Soffia (Lower)
verified
Ungraded
High flood risk
Belluno, Veneto
One of the best canyons in the Dolomites, 16 rappels including a 125 foot signature drop in a sustained limestone slot above Belluno.
This is a committing R-rated descent, no easy bail past the first rappels. Wetsuit mandatory, water cold all season. Bolts well-maintained on the classic line. The lower exit involves a long walk back to the car; plan the shuttle carefully.
Logistics
| Manager | Regione Veneto (provincia di Belluno) |
|---|---|
| Permit | Permit required per ropewiki. Verify with local mairie or canyoning club. Private road access; do not park on the private road or risk fines (cited at 106 euro as of 2016). |
| Distance | 2.9 |
| Elevation | ~1200 ft loss |
| Time | 5-7.5 hr (1.5 hr approach, 4.5-6 hr descent) |
| Technical | Premier Dolomites limestone descent. 16 rappels, longest about 125 ft. Sustained vertical work in a long limestone slot. Ropewiki rates 4C1 III R (v5a4 V). Swift water hazard, R rating reflects committing rappels with no easy escape. Often combined with Forti and Pisson canyons for a long combo day. |
| Season | Jun-Sep |
| Flood risk | High. Long Dolomites catchment, thunderstorm spikes flow quickly. Cancel on any forecast rain in the upper Belluno basin. |
| Vehicle access | 2WD to parking, but do not enter the private road past the parking lot |
| Crowd | Moderate, serious crowd given the grade |
| Coordinates | 46.1861, 12.0453 |
Sources
- ropewiki: https://ropewiki.com/Soffia_(Lower)