Arco & Lake Garda Rock Climbing
Alps / Italy / Arco & Lake Garda
Multi-pitch or single-pitch sport and alpine rock climbs
Private guiding 2-day minimum
March – October climbing
Arco and the Lake Garda area, at the foot of the Dolomites in northern Italy, are a rock climbers’ paradise. The area’s 5,000 climbing routes are made up of 1,400-metre-long multi-pitch climbs, short and fierce sport climbs, and everything in between. The limestone is immaculate and the scenery grand. The area has a Mediterranean feel to it, with average spring and fall temperatures between 20°C and 25°C and generally low amounts of precipitation.
Our privately guided day-trips are suitable for friends, couples, families, and climbing buddies. Prefer something longer? Ask us about our custom trips where we can include lodging and meals.
After climbing on perfect limestone, we encourage you to enjoy the sights and tastes of Arco, Lake Garda, and the surrounding villages. The Italians love their food, wine, and coffee, and this area offers an excellent sampling of it all. There are castles, medieval villages, and museums to explore and lovely hikes to go on.
2026 Pricing
from€130EUR / person
HIGHLIGHTS
- Legendary Arco rock climbing
- Short approaches, more climbing!
- Lots of long, moderate rock routes
- Local, English-Speaking Mountain Guides
DIFFICULTY
- Technical rock climbing
- For beginners, experts, and everyone in between
Arco & Lake Garda Rock Climbing Itinerary
Given the abundance of climbs in the Arco/Lake Garda area, we can adjust the itinerary during our climbing week to the preferred challenge level of our clients and the weather. Following are just some of the routes that we can choose from:
- Placche Zebrate (aka. The Zebra Slabs): multi-pitch rock climbing, 24 routes, 5.7 / French grade 4 and up
- Colodri: pretty limestone face north of Arco, 24 bolted multi-pitch routes, 5.8 / French grade 5a and up
- Baone: easy, bolted slabs above an olive tree grove west of Arco, 12 routes, 5.6 / French grade 3 and up
- Cime Alle Coste: 24 routes between 150 and 650 m long, 5.8 / French grade 5a and up
*North American Climbing Grades
After rock climbing in Arco, consider signing up for one of our Dolomites rock climbing or via ferrata weeks.
Climbing Course & Camp Curriculum
Our beginners’ course will have you following moderate routes and leading sport climbs. You will learn everything you need to know about climbing multi-pitch routes safely and efficiently. Our advanced level courses will get you leading moderate routes and establishing anchors using traditional gear.
On our climbing camps, the guide acts more like a coach: helping to choose the best route for a given day and skill level of the participants; sharing tips on route-finding, leading, and belaying; and accompanying the climbers to ensure a safe, fun, and successful day. Having a guide in your group assures optimal use of your vacation time and peace of mind should the going get rough.
For our courses, we strongly believe in the “Learning by Doing” concept. Expect lots of climbing!
Rock Climbing Beginners’ Course
- Follow moderate and lead easy bolted multi-pitch climbs, lead (or mock-lead) bolted sport climbs
- Knots, rock climbing technique, belay technique, communication, rappelling, cleaning anchors, introduction to the placement of removable climbing protection (i.e. nuts and cams), hazard evaluation, and risk management
Rock Climbing Advanced Course
- Lead moderate multi-pitch climbs on gear safely and efficiently, lead sport climbs
- Review of beginner’s course contents plus: advanced climbing technique, placement of removable protection (i.e. cams and nuts), building safe belay stations/anchors, basic self-rescue techniques, route selection, and trip planning
Rock Climbing Camp
- A combination of any of the above contents, advancing at a rate in accordance with your personal skill level and preferences
The Climbing Camps are Private Courses requiring a minimum commitment of 5 days and 3 – 6 climbers.
Trips can depart any day between the last week of May and Mid-September.
Pricing and inclusions
Please inquire for a custom trip package and pricing based on your group size, ability level, number of guided climbing days and inclusions (lodging, meal plan, transportation, etc).
Transportation
Arco is most easily reached from Verona or Bergamo international airports (85 and 130 km away, respectively). Alternatively, you could fly to Milan, Venice, Bologna or Innsbruck, all of which are within a 250 km radius of Arco.
Transport options: Take a train or bus from the airport cities to Arco. Research your options here: gardatrentino.it. Try and book your train tickets as early as possible, as they become more expensive closer to the travel date.
Alternatively, car rental is relatively cheap in Europe. Just be sure and rent a GPS or bring one from home with the European map system.
Alternatively, we can arrange for a private shuttle – ask us for details.
Arco & Lake Garda Rock Climbing Gear List
Arco is a shopping mecca for sports enthusiasts. There are at least 17 outdoor stores along a 300-metre stretch of the old town, intermingled with gelaterias, pizzerias, and coffee shops. If you need clothing, footwear, or gear for the trip, come a day early and shop to your heart’s desire.
Technical Equipment
Provided by OnTop Mountaineering:
The following equipment will be provided to you by your Mountain Guide for the duration of your climbs. This rental is included as part of your trip services. Should you not require the use of this gear, please inform your Trip Coordinator.
- Climbing harness
- Climbing helmet
Bring the following (or buy in Arco):
- Rock Climbing Shoes
- Lightweight, collapsible hiking poles (optional, but recommended)
- Sturdy approach shoe or light trekking boot
- Running shoe or light approach shoe for easier approaches (optional)
- Climbing backpack (25-30 litres) with rain cover specific to the pack
- Leather belay/rappel gloves (optional)
Clothing
Please dress for the weather. We recommend the ‘layering system’: Bring light, technical clothing that doesn’t take much space in your backpack and dries quickly when sweaty or wet. Layers must be put on and taken off quickly as weather conditions change during the day. Merino wool is a nice material for base layers and t-shirts because it is comfortable, warm, and it does not retain odours even after many days of use. Examples:
- Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Lightweight wind and water-resistant over pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Lightweight synthetic trekking pants or zip-offs
- Medium weight Primaloft jacket with hood
- Medium weight fleece sweater
- Synthetic or wool base layers – top and bottom
- Synthetic shorts and t-shirt
- Quick-drying sports bra
- 2-3 pairs of good quality trekking socks
- Warm hat that covers your ears
- Lightweight synthetic or wool gloves
- Sun hat, preferably with a wide rim
- Spare socks and underwear
- Bandana or Buff*
Other Items
- Sunglasses with high UV protection
- Sunscreen and lip protection with high SPF
- Small container bug spray or cream
- One-litre water bottle
- Your favourite snacks – candy bars, dried fruit, nuts, etc.
- Personal first aid kit and other needs (eg. blister kit, prescription medicine, anti-inflammatory, contact lenses, prescription glasses, etc.)
- Pocket knife (optional)
- Camera, spare batteries (optional)
FAQ
Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?
Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here
Weather, climate, temperatures
The best seasons for rock climbing in Arco are spring and fall, with temperatures normally between 20 and 25°C. One of the reasons Arco is a popular climbing destination is because it is normally protected from bad weather by the nearby Dolomites and Alps, so we can expect to enjoy many days of sunshine.
Medical/Rescue and Trip Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance package that does cover adventure travel. Common policies sold by travel agents or policies included in your credit card contract tend to exclude “mountaineering” if you read through the fine print. We recommend an adventure travel policy on our website at http://ontopmountaineering.com/travel-insurance/ which our clients had good experiences with in the past. *NEW: we now recommend including covid-19/pandemic coverage with your insurance policy.
Can I Do It?
Private Guiding
All levels are welcome, from never ever to experts. Arco offers all you can dream of, regardless if you are a beginner in alpine rock or you have been climbing for decades and want to trade leads with your guide.
1) Beginner Course
Requires good physical fitness for spending active days in the mountains and you should not be afraid of heights. Previous hiking and indoor climbing experience advantageous. Objective: Follow multi-pitch climbs, lead sport climbs.
2) Advanced Course
See under 1), plus outdoor climbing experience following routes up to grade 5.8 (French grade 5a / 5b). Objective: Lead multi-pitch climbs on gear self sufficiently.
3) Climbing Camp
See under 1) and 2) plus the ability to safely lead up to grade 5.6 (French grade 3 or 4) on multi-pitch climbs. If you sign up as a rope team of two, at least one of the partners must be a competent leader. Your guide will coach you on the climbs, ensure you set up safe belays, assure good route-finding and will step in if the going gets tough.
Climbing Grade Conversion
| Climbing: French | UK | Austr. | UIAA | North America |
| 1-2 | HVD | 8-9 | I-II | 5.2-3 |
| 2-3 | MS | 10-12 | III | 5.4-5 |
| 4 | S | 13- | IV | 5.6 |
| 4+ | VS | 13+ | V- | 5.7 |
| 5a | HVS | 14 | V | 5.8 |
| 5b | 15 | V+ | 5.9 | |
| 6a | E1 5b | 19 | VI+ | 5.10a |
| 6a+ | E2 5c | 19/20 | VI+/VII- | 5.10b |
| 6b | 20 | VII | 5.10c | |
| 6b+ | E3 5c | 21 | VII+ | 5.10d |
| 6c | 21/22 | VII+/VIII- | 5.11a | |
| 6c+ | E4 6a | 22 | VIII- | 5.11b |
| 7a | 23 | VIII | 5.11c/d | |
| 7a+ | E5 6b | 24 | VIII/VIII+ | 5.12a |
| 7b | 25 | VIII+ | 5.12b | |
| 7b+ | E6 6b | 26 | IX- | 5.12c |
| 7c | 27 | IX | 5.12d | |
| 7c+ | 28 | IX/IX+ | 5.13a | |
| 8a | E7 6c | 29 | IX+ | 5.13b |
| 8a+ | 30 | X- | 5.13c | |
| 8b | E8 7a | 31 | x | 5.13d |
| 8b+ | 32 | X/X+ | 5.14a | |
| 8c | E9 7b | 33 | X+ | 5.14b |
| 8c+ | 34 | XI- | 5.14c | |
| 9a | E10 7c | 35 | XI | 5.14d/5.15 |
2026 PRICES
The rates quoted below are per person for 1 day of guiding:
1 Participant: EUR € 570
2 Participants: EUR € 285
3 Participants: EUR € 200
4 Participants: EUR € 165
5 Participants: EUR € 145
6 Participants: EUR € 130
Minimum two days engagement
CUSTOM TRIP DEPARTURES
Custom trips of any duration with a 2-day minimum engagement requirement.
From March to the end of October.
Spring and fall are best for weather conditions.
To book a multi-day hut climbing skills camp please refer to our “Climbing Course” tab.
GROUP TRIP SIZE
Single-Pitch: 1-6 Clients: 1 Guide
Multi-Pitch: 1-2 Clients: 1 Guide
TRIP INCLUSIONS
Included:
- Guiding by an internationally certified (UIAGM / IFMGA), English-speaking mountain guide or aspirant under supervision
- All expenses of your guide such as driving, food etc.
- Helmet and harness rental + group climbing gear
Not Included:
- Rock climbing shoes
- Transportation and parking/road tolls for participants ($)
- Insurance
- Anything not mentioned above
Premium for longer days: The guide rate is for a regular climbing day of about 8 hours car to car. Should the weather and your preference/skill level be suitable for longer days (> 8 hrs or more than 10 pitches) please settle directly with your guide and expect a premium around €100.
Want to Make it an Overnight Trip?
Additional costs could include:
- Overnight costs in B&B, hotel, and/or mountain hut
- Breakfasts or halfboard
- Guide’s travel, lodging, and food expenses
- Premiums for longer or more difficult climbs
- Transportation
We can quote you an all-inclusive price – just ask us!
