Cool new climb on Cima Cee in Italy's Brenta Dolomites by Luca Giupponi, Rolando Larcher

Us "boomers" are a generation that grew up during a period of growth and progress, where socio-economic improvements seemed to know no limits. Cars got bigger and bigger, well-being increased and the world opened its doors, making traveling to far away countries very easy indeed.

Unfortunately, this boom was short-lived, it simply wasn't sustainable and after an initial slowdown, a recession hit. This has got worse in recent times, due to global upheavals such as covid, wars and irrefutable climate change, caused by pollution created by this wealth.

It is from these considerations that we got the name for the new climb on the east face of Cima Cee: Recessione Globale, Global Recession. It's a sad and tangible observation of a situation that will force us to make better choices in order to save the planet that we will leave behind for our children.

The route was established by Luca Giupponi and myself in September 2021, over a period of 4 beautiful days. The route tackles the last free and logical line up the wall. We had to wait until the following September for the first free ascent, as after an injury I needed time to recover and find my form. I'd like to thank Gippo at this stage for having waited so patiently.

After establishing the first pitch ground-up, we realised it was a too intense start. In order to provide a less traumatic beginning and a better warm-up, we opted to share the first pitch of our 2017 creation Silverado, while this fun new 8a+ was added to the other single pitches at Cima Cee. From the first Silverado belay we continued up and right into virgin terrain, past constantly difficult climbing and excellent rock. After 8 new pitches we reached the top.

The redpoint required 3 days: two days to check out the moves, the the magical finale. In the beginning, disheartened by my lack of form, I reckoned the redpoint was beyond my capabilities. However, I felt OK with this as I knew that I would simply enjoy accompanying Luca on his ascent.

After halfway up the wall my arms gave in and my feet exploded, they wer no longer used to the necessarily tight shoes. But then thanks to the cool autumn breeze I got a second wind. I climbed well enough, did my share of the work and we both managed to free the climb.

Of the three routes Luca and I have established at Cima Cee, this one appears to be the least demanding, because it's less cruxy the previous two (Silverado 2017 and Fine di un'epoca 2019). Having said that, it shouldn't be underestimated, due to the continuity of the pitches and the greater overall height.

by Rolando Larcher

Rolando thanks: La Sportiva, Montura, Petzl, Totem Cam
Luca thanks: La Sportiva e Mammut

TOPO: Recessione Globale, Cima Cee, Brenta Dolomites