Come rock climbing in Oltrepò

Rock climbing is a sport that combines physical strength, technique and mental concentration.
It offers enthusiasts the opportunity to challenge themselves, improve their physical fitness and enjoy breathtaking views as they climb and then, with great satisfaction, once they reach the top the view is priceless.
This sport has become increasingly popular, leading to the emergence of numerous gyms with artificial walls where one can practice, and then discover the open-air rock walls, generically called crags.

The Oltrepò Pavese area has become a reference point for lovers of outdoor sports climbing.
In particular, the Balze di Guardamonte, located on the southern side of Monte Vallassa, are a must-see destination for climbers. These crags have pre-equipped climbing areas with anchorage points already set up along the routes.
In the area around Bagnaria, you can climb all year round.

In the lower part surrounded by forest, there are short climbing and abseiling routes with moderate difficulty, suitable for those taking their first steps in this exciting sport. Climbing towards the upper part, the routes become technically more demanding, offering exciting challenges for the more experienced climbers.

How did the Balze di Guardamonte form?

We need to take a leap back in time: millions of years ago, the current hilly and mountainous Apennine area that constitutes the Oltrepò Pavese was completely submerged by sea water.
The rock formations we see today in Oltrepò are therefore the result of marine sedimentation that was deposited in the Tertiary period.
Here, therefore, there are no vertical sheer cliffs like those in Liguria, but walls of consolidated marine sand, that is, stratified sandstone.
When climbing the Balze di Guardamonte, it is not uncommon to come across fossils of marine organisms imprinted in the rock, making this experience even more evocative. In fact, the area is known not only to climbers but also to geologists.

To engage in sport climbing, one must first train. How?
In several cities, there are gyms equipped with artificial walls of varying degrees of difficulty, allowing climbers to learn and improve their technique safely under the supervision of experienced instructors.

The next step is to get involved and the rock faces of the Oltrepò are the ideal place.

How to dress for sport climbing

In addition to concentration, for sport climbing it is necessary to carry ‘must-have’ equipment (helmet, ropes and carabiners) and to dress appropriately, with sturdy, durable and comfortable trousers that do not hinder movement, breathable jerseys, windproof jackets and climbing shoes.

How to reach the Balze di Guardamonte

This natural gymnasium of rock faces in Oltrepò attracts enthusiasts from all over Italy, but for day trips from neighbouring regions, those arriving from Piedmont exit the motorway at Tortona and continue along the Val Curone to San Sebastiano Curone. A branch road then leads to Musigliano, reaching the base of the Monte Vallassa walls.
On the other hand, if arriving from the north, after Pavia and entering Oltrepò, head towards Bagnaria and then follow the signs forAgriturismo Guardamonte.
Those arriving from Piacenza can exit at Voghera and then continue towards Rivanzazzano, Cecima, Bagnaria.

Whether you are a budding climber or a true sport climbing expert, our Oltrepò knows how to offer unique emotions and exciting challenges: in Oltrepò Pavese there is nothing lacking!