Family of climbers? Check out where to get started in the Finale

Finale Ligure and the Finale area are without a doubt one of the top rock-climbing destinations. While in the past rock-climbing in Finale was mainly suited to the strongest and most seasoned climbers due to the great number of very hard pitches and vertical walls, over the years several sectors have been also equipped with routes suitable for beginners, children, and families. Although this sport should always be approached in complete safety and preferably with a Mountain Guide that can teach you the proper technique, here are some beginner/child-friendly crags in the Finale Outdoor Region.

PARETINA DI PIAN MARINO

Thanks to its large base, a nice field where you can relax and even have a picnic when you want to take a break, a fountain in the car park, the almost flat access path (only a short 10-15-minute walk), and the good number of routes suited to beginners, Paretina di Pian Marino is surely a great sector to visit with the whole family! To check out this crag’s features and approach, click HERE.

MONTE CUCCO PRIMI PASSI E SECONDI PASSI

As its name suggests (First and Second Steps Sector), this crag is perfect for those taking their first climbing steps.

Right next to the Cucco Base Camp, the approach only takes a few minutes. It is shaded even in summer and everyone can have fun on its grade 3, 4 and 5 routes with good bolting (close together). Perfect to get comfortable with heights... one step at a time! To check out this crag’s features and approach, click HERE.

BRIC RESEGHE

Be aware that this sector is closed for nesting of birds of prey from January 1st to July 31st. Apart from that, this sector is perfect for families thanks to its many grade 3, 4, and 5 routes, even though the access path is slightly longer than the previous ones. To check out this crag’s features and approach, click HERE.

FALESIA DEI TRE PORCELLINI

The Three Little Pigs Crag has over 20 slab routes and a very spacious and comfortable base, making it one of the most suitable crags for beginners, families, and large groups. This crag also offers some multi-pitch routes split into two or three pitches, perfect for multi-pitch first-timers. To check out this crag’s features and approach, click HERE.

CAVA DI RIO FINE

Perhaps less rewarding in terms of landscape, this crag has some great advantages: an extremely easy access path, grade 3, 4 and 5 routes, and last but not least its proximity to one of the most important and interesting archaeological sites in the Finale area: the Caverna delle Arene Candide, which can be visited with the MUDIF - Museo Diffuso del Finale. A must do experience for the whole family! To check out this crag’s features and approach, click HERE.

ROCCE DELL'ORERA SETTORE DESTRO

This beautiful sector has the advantage of remaining shaded throughout the day which is perfect for summer climbing. A short and pleasant walk from Verezzi will take you to this crag. Once in Verezzi make sure you visit its charming hamlets and San Martino Church. From here you can enjoy the breath-taking view over Borgio Verezzi, the Pietra Ligure area, and the Ligurian coast as far as the Capo Mele cape. To check out this crag’s features and approach, click HERE.

FALESIA DELLA COCCINELLA

This crag features many grade 5 routes and, thanks to its southern exposure, it is perfect for climbing families who don't want to give up climbing during the winter months! Recommended approach from Case Valle. To check out this crag’s features and approach, click HERE.

WHAT ABOUT AFTER? TIPS FOR THE FIRST MULTI-PITCH ROUTES...

After familiarizing yourself with these crags and with the right climbing moves, those with good endurance can have a go at one of the easier multi-pitch crags the Finale area has to offer. Among them, you cannot miss "La Via dello Spigolo" in Rocca di Perti (an almost unbolted route, grading between 2b and 4) and "Via col Vento" in Rocca di Perti (5 routes ranging from 3b to 4c). For those who also want to try mountaineering in a slightly wilder environment while spending the night in a cosy and scenic mountain hut such as Rifugio Pian delle Bosse, we recommend Rocca dell'Aia in Val Nimbalto on Monte Carmo’s slopes. Here you will find several beginner friendly multi-pitch routes.

Photo credits FLOW Festival.