BKW - Jul 1, 2020 11:02 am Date Climbed: Jun 19, 2019
Early Season on Normale
A quick side trip on a business trip to Rome. Not to many people around on this June midweek ascent. Two other parties on the route. A good amount of snow, but I was able to make it up sans ice axe and in casual shoes. I did have my gaiters shoved into my work bag!
Luciano136 - Oct 13, 2018 12:07 pm Date Climbed: Oct 3, 2018
Via normale on a beautiful fall day
From Campo Imperatore. Drove to the trailhead since the skilift was closed for renovations (so is the old hotel). Gorgeous sunny day with perfect 360 views. The class 2 scramble to the top was very enjoyable!
SzaniUherkovich - Aug 20, 2018 4:50 am Date Climbed: Jul 16, 2018
On the peak at 10:45 a.m.
I started the hiking from Prati di Tivo, at 7:15 a.m. Since I didn't find the marked route, I used the tracks built for the mountain bikers. This day there was no traffic since the cable car wasn't in operation due to the bad weather. From the upper station of the cable car I used the normal route. With good pace I was on the peak at 10:45 a.m. I descended on the exposed western ridge, and afterwards I returned to the normal route back to Prati di Tivo
Falk - Nov 25, 2014 8:57 am Date Climbed: Jul 4, 2014
West ridge
Easy but still interesting ascent route. Great views on Campo Pericoli and Pizzo Intermesoli! Descended via the beautiful and still snowy Calderone glacier.
bokum - May 27, 2014 6:58 pm Date Climbed: May 8, 2014
Direttissima to Vetta Occidentale
Had a 4 month stay in Rome, and didn't expect mountains like the Apennines to be so close to the city. Made my stay all the better as I learned basics of mountaineering here.
Climbed many times, ones with snow ( carefull descent)
Gijsj - Sep 29, 2012 1:39 pm Date Climbed: Aug 19, 2010
Route climbed: Direttissima
Nice climb with some easy scrambling in a nice environment. Didn't expect such a high mountain and even a glacier in this region of Italy. Despite fuzziness at the horizon we could see the Adriatic Sea. Top was indeed a little overcrowded because of the good weather.
conflax - Dec 6, 2011 8:45 am Date Climbed: May 18, 2011
Snow!
Awesome mountain, had been planning this for weeks but heavy snowfall a few days before meant I couldn't summit this time - attempted the top but after spending an hour walking up a wall of snow I turned back and spent an enjoyable couple of hours hiking the lower ridges instead, virtually deserted and incredible views. The drive up to Campo Imperatore at sunrise was also stunning. Can't wait to have another go!
bruno baschung - Sep 6, 2010 3:25 pm Date Climbed: Jul 15, 2010
normal route
Climbing the normal route. The mountain is really very alpine and quite steep, it's amazing to discover the tiny (but endangered) calderone glacier just beneath the summit, the only one so down south of Europe. There's quite a lot to do in the area, and diretissima is also very interesting, let alon the only slightly more difficult west ridge.stonefall danger is still something to consider there.
Winter ascents are for sure much more challenging.
I went from Campo Imperatore where I spent the night in the famous hotel built there at 2130m . It's of course highly recommended there to ask to visit room N°210 of the hotel where the Duce spent about 2 weeks before being liberated sept. 12th 1943 by german elite paratroopers led by Otto Skorzeny and Harald Mors in one of the boldest and most famous rescue operation ever untertaken. Alas, it's not easy to get some good information and books about this incredible story at the hotel (Hitler's Raid to Save Mussolini by Greg Annussek is one of the best sources to follow this unbelievable James Bond's style rescue story which took place right here in a place that did only slightly change over time) There's also a DVD -in italian- (done by italian TV summer 2010 "liberate il Duce" which is very interesting.
this historical feat contributes in making a visit to Gran Sasso really worth of interest.
there are also others centers of interest nearby, eg about science with the scientific resarch done in the tunnel in trying to catch neutrinos.
Climbed via Direttisima and descende via Bissolati
Snow most of the way from the top of the cable car. Left the cable car at 9am and only just made the last car down at 5pm. Descent of Bissolati was a bit slow. Don't under estimate the time needed in winter to climb Corno Grande. The traverse back from the pass of Sella di Monte Aquila to cable car was quite slippy with slushy snow and fresh minor avalanches.
Climbed Moriggia-Acitelli couloir.
Descended by Bissolati couloir.
The approach by Sentiero Estivo is not advisable: still too many big cornices
Konrad Sus - Mar 1, 2010 6:55 am Date Climbed: Jul 11, 1999
unexpectedly
After night in tent in Campo Imeratore - normal trail, unfortunelly - damage of photo camera, i haven`t any photos from summit, so I must come back here!
Stayed at Campo Imperatore then hiked the ridge to a cloudy summit. Met two nice Italian guys who spared me a bus ride and let me hitch a ride back to Rome to get the train to Chamonix. Certainly a nice climb if you're in the area, probably even better if you aren't in the clouds.
My wife, Mary Jane, and I first climbed the Corno Grande in the early autumn of 1967, together with our friends from the British Embassy in Rome, Robin and Sue McLaren. In 1970 I again climbed the Corno Grande with our son David who was then 13. In both cases we took the via normale from the Campo Imperatore hotel.
mulidivarese - May 13, 2008 7:24 am Date Climbed: Aug 18, 2001
between the two seas
We slept in Campo Imperatore and in the early morning we arrived to the top by an elegant and exposed ridge, close to the normal.
Windy and cold, even if it was summer, but the clean weather allowed us to see both the adriatic and tirrenic seas.
Wonderfull travel in the abruzzi
Valerio and Jolanda
RenatoG - May 1, 2008 5:48 am Date Climbed: Mar 27, 2008
Winter conditions
Still winter conditions on Gran Sasso in this end of April...
Low temperatures, fog until an altitude of about 2800m, wind in the early part of the morning.
Wonderful view from the summit, with the surrounding peaks appearing from the clouds.
Diveria - Jan 23, 2008 3:14 am Date Climbed: Aug 15, 2007
I was...
in Abruzzo during a motorbike journey with a friend so I took the opportunity to climb Gran Sasso by the normal route, great day but too much crowd! If I would read this page before I surely have choosen the East summit!
Mg-k - Dec 3, 2007 12:03 pm Date Climbed: May 14, 2007
Route climbed: northern route, Via delle Creste
Climbing alone. Ascent on Via Normale Ovest. Much snow on the northern slopes, ice pick and crampons would have been very helpful. Therefore I descended on the rocks of Via delle Creste.
Fantastic climb!
Lupino - Oct 20, 2006 6:45 am Date Climbed: Oct 15, 2006
Vetta Centrale
Through the Forchetta del Calderone-Forchetta Gualerzi
chris.mueller - Oct 18, 2006 7:59 pm Date Climbed: May 22, 2005
Storm
Tried to climb Corno grande. Bad weather and strong winds made us turn back to the Rifugio. Climbed easy Monte Aquila instead.
BKW - Jul 1, 2020 11:02 am Date Climbed: Jun 19, 2019
Early Season on NormaleA quick side trip on a business trip to Rome. Not to many people around on this June midweek ascent. Two other parties on the route. A good amount of snow, but I was able to make it up sans ice axe and in casual shoes. I did have my gaiters shoved into my work bag!
Luciano136 - Oct 13, 2018 12:07 pm Date Climbed: Oct 3, 2018
Via normale on a beautiful fall dayFrom Campo Imperatore. Drove to the trailhead since the skilift was closed for renovations (so is the old hotel). Gorgeous sunny day with perfect 360 views. The class 2 scramble to the top was very enjoyable!
SzaniUherkovich - Aug 20, 2018 4:50 am Date Climbed: Jul 16, 2018
On the peak at 10:45 a.m.I started the hiking from Prati di Tivo, at 7:15 a.m. Since I didn't find the marked route, I used the tracks built for the mountain bikers. This day there was no traffic since the cable car wasn't in operation due to the bad weather. From the upper station of the cable car I used the normal route. With good pace I was on the peak at 10:45 a.m. I descended on the exposed western ridge, and afterwards I returned to the normal route back to Prati di Tivo
Falk - Nov 25, 2014 8:57 am Date Climbed: Jul 4, 2014
West ridgeEasy but still interesting ascent route. Great views on Campo Pericoli and Pizzo Intermesoli! Descended via the beautiful and still snowy Calderone glacier.
bokum - May 27, 2014 6:58 pm Date Climbed: May 8, 2014
Direttissima to Vetta OccidentaleHad a 4 month stay in Rome, and didn't expect mountains like the Apennines to be so close to the city. Made my stay all the better as I learned basics of mountaineering here.
alcol - Aug 26, 2013 9:47 am
DirettissimaClimbed many times, ones with snow ( carefull descent)
Gijsj - Sep 29, 2012 1:39 pm Date Climbed: Aug 19, 2010
Route climbed: DirettissimaNice climb with some easy scrambling in a nice environment. Didn't expect such a high mountain and even a glacier in this region of Italy. Despite fuzziness at the horizon we could see the Adriatic Sea. Top was indeed a little overcrowded because of the good weather.
conflax - Dec 6, 2011 8:45 am Date Climbed: May 18, 2011
Snow!Awesome mountain, had been planning this for weeks but heavy snowfall a few days before meant I couldn't summit this time - attempted the top but after spending an hour walking up a wall of snow I turned back and spent an enjoyable couple of hours hiking the lower ridges instead, virtually deserted and incredible views. The drive up to Campo Imperatore at sunrise was also stunning. Can't wait to have another go!
bruno baschung - Sep 6, 2010 3:25 pm Date Climbed: Jul 15, 2010
normal routeClimbing the normal route. The mountain is really very alpine and quite steep, it's amazing to discover the tiny (but endangered) calderone glacier just beneath the summit, the only one so down south of Europe. There's quite a lot to do in the area, and diretissima is also very interesting, let alon the only slightly more difficult west ridge.stonefall danger is still something to consider there.
Winter ascents are for sure much more challenging.
I went from Campo Imperatore where I spent the night in the famous hotel built there at 2130m . It's of course highly recommended there to ask to visit room N°210 of the hotel where the Duce spent about 2 weeks before being liberated sept. 12th 1943 by german elite paratroopers led by Otto Skorzeny and Harald Mors in one of the boldest and most famous rescue operation ever untertaken. Alas, it's not easy to get some good information and books about this incredible story at the hotel (Hitler's Raid to Save Mussolini by Greg Annussek is one of the best sources to follow this unbelievable James Bond's style rescue story which took place right here in a place that did only slightly change over time) There's also a DVD -in italian- (done by italian TV summer 2010 "liberate il Duce" which is very interesting.
this historical feat contributes in making a visit to Gran Sasso really worth of interest.
there are also others centers of interest nearby, eg about science with the scientific resarch done in the tunnel in trying to catch neutrinos.
Bruno Baschung
mcrtchly - Apr 28, 2010 3:13 pm Date Climbed: Apr 25, 2010
Climbed via Direttisima and descende via BissolatiSnow most of the way from the top of the cable car. Left the cable car at 9am and only just made the last car down at 5pm. Descent of Bissolati was a bit slow. Don't under estimate the time needed in winter to climb Corno Grande. The traverse back from the pass of Sella di Monte Aquila to cable car was quite slippy with slushy snow and fresh minor avalanches.
RenatoG - Apr 5, 2010 4:56 pm Date Climbed: Apr 3, 2010
Moriggia Acitelli colouirClimbed Moriggia-Acitelli couloir.
Descended by Bissolati couloir.
The approach by Sentiero Estivo is not advisable: still too many big cornices
Konrad Sus - Mar 1, 2010 6:55 am Date Climbed: Jul 11, 1999
unexpectedlyAfter night in tent in Campo Imeratore - normal trail, unfortunelly - damage of photo camera, i haven`t any photos from summit, so I must come back here!
MRoyer4 - Sep 30, 2009 9:33 pm Date Climbed: Jul 2, 2006
Fun ScrambleStayed at Campo Imperatore then hiked the ridge to a cloudy summit. Met two nice Italian guys who spared me a bus ride and let me hitch a ride back to Rome to get the train to Chamonix. Certainly a nice climb if you're in the area, probably even better if you aren't in the clouds.
peterbridges - Dec 18, 2008 4:04 pm
Twice up the Corno GrandeMy wife, Mary Jane, and I first climbed the Corno Grande in the early autumn of 1967, together with our friends from the British Embassy in Rome, Robin and Sue McLaren. In 1970 I again climbed the Corno Grande with our son David who was then 13. In both cases we took the via normale from the Campo Imperatore hotel.
mulidivarese - May 13, 2008 7:24 am Date Climbed: Aug 18, 2001
between the two seasWe slept in Campo Imperatore and in the early morning we arrived to the top by an elegant and exposed ridge, close to the normal.
Windy and cold, even if it was summer, but the clean weather allowed us to see both the adriatic and tirrenic seas.
Wonderfull travel in the abruzzi
Valerio and Jolanda
RenatoG - May 1, 2008 5:48 am Date Climbed: Mar 27, 2008
Winter conditionsStill winter conditions on Gran Sasso in this end of April...
Low temperatures, fog until an altitude of about 2800m, wind in the early part of the morning.
Wonderful view from the summit, with the surrounding peaks appearing from the clouds.
Climbed by Moriggia-Acitelli couloir
Descended by Direttissima
Diveria - Jan 23, 2008 3:14 am Date Climbed: Aug 15, 2007
I was...in Abruzzo during a motorbike journey with a friend so I took the opportunity to climb Gran Sasso by the normal route, great day but too much crowd! If I would read this page before I surely have choosen the East summit!
Mg-k - Dec 3, 2007 12:03 pm Date Climbed: May 14, 2007
Route climbed: northern route, Via delle CresteClimbing alone. Ascent on Via Normale Ovest. Much snow on the northern slopes, ice pick and crampons would have been very helpful. Therefore I descended on the rocks of Via delle Creste.
Fantastic climb!
Lupino - Oct 20, 2006 6:45 am Date Climbed: Oct 15, 2006
Vetta CentraleThrough the Forchetta del Calderone-Forchetta Gualerzi
chris.mueller - Oct 18, 2006 7:59 pm Date Climbed: May 22, 2005
StormTried to climb Corno grande. Bad weather and strong winds made us turn back to the Rifugio. Climbed easy Monte Aquila instead.