First (semi) winter climb of Gran Sasso - complete solitude

Google Maps contribution stories
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Last sunday I’ve decided to exit my comfort zone, and wake up at 5.00 heading Gran Sasso.

I was wondering this moment since 1 year, last time I climbed the mountain; each single day I grabbed one snapshot from webcam that points to the west face.

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Took crampons and my ax, and started driving.

I was so excited during the drive, taking snapshots of mountains as far as I was aproaching…

I love to climb alone, and this time I was alone on the whole mountain range; i can choose my own speed, make pauses whenever I want, and try to find the best way, when rocks are partially covered by snow and ice. This is my adventure.

This is the start point; there is a famous and old observatory, and the few cars here are for workers in the area. Really cold, at 7.30 am

In few hours I was already over 2500 m

In two hours from start I can finally see my destination:

May seem not so hard climbing from here, but it’s wild.

This is the amazing view from the summit; in clear days you can see both Adriatic Sea and Tyrrenian Sea, surrounding Italy

Wind was really strong, and as I tried to fly my Drone i decided to stop doing this; propellers started rotating crazy fast…

Here is a full album of drone and camera shoots: https://photos.app.goo.gl/FWkO3e4NnSjEcpFi1

And if you want to see a full (around 55’) video starting from my home, and ending to the top of the mountain, just have a look here:

Shot with iPhone7, GoPro Hero and DJI Mavic Pro

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Uploaded short version video, only with drone footage; have a look, was really a challenge to fly a drone with these strong winds, and i was about to lose while was drifting north-east very fast!

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@LucioV WOW!!

What a adventurful Journey story. You are always exclusive journey planner. I like your discoveries my Friend. Hope we will see more …

I also like your different type of photography with exclusive instruments Like as Drone,Professional 360 Cam and other…

Happy Guiding!!!

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Thanks my friend, apart of using for professional purpose, i love to use to share with you all the wonder i find! :slight_smile:

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Found some data on wind

High speed wind, peaks up to 120 Kmh (at 2433 m http://www.caputfrigoris.it/rete-meteo/franchetti/grafici.htm) not secure to fly

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@LucioV wow nice . some time i jealous to see your picture . ah if i go there ahaha

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Just one more photo, from this day, 15 minutes far from the summit, you can see my footstamps in the snow, in the right low corner.

I’m so plenty of this solitude and beauty, i want to share.

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This is amazing @LucioV . Beautiful place and so peaceful. I can even feel the fresh air filling my lungs from the other side of the screen :slight_smile:

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@LuisRG wrote:

This is amazing @LucioV . Beautiful place and so peaceful. I can even feel the fresh air filling my lungs from the other side of the screen :slight_smile:

Thanks @LuisRG I’m planning another climb, in the next weeks, when the crust over the snow will be hard enough (now it’s too warm!!!), do you want to join? :slight_smile: