Summer climbing season kicks off in Istria
Summer is coming, and with it, long days, sunny skies, and prime conditions for shaded sport climbing across Istria and nearby regions. While the temperatures are rising, passionate climbers continue to crush in the best summer-friendly crags like Baratro, Skedenj, the Cave of Osp, Befana sector in Buzetski kanjon, Pazinska jama, Rovinj (early mornings), steep Krkuž, and always-cool Nugla.
Highlights from Baratro
One of the biggest recent sends comes from Cristian D’Anzul, who finally redpointed his long-term project, the chipped line Bimba Iena (8c) at the secret crag Baratro above Trieste.
Cristian shared:
“Sorry for this little downgrade – I know some have done it as an 8c+, but it never had a move hard enough to justify that. It’s very athletic, endurance-based, and fun, with a great final boulder after the pumpy section, which I’d grade around 8b+. Super happy to have climbed it. Thanks to Fabio Serino, Thomas Foschiano, and all friends for the support!”
Also at Baratro, local climber Nicolo Liva ticked off:
- La Supercanna or Il ritorno di Placcoman (8b+), a historic route bolted by Walter Perdan and first ascended by Luciano “Cen” Cimenti.
- Il musico (8b+), first ascended by Gabriele Gorobey “Sbisi” in 2007 after key chipped holds broke. Watch the send here: YouTube video
Luca Bacer joined the action, redpointing the steep El lado oscuro della fuerza (8c).
More informations on Baratro: Progetto Verticale on Facebook
Osp cave still delivering
In the always-dramatic Cave of Osp, Žiga Sedej climbed Osapska pošast (8c) without the use of kneepads, while Robert Buh flashed Helihopter v pošasti (8b). Tim Pahor also sent the same route on his second go and, like many others, agrees on the downgrade to 8a+.
Croatian Istria sends
- Gianfranco Dušić put up a new extension to the classic Ljetna sauna (7b) in sector Befana of Buzetski kanjon, now dubbed PROljetna sauna with a proposed grade of 7b+.
- At Pazinska jama, Goran Matika made the first ascent of Leteči medvjedić (8a) – another great addition for summer shade climbing.
☀️ Summer Forecast: Climb in the Shade
The summer weather forecast looks perfect—sunny skies and warm temps. That means climbing will be best in the shade across the region’s iconic summer crags. Get your early starts, seek out the cooler sectors, and make the most of these longer days.
Stay safe, stay psyched, and climb on!