Introduction by the author

The Finale area is magical and inimitable: wild, harsh and with an exceptional landscape. These white limestone cliffs that emerge from the luxuriant and deep green vegetation are unique in the whole western region of Liguria. The Finale area is a place to be explored that offers even today after 30 years of climbing and trekking, surprising views for climbers, trekkers and bikers… and for anyone who feels like walking around these valleys. The wild nature of the Val Cornei and the Val di Nava, the solitary and majestically imposing wall of Monte Cucco, of the North face of Perti and of the Bastionata di Boragni, the beauty, the colours and the views from Rocca di Corno, the vertical walls of Lacremà and its ancient Borgo, Noli and the sea ruffled by the North wind, make this region a unique place. For these reasons the Finale area is frequented by lovers of nature and outdoor sports from all over Europe. The paths of Finale are travelled not only by climbers, but also trekkers, bikers, birdwatchers, archaeologists and cavers. With respect for this diversity, everyone needs to approach this territory with care and show consideration for other visitors. With a renewed interest in climbing, 2011 was already a turning point with the award of the prize “A life for Finale” to Alessandro Grillo, making a well deserved, if late, gesture of thanks to a personality whose life has been indissolubly linked with the rock of Finale. My work has also been part of this renewed interest. It has two very important aims: above all to make these splendid crags accessible to everyone, to allow them to experience the emotions of climbing routes that offer new perspectives on the surrounding territory, but not only. This guidebook is an attempt above all to thank and acknowledge all those people like Alessandro Grillo, Gianni Calcagno, Vittorio Simonetti and the brothers Gian Luigi and Eugenio Vaccari who, in far off 1968 with mountaineering boots on their feet, discovered Finale starting its vertical history, to the many young, and not so young, people today that still bolt, clean paths and keep this legacy alive. A tribute to all the bolters, from the glories of the past to the new generations, without which my work would not exist.

Marco (Thomas) Tomassini (© Tommaso Longo)