Pretara - Sasso del Ghiro: Following the rebolting that took place in summer 2024, and the release of the latest update to the ClimbAdvisor guidebook, Gianluca Di Benedetto briefly presents the historic Sasso del Ghiro crag in Pretara, a hamlet of Isola del Gran Sasso, in the province of Teramo.
Pretara - Sasso del Ghiro
Gianluca Di Benedetto
Gianluca Di Benedetto
The Sasso del Ghiro, a large erratic boulder located a stone's throw from the peaceful village of Pretara, right on the bank of the Ruzzo stream, is a pleasant and sufficiently secluded place where you can truly appreciate the more playful side of climbing.
The success of this small crag is due to the presence of dozens of short, fun routes on mostly overhanging rock, but rich in holds. Furthermore, the short approach and the possibility of frequenting it for most of the year, thanks to its various exposures and the refreshing stream, make it an ideal spot.
Pretara - Sasso del Ghiro: Simona Marziani on Monodito (6a)
Gianluca Di Benedetto
Gianluca Di Benedetto
The boulder was equipped in several phases: the first "trad" routes, which utilized the numerous hourglasses (thread-throughs), were established around the mid-1980s by mountain guide Davide Di Giosaffatte.
Subsequently, Paolo De Laurentis, Pino Sabbatini, and Lino Di Marcello introduced "sport" bolting, thanks to "more modern" hand-placed bolts, increasing the number of routes.
In recent years, thanks to the valuable work of Lino Di Marcello, Paolo De Laurentis, and Nino Carlini, the crag has taken on a new look: the base has been consolidated with terracing, steps, stairs, and comfortable stone benches; training traverses were created at the base of the routes, and the NE side of the boulder was enhanced.
To this, we add the important contribution of Marco Baiocco from L'Aquila, who passionately oversaw the site's maintenance.
Pretara - Sasso del Ghiro: il torrente Ruzzo
Gianluca Di Benedetto
Gianluca Di Benedetto
The latest rebolting occurred in the summer of 2024 thanks to the initiative of Gianluca Di Benedetto and mountain guide Paolo De Laurentis, supported by an online crowdfunding campaign.
During the work, new routes and variations were identified, and almost all of the Sasso's routes were rebolted using certified materials. In particular, Raumer Superstar 10x80 316L stainless steel hangers and Berner MCS Diamond epoxy resin were used. Most lower-off anchors were also replaced with certified 316L stainless steel anchors and stainless steel carabiners.
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