Rock climbing at Andonno and around Cuneo

Cuneo is located near the French border in the foothills of the Alps, and is only 90km south of Turin. Running from Cuneo are a series of valleys that include many excellent crags including Andonno. The vast majority of these crags provide single pitch sport routes that are ideal for climbers of all abilities, with plenty of routes across all grades. With over 70 different crags there is a great variety of climbing styles to be found, to suit every combination of conditions and tastes. Most of the crags are limestone, though in some areas the rock type is either Gneiss or Quartzite. Due to the various altitude and orientation of the crags it is possible to climb here throughout the year.

Andonno is the best and most extensive crag in the Cuneo area. The climbing is mainly on good quality limestone rock, and includes everything from overhangs and tufas to slabs and vertical walls with edges or small crimps. There are over 270 single pitch routes with the vast majority of these in F6a to F7c grade range. At an altitude of 850m, and south facing, the crag’s sunny exposure means it is possible to climb in a T-shirt almost all year round.

The sport climbing at Val Roya is mainly based around the border towns of Olivetta and La Brigue.

At Olivetta there are around 150 routes spread across 7 crags that offer a great variety of difficulties on limestone rock. At La Brigue there are almost 250 routes spread across 7 different crags on high quality red and grey limestone rock. For both areas there is a good spread of grades, making these crags ideal for both beginners and climbers looks for harder grades.

It is possible to rock climb at Val Roya throughout the year due to the high altitude of around 1,000m, along with being able to choose between crags that catch the sun or shade.

The Salty Routes - Liguria to the French Riviera Rock Climbing Guidebook describes 20 different crags including those around Olivetta and La Brigue.