Superiore
Route 62 Fogarè Inferiore
Route 63 Maor
Route 64 Maggiore
Route 65 Tovanella
Route 66 Zemola
Route 67 Pezzeda
Route 68 Ciorosolin
Route 69 Torrente Chiadola
Route 70 Ciolesan
Route 71 Alba-Molassa
Carnia and the Julian Alps
Route 72 Lower Rötenbach
Route 72a Upper Rötenbach
Route 73 Frauenbach
Route 74 Novarza
Route 75 Lumiei
Route 76 Rio Negro
Route 77 Viellia
Route 78 Picchionis
Route 79 Chiantione
Route 80 La Foce Inferiore
Route 81 Cosa
Route 82 Leale Inferiore
Route 83 Lavarie
Route 84 Tralba Inferiore
Route 84a Alba
Route 85 Simon Inferiore
Route 85a Simon Superiore
Route 86 Cuestis
Route 87 Rio Nero Superiore
Route 88 Rio Nero Inferiore
Route 89 Brussine
Route 90 Mlinarica
Appendix A Canyon summary table
Appendix B Further information and resources
Appendix C Campsites
Appendix D Tourist information offices
Appendix E Glossary of technical terms
Appendix F First descents
Route Index
Route Planner
'...the clarity of guidance and the sporting locations shown in the photographs mean that few cavers could resist. Take a look, take the challenge!'
Descent magazine Feb/ Mar 2013
'With the inclusion of just under 100 descents in five different regions spread over four countries, this book is well thought out and excellently presented. It provides enough information to keep keen canyoners busy for a very long time.
...All the details required for canyon tourism are there: from accommodation right down to the inclusion of basic regional information such as location of shops and banks.
And when it comes time to get wet and climb into an actual canyon, you are well and truly covered, with access, egress and of course, the descent itself covered in great detail.'
www.fatcanyoners.org Jan 2013
