The Sassolungo is something very special to us Catores mountain guides. It is not just our local mountain, but also a significant chapter of our alpine history. Join us as we follow in the footsteps of Paul Grohmann, who in 1869 became the first to reach the summit, driven by an irrepressible spirit of adventure.
Standing at 3,181 m, the Sassolungo is one of the most important peaks in the Dolomites and is considered the most difficult 3,000-meter peak in the range. From every angle, the Sassolungo massif presents massive walls and breathtaking vistas. It is no wonder that summiting it is a dream goal for many alpinists.
The normal route to the highest peak in the Val Gardena Dolomites offers unique passages and wonderful views along a winding ascent. While the technical climbing difficulties are moderate, excellent physical fitness and sure-footednessare essential.
Let one of our local mountain guides accompany you and enjoy a truly unique experience amidst an incomparable rocky backdrop.
1 day
Sassolungo Group
1
III-IV7-8 h
500 m
daily on request 
We, the Catores, usually undertake the Sassolungo ascent as a day trip, though it can also be combined with an overnight stay at the Toni Demetz Hut. This offers the advantage of an early morning start, ensuring you are among the first rope teams on the mountain.
If the tour is done as a standard day trip from the valley, you will meet your mountain guide in the morning at the agreed meeting point or directly at the Sassolungo cable car base station. After a quick gear check, we take the first gondola toward the Forcella Sassolungo. Following a short descent, the climbing begins at the "Fassaner ledge". The winding ascent leads through the Sassolungo Glacier and across the "Eisrinne" (Ice Couloir) into the Amphitheater, eventually reaching the Sassolungo bivouac at 3,100 m. From there, the summit ridge leads to the panoramic Sassolungo summit.
The ascent is long, with walking sections alternating with climbing passages. New vistas open up around every corner, and one is constantly amazed that a path exists through this labyrinth of rock. From the highest point in Val Gardena, you can marvel at the surrounding mountains and, on clear days, spot the Ortler, the Großglockner, and other great alpine peaks.
In exceptional cases, we also offer the Sassolungo ascent for two people on a single rope. The prerequisite for this is that you are a well-coordinated team, possess excellent physical fitness, and have sound climbing experience. During a personal phone call, we will discuss the details together and evaluate whether the tour can be conducted in this constellation. The final decision rests with the mountain guide.
