Arco & Lake Garda Rock Climbing

Arco & Lake Garda Rock Climbing Itinerary

Given the abundance of climbs in the Arco/Lake Garda area, we can adjust the itinerary during our climbing week to the preferred challenge level of our clients and the weather. Following are just some of the routes that we can choose from:

• Placche Zebrate (aka. The Zebra Slabs): multi-pitch rock climbing, 24 routes, 5.7 / French grade 4 and up
• Colodri: pretty limestone face north of Arco, 24 bolted multi-pitch routes, 5.8 / French grade 5a and up
• Baone: easy, bolted slabs above an olive tree grove west of Arco, 12 routes, 5.6 / French grade 3 and up
• Cime Alle Coste: 24 routes between 150 and 650 m long, 5.8 / French grade 5a and up

*North American Climbing Grades

After rock climbing in Arco, consider signing up for one of our Dolomites rock climbing or via ferrata weeks.

Climbing Course & Camp Curriculum

Our beginners’ course will have you following moderate routes and leading sport climbs. You will learn everything you need to know about climbing multi-pitch routes safely and efficiently. Our advanced level courses will get you leading moderate routes and establishing anchors using traditional gear.

On our climbing camps, the guide acts more like a coach: helping to choose the best route for a given day and skill level of the participants; sharing tips on route-finding, leading, and belaying; and accompanying the climbers to ensure a safe, fun, and successful day. Having a guide in your group assures optimal use of your vacation time and peace of mind should the going get rough.

For our courses, we strongly believe in the “Learning by Doing” concept. Expect lots of climbing!

Rock Climbing Beginners’ Course

• Follow moderate and lead easy bolted multi-pitch climbs, lead (or mock-lead) bolted sport climbs
• Knots, rock climbing technique, belay technique, communication, rappelling, cleaning anchors, introduction to the placement of removable climbing protection (i.e. nuts and cams), hazard evaluation, and risk management

Rock Climbing Advanced Course

• Lead moderate multi-pitch climbs on gear safely and efficiently, lead sport climbs
• Review of beginner’s course contents plus: advanced climbing technique, placement of removable protection (i.e. cams and nuts), building safe belay stations/anchors, basic self-rescue techniques, route selection, and trip planning

Rock Climbing Camp

• A combination of any of the above contents, advancing at a rate in accordance with your personal skill level and preferences

The Climbing Camps are Private Courses requiring a minimum commitment of 5 days and 3 – 6 climbers.

Trips can depart any day between the last week of May and Mid-September.

Pricing and inclusions

Please inquire for a custom trip package and pricing based on your group size, ability level, number of guided climbing days and inclusions (lodging, meal plan, transportation, etc).

Transportation

Arco is most easily reached from Verona or Bergamo international airports (85 and 130 km away, respectively). Alternatively, you could fly to Milan, Venice, Bologna or Innsbruck, all of which are within a 250 km radius of Arco.

Transport options: Take a train or bus from the airport cities to Arco. Research your options here: gardatrentino.it. Try and book your train tickets as early as possible, as they become more expensive closer to the travel date.

Alternatively, car rental is relatively cheap in Europe. Just be sure and rent a GPS or bring one from home with the European map system.

Alternatively, we can arrange for a private shuttle – ask us for details.

FAQ

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here

Weather, climate, temperatures

The best seasons for rock climbing in Arco are spring and fall, with temperatures normally between 20 and 25°C. One of the reasons Arco is a popular climbing destination is because it is normally protected from bad weather by the nearby Dolomites and Alps, so we can expect to enjoy many days of sunshine.

Medical/Rescue and Trip Cancellation Insurance

We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance package that does cover adventure travel. Common policies sold by travel agents or policies included in your credit card contract tend to exclude “mountaineering”  if you read through the fine print. We recommend an adventure travel policy on our website at http://ontopmountaineering.com/travel-insurance/  which our clients had good experiences with in the past. *NEW: we now recommend including covid-19/pandemic coverage with your insurance policy.

Can I Do It?

Private Guiding

All levels are welcome, from never ever to experts. Arco offers all you can dream of, regardless if you are a beginner in alpine rock or you have been climbing for decades and want to trade leads with your guide.

1) Beginner Course 

Requires good physical fitness for spending active days in the mountains and you should not be afraid of heights. Previous hiking and indoor climbing experience advantageous. Objective: Follow multi-pitch climbs, lead sport climbs.

2) Advanced Course 

See under 1), plus outdoor climbing experience following routes up to grade 5.8 (French grade 5a / 5b). Objective: Lead multi-pitch climbs on gear self sufficiently.

3) Climbing Camp 

See under 1) and 2) plus the ability to safely lead up to grade 5.6 (French grade 3 or 4) on multi-pitch climbs. If you sign up as a rope team of two, at least one of the partners must be a competent leader. Your guide will coach you on the climbs, ensure you set up safe belays, assure good route-finding and will step in if the going gets tough.

Climbing Grade Conversion