Valle Orco Climbing Festival 2024 recap

The fourth edition of the Valle Orco Climbing Festival concluded with extraordinary success. The event, dedicated to bouldering and traditional climbing, was held from September 26 to 29, 2024, in Ceresole Reale, at the foot of the magnificent Gran Paradiso National Park. What started as a simple gathering of friends in 2020 has today become an unmissable international event, attracting over 8,000 participants from all over the world. Of these, 10% came from Europe and various other parts of the world, demonstrating the growing global significance of the event.

An International Festival of Nature, Climbing, and Sharing
The festival has now established itself as a unique experience for climbing enthusiasts, but also as a moment of sharing and discovering Valle Orco, a true gem at the foot of Gran Paradiso. Participants had the opportunity to explore and climb the incredible granite walls of the valley and the newly cleaned boulder lines prepared specifically for the occasion, gathering a community united by a love for nature and climbing. The festival program offered a wide variety of activities: technical and educational workshops, outdoor activities, inspiring talks and screenings, as well as meetings with internationally renowned athletes who shared their experiences and passion. The musical moments were equally important, with evening concerts, DJ sets, and performances that transformed the valley into a place of celebration. An extraordinary atmosphere pervaded both days and nights of the festival, making every moment an opportunity to forge new friendships and share authentic emotions.

A Warm Welcome: Rifugio Le Fonti MineraliA key contribution to the success of the festival came from the staff at Rifugio Le Fonti Minerali, who hosted and nourished all participants, ensuring them a warm welcome and hot meals ready to rejuvenate the climbers after intense days outdoors. Thanks to the dedication of the refuge staff, guests were able to experience moments of rest and sharing, further enriching the community experience that distinguishes the Valle Orco Climbing Festival.

Positive Feedback and Valuable Support
The festival organization could not be more satisfied: feedback from participants and sponsors has been exceptionally positive, confirming the value of an event founded on passion, collaboration, and a profound respect for the environment that hosts us. The variety of activities and the quality of experiences offered generated widespread enthusiasm, which represents the greatest reward for everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this edition a success.

A special thank you goes to the main sponsors of the event: Vibram, Wild Country, and La Sportiva, whose support was crucial for the overall success of the festival. Additionally, the contribution of the Italian Sport Climbing Federation (FASI) and the Municipality of Ceresole Reale, who sponsored the event, was key to its realization.

We would also like to thank the numerous organizations that supported the festival, including: WorkLess Collective, Iren, Brewdog, Rupe, Patagonia, Rock Experience, Olùnid, Parvat, Brazz, Monvic, Lazy Ghost, Greve Bloc, Mountain Sicks, Versante Sud, Alpine Standards, Explore Climbing, Escape Climbing Village, Knit 4 a Dream, Armaù, Be Your Balance, Niva, Braghe, Pleasure House, Skalo, Protect Our Winters Italy, Fair Enough, 4 Climbers, For Outdoor People and Sea Shepherd. Thanks to their collaboration, the festival was enriched by experiences and initiatives that made a real difference for the participants.

A Concrete Commitment to Sustainability
One of the most significant aspects of this edition of the Valle Orco Climbing Festival was its commitment to environmental sustainability. In collaboration with Be Outdoor Humans, the organization developed a sustainability policy aimed at reducing the festival’s environmental impact. This commitment was realized through a series of actions and campaigns to promote sustainable mobility among participants and to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the nature that hosts us.

The festival encouraged the use of shared and sustainable transportation to reach Ceresole Reale, striving to minimize the impact of traffic. The promotion of the “Leave No Trace” philosophy was central, with the aim of educating every participant to respect the surrounding environment as much as possible during all activities.

The Numbers of Success and Activities
This fourth edition saw the participation not only of climbers but also of outdoor enthusiasts in general, who took advantage of the opportunity to try out the different activities offered, including hiking, slackline, outdoor yoga, and, of course, the many opportunities for traditional and bouldering climbing. On the official festival website (www.valleorcoclimbingfestival.com), you can find details on all the activities, workshops, and meetings that animated these four days of pure adventure and sharing.

The Valle Orco Climbing Festival 2024 ends by leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all participants, with the goal of returning even bigger and more engaging next year. This festival is proof of how alive and passionate the climbing community is, ready to grow and come together around shared values of respect, friendship, and love for nature.

The walls of Valle Orco, with their ancient granite, are not just a place to climb: they symbolize a deep connection between people and the territory, between sport and nature, between adventure and responsibility. The hope of the organization is that this spirit will remain alive and accompany each participant even beyond the festival, toward new challenges and new horizons.

We can’t wait to see you at the next edition, to once again experience the magic of an event that unites sport, music, nature, and friendship.