Monte Cridola (2581 m, "via Kugy-Orsolini", II+/I-II), Cima Urtisiel Est (2119 m), 4.-5. 7.
A week after climbing Mrzla gora via Hudega praska with my partner - as the start of this year's more serious summer tours - I hiked in the Carnic Prealps and realized a long-desired goal - Monte Cridola, the beauty of the Friulian Dolomites, rising above an exceptional setting of picturesque dolomite towers, windows and rock curtains.
On the first day, to get a taste of the surrounding mountains, I stepped onto the easily accessible viewpoint Cima Urtisiel Est, and on the second day, after overnighting in the Giaf hut, I set off not too early towards Tacci del Cridoli, where a rather wild, serious, though excellently marked ascent from other times begins along the route of the first ascenders to the eastern, main summit of Cridola - the Slovenian Triestine Julius Kugy and guide Orsoline. The route has a primordial character, comparable for example to nearby Monte Siera, but is somewhat more delicate; we mostly climb through crumbly gullies, chimneys and ledges of I.-II. grade, the hardest spot is a smooth chimney rated II+/III-, but it is not exposed and therefore perhaps even less problematic than the few-meter airy traverse of II. grade just below the summit. Otherwise the route is not too difficult, but constant concentration is required due to consistent exposure and steepness - this applies especially on the descent.
On the way I overtook three Italians, and met another five lower on the descent - quite a number for a rather rarely visited mountain on an otherwise very favorable weather day for hiking.
The aesthetic impression of the ascent can only be assessed with superlatives - may the pictures say more than words about the magic of nature's sculptures along the ascent, already praised by Kugy and his successors. The exceptional view from the small spacious, precipitous summit is also worth special mention.
I returned via the northern route past bivouac Vaccari and the Cridola saddle, which offered new exceptional views of the mysterious Carnic world, but also with painful scree that was not to the liking of the sensitive La Sportiva shoes - but despite reservations, I myself also recommend this circular route.
Without further ado - a memorable weekend in a beautiful setting as a successful introduction to the high mountaineering season.
PS: as usual, a more precise route can be read with the help of captions under the pictures. Good luck on mountain routes!