Punta Emma is the northern spur of Catinaccio main summit but most consider it as a separate summit (2610m).
It is quite famous among climbers for its 2 classic routes : the Piaz and the Steger
Haven't climbed the Steger I can say that the Piaz should be the best choice here, a little more difficult than the other one but fine and amusing :

about 200 m - 6-7 pitches
difficulties not sustained

was opened in solo by Tita Piaz in 1910 !!!

A view from Gardeccia - the Catinaccio wall, Punta Emma and Vajolet

Approach

Along the path from Rif. Preuss to Rif. Albert I° you can easily see the starting of the big crack that can be reached crossing for about 100 m to the left and scrambling for some tens metres.

Route Description

Scramble (2°-3°) to the beginning of the big crack till a comfortable ledge.
Straight along the vertical crack, 2 pitches - in the second one there is the key passage of the route (5°)
Now you must climb on the left side of the crack, along steep slabs that become easier - 2 pitches
To the left some metres and then straight on to the summit .

Coming down is not difficult (2°) but requires 1 rappel :
Go along the W ridge till the saddle between P.Emma and Catinaccio
Now, scrambling (traces of passage and cairns) till the starting point of the rappel - 25-30 metres
From here in a little time you can get the path leading to the refuge

Essential Gear

50 m long rope
some carabiniers

Miscellaneous Info

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