John Ball’s 1857 ascent of Monte Pelmo is usually presented as a clean historical milestone: the first successful climb of the mountain, achieved by a determined Victorian alpinist and recorded in his classic writings.
Bivouac to Bivouac in the Dolomites: A Different Way to Experience the Mountains
The Dolomites are famous for their dramatic peaks, iconic rifugios, and crowded summer trails. But hidden high among these mountains is another world entirely: the world of bivouacs. This text is about them.
Beyond the Emergency: The Real Spirit of Alpine Bivouacs
There is currently a debate over safety, social media, and over-tourism related to bivouacs. Before we label these shelters as ’emergency only,’ we need to look closer at the diverse roles they play across the Dolomites and beyond.
Who Really Climbed Antelao First? Grohmann’s 1863 Account
Paul Grohmann’s group ascent of Monte Antelao in 1863 lead by Matteo Ossi is often considered the mountain’s first. But Ossi claimed he had already reached the summit years before, yet according to Grohmann hesitated at the final crux.
Tofana di Mezzo: Why Lacedelli and Grohmann Didn’t Take the Simplest Ascent
Lacedelli and Grohmann climbed Tofana di Mezzo the hard way from the south side, but nowadays there is a lesser-known walk-up route to the summit. So why did they avoid it?