Canyoning in the Alps. Simon Flower

      

      CANYONING IN THE ALPS

      NORTHERN ITALY AND TICINO

      by Simon Flower

      2 POLICE SQUARE, MILNTHORPE, CUMBRIA, LA7 7PY

      www.cicerone.co.uk

      About the Author

      Simon grew up in Sheffield, spending much of his free time mountain biking and climbing in the Peak District. In 1998 he took up caving at Bristol University and was pretty content until discovering canyoning a year later. He was glad to discover a serious mountain sport that didn’t take itself too seriously and seemed to combine everything he loved about the outdoors. Since then he has been canyoning enthusiastically (bordering on obsessively) all over Europe and beyond, taking in a handful of first descents along the way.

      Caving remains a major interest of Simon’s, and over the years he has helped to make significant discoveries both at home and abroad – in the deep systems of alpine Europe and in more exotic karst further afield. Trekking (and an apparent desire for navigational difficulties and personal hardship) has also taken him to some interesting places, including the Tien Shan in China and the Alborz mountains in Iran. Now back in Bristol after several years away, he can often be found running over the moors and ridge-tops of the Mendip Hills or squeezing through the caves beneath. Or perhaps down the pub plotting his next trip…

      © Simon Flower 2012

      First edition 2012

      ISBN: 978 1 85284 683 1

      Printed in China on behalf of Latitude Press Ltd

      A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

      All photographs are by Andrew Atkinson unless otherwise credited.

      Acknowledgements

      A big ‘thank you’ to my trusty canyoning team, who frequently turned up to find a boot-camp in place of a holiday – Juliet Morse, Tom Holden, Ed and Helen Hodge, Johan Bengtsson, Euan Major, Mylène Ragioneri, Pete Talling, Fleur Loveridge, Dickon Morris, Becka Lawson, Julian Todd, Bill Miners, Holly Bradley and Noel Snape.

      A special thanks must go to Andrew Atkinson for his spectacular photographs and tireless proofreading. He has been a major driving force – always full of enthusiasm even when my own was waning.

      Also thanks to Mum and Dad, Tim Haynes, Tony Seddon, Portishead Medical Group and the Severn Deanery, who all helped in one way or another.

      Most of all, though, to Ginevra, without whom the idea for a book would never have left the beermat, and who, once it did, gave me a bottomless well of patience and support to draw from.

      Advice to Readers

      While every effort is made by our authors to ensure the accuracy of guidebooks as they go to print, changes can occur during the lifetime of an edition. If we know of any, there will be an Updates tab on this book’s page on the Cicerone website (www.cicerone.co.uk), so please check before planning your trip. We also advise that you check information about such things as transport, accommodation and shops locally. Even rights of way can be altered over time. We are always grateful for information about any discrepancies between a guidebook and the facts on the ground, sent by email to [email protected] or by post to Cicerone, 2 Police Square, Milnthorpe LA7 7PY, United Kingdom.

      WARNING – CANYONING CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS

      The canyons described in this book are often long and aquatic in nature. Many are sparsely rigged and almost all are flood prone. Canyoning is a dangerous sport with very real risks and hazards, most of which relate specifically to the sport. Practising it safely requires good judgement based on previous experience and a realistic understanding of your personal skills and limitations. Even those with extensive caving or mountaineering experience should hesitate before attempting certain canyons until they are sure of their canyoning ability.

      This book is aimed at an experienced audience – either dedicated canyoners or mountain enthusiasts looking for a different twist on their sport. Few canyons described here are suited to people fresh on the adventure-sport scene. Good rope skills, level-headedness and a good degree of physical fitness are essential and assumed.

      While the information in this book is as accurate as possible, it cannot keep you free from danger. By their nature canyons change. Hazards multiply in high water conditions and anchors are damaged by floods. Pools silt up and even landslides occasionally occur. Flow rates in dam-controlled rivers may change completely at the whim of hydroelectric companies. You must be prepared for changing circumstances and have the skills to adapt appropriately. Legislation also changes. Canyons that are now freely accessible may be out of bounds by the time you get there. Seek local advice where there is doubt. See ‘The risks of canyoning’, ‘Canyoning rope techniques’, ‘Equipment and clothing’, ‘Canyon safety’ and ‘Mountain rescue’ in the Introduction for information on a range of hazards and how to prepare for them.

      Except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law, neither Cicerone nor the author accept liability for damage of any nature (including damage to property, personal injury or death) arising directly or indirectly from the information in this book.

      In Case of Accident

      To contact the mountain rescue service in any of the countries covered in this guide, dial the international rescue number 112.

      If you call out the rescue services, you will be charged, usually a considerable sum. It is therefore essential to be adequately insured.

      Front cover: The exhilarating final pitch in Zemola (Route 66)

      CONTENTS

       Map of areas covered

       PREFACE

       INTRODUCTION

       Canyoning – a brief history

       Geology of the Alps (for canyoners)

       Weather and when to go

       Getting there

       Getting around

       Waymarking, access routes and maps