New Dolomites icefall La Pissa climbed by Luca Vallata and Santiago Padrós

Not even ten days after the first ascent of La Bruiza in Val Zemola, Luca Vallata and Santiago Padrós have struck again with what in all likelihood is another fantastic first ascent in the Dolomites, this time at Termine di Cadore. Cascata della Pissa is clearly visible from the small hamlet at Termine, just before Ospitale di Cadore, and funnels not only the water that falls onto Monte Borgà but also the snow from the slopes above. As such, it should only be climbed with little or well-settled snow.

LA PISSA by Luca Vallata

So far the ice climbing season here in East has been a good one, at least as far as the icefalls are concerned down in the valleys. Due to the lack of snow and the cold weather numerous drips have come into condition that have never formed before.

I can state this with certainty, since my working days are spent browsing through the photos sent to me by stalker-Sandi, who continues to suggest this or that new line. We decided to try La Pissa at Termine di Cadore.”It's ready" he stated.

The Pissa menu consisted in: wade through river Piave with gym shoes; climb 4 beautiful pitches, the second of which, on rock, took three hours while the third, on ice, started up a free standing drip “with a view”; applause from the old men at Termini when we reached the end of the icefall; wade back through the river and, much to our pleasure, put on our shoes which in the meantime had become frozen solid.

The second pitch still needs to be climbed free, it’s an open project, and we reckon it’s very nice. An important note: do not repeat the climb if the slope above is full of snow, the video below eloquently explains what might happen.

TOPO: La Pissa, Longarone, Dolomites

by Luca Vallata

Santiago Padros thanks Trangoworld and Extremlsard
Luca Vallata thanks Scarpa and Grivel