Punta Grohmann - via Dimai

Punta Grohmann rises above the meadows of Passo Sella, alongside the Cinque Dita, a spectacular line of rock towers, and the great walls of Sassolungo, creating one of the most recognisable landscapes in the Dolomites. Climbing it via the historic Via Dimai is a beautiful way to discover this mountain group from a completely different perspective.

First climbed in 1908 by Antonio Dimai, Johann Summermatter and the sisters Ilona and Rolanda von Eötvös, the Dimai has become one of the great classics of alpine rock climbing in the Dolomites. More than a century later, it still has all the character of the mountain routes of that period: a natural line through the face, long traverses, exposed passages, constantly changing terrain and the need to keep reading the mountain to find the best way through.

But the appeal of this day goes far beyond the climbing itself. From the approach above Passo Sella, we are immediately surrounded by the extraordinary scenery of the Sassolungo Group, while, as the hours pass, the road and the lifts gradually disappear further below us.

Reaching the summit of Punta Grohmann after crossing the mountain on a route with more than a century of history makes this experience very different from a simple day of rock climbing. It is a complete mountain journey: from the approach to the wall, through the climb to the summit, and then into a long and intricate descent through complex Dolomite terrain.

And this is perhaps where Punta Grohmann reveals its most distinctive character: reaching the summit does not mean the climb is over. The descent along the normal route still requires concentration, confidence on exposed terrain and the ability to move safely over broken rock, loose ground, downclimbing sections and abseils. It is an essential part of the experience and one of the things that makes this mountain such a complete alpine adventure.

This is a day for climbers who already have some experience and feel comfortable on exposed terrain. The Via Dimai does not involve extreme technical difficulties, but its many traverses, the alpine environment, the length of the day and, above all, the descent require good climbing experience and confident movement in the mountains.

For those looking for an adventure in the Dolomites, a summit to reach rather than simply a wall to climb, Punta Grohmann and the Via Dimai offer one of the most beautiful and complete mountain experiences in the Passo Sella and Sassolungo area.