Climbing in Valle Orco. Image courtesy of www.tradclimbing.it

The AAC can nominate two US climbers to take part in the First International “Trad” Climbing Meeting, organized by the Club Alpino Accademico Italiano (CAAI, a national section of Club Alpino Italiano). The deadline is June 14, so we need you to act quickly to represent the AAC in Italy. The meeting will take place in Valle Orco, Western Alps (province of Torino), from the 19th to the 25th of September 2010. This valley is a historic place for the development of modern climbing in Italy. Climbing style is typical of granite, with face and crack climbing. “Trad” climbing skill is required on many routes, though face climbs generally have fixed gear.

CAAI will welcome the participation of both male and female representatives (a 50/50 share would be the best). Each climber must be able to lead 5.10, E2, or french 6b. Each country will be paired up with a local host climber with experience of the valley. Food and accommodation will be provided by the organization during the whole meeting. Assistance in transfer from main airports and railway stations will hopefully be possible. Participants will only have to pay a registration fee of 100 Euro upon acceptance, plus travel.

The number of foreign participants will be limited to a maximum of 60. Deadline for applications is June 14th!! It’s short notice, but please contact the AAC office (303-384-0110 or email) if interested. We can forward the application to you.

Draft program overview:
Sunday 9/19 – Climbers arrival. Opening ceremonies in Ceresole Reale (Valle Orco) by 7pm.
Monday 9/20 – Climbing day, evening slideshow on historic and modern climbs in the area.
Tuesday 9/21 – Climbing day, evening slideshow (Italian climber).
Wednesday 9/22 – Climbing day, evening slideshow on Gran Paradiso National Parc.
Thursday 9/23 – Climbing day, evening slideshow (International climber).
Friday 9/24 – Climbing day, demonstrations by top climbers. Evening concert.
Saturday 9/25 – Closing ceremonies. Transfer to airports.

More information is available on www.tradclimbing.it. Email inquiries to info@tradclimbing.it. For an application, email Dana Richardson at drichardson@americanalpineclub.org.