Pizzo Dosdè, new ski descent in the Cima di Piazzi massif

I've always wanted to ski a new line with Marco Cattaneo. He was among the first to believe in me and offer me support. I liked the idea of sharing something with him that would stand the test of time. I asked Bruno about whether it would be feasible and, in a brace of shakes, we were preparing our rucksacks.

From the top the view was breath-taking! Thanks to its central location the view from the summit of Pizzo Dosdè is magnificent onto the mountains that surround the Valtellina. It was afternoon, the sun had begun to disappear as we prepared to explore the descent. The start was steep, some rocky outcrops and a vertical section forced us to make a first abseil. We made a thread. From here a delicate yet skiable section led to another steep section of rocks; the exposure and angle forced us to use a rope for a short 3m section and sidestep down. The angle then eased off slightly and despite the exposure we started to enjoy ourselves, controlling the run.

Marco who has already beautiful first ascents in untouched China with Fabio Salini and Hervé Barmasse, whooped for joy at every turn. The commitment didn't bother him in the slightest and he skied easily down into the valley along what was to become "Freedom and Love."

The descent now lay behind us in the shadows, our friends Daniele Castellani and Carlo de Agostini were waiting for us at the base, shivering in the cold. The last light fell onto Cima Piazzi above us, and guided by these rays we skied contently through Val Verva to the restaurant Lì Arnoga for a well-deserved beer.

by Giuliano Bordoni