First ascent climbing contest at Barliard in Ollomont valley, Valle d'Aosta

A grand and innovative contest was launched just the other day at the Barliard crag in Ollomont, a side valley of Italy's Aosta Valley, where two extremely difficult pitches bolted by Massimo Bal are waiting for the first free ascent. The uniqueness? Those who pull off the first free ascent will receive € 1,000 in climbing gear!

The routes are split into two categories, La Cura for men estimated at 8c/9a and Tears on the wall for women with difficulties estimated around 8b+/8c. The first prize, for both men and women, is € 1,000 in gear provided by the municipality of Ollomont, by private enterprises and by the website www.arrampicatainvalledaosta.it

The contest runs until the end of the year and climbers can attempt the routes as often as they wish. If two climbers free the route the same day, the first ascent goes to the climber who needed the least number of attempts.

In order to validate the redpoint climbers must provide a video of the ascent, photos and a short report. The videos and files must be sent by e-mail to: platandrea64@gmail.com 

The two winners will be invited as special guests at the awards ceremony, open to all, during which they will show a video of their ascent and discuss their climbing. The climbing season is now in full swing in Valle d’Aosta: let the games begin!

INFO: www.comune.ollomont.ao.it