Melloblocco
The world's largest international bouldering gathering
About Melloblocco
Melloblocco: when Val Masino becomes the capital of bouldering
Every spring, the territory of the Municipality of Mello and the adjacent Val Masino, in the Province of Sondrio, fills with climbers from all over the world. Melloblocco is the largest international bouldering gathering ever held, an event that since 2004 has brought Valtellina to the center of the world's boulder climbing scene.
Not a competition, but a gathering
The philosophy of Melloblocco is precise and has always been consistent: it is not a competition. It is a non-competitive gathering, to be experienced with a curious and relaxed spirit. Participants move freely among the granite boulders scattered throughout Val di Mello, Val Masino, and Valle dei Bagni, choosing the routes to try and sharing the experience with other climbers. It is this community dimension, rather than performance, that makes Melloblocco a unique phenomenon.
Workshops, talks, and big names
A packed program of initiatives is built around climbing:
- SHE ROCKS, the all-female workshop with international-level athletes
- Once Upon a Time in Mello, where athletes tell the stories of the valley's boulders
- evening talks, book presentations, and mountain film screenings
- live music and the "Melloblocco Music Fringe"
Over the years, some of the biggest names in world climbing have graced the valley, making the gathering a meeting point for champions and enthusiasts.
Val di Mello, a natural paradise
The setting is Val di Mello, one of the most evocative alpine valleys in Italy, often called the "little Yosemite" of Italy. Granite walls, forests, streams, and meadows provide the backdrop for an event that has always prioritized respect for the environment, with talks dedicated to the protection of the area and coexistence between climbing and nature.
Melloblocco — edition 2026
Melloblocco 2026 celebrates its 21st edition from May 6 to 9, confirming the non-competitive formula that has made it the world's largest bouldering gathering. As in recent editions, the meeting officially begins on Wednesday morning with the opening of the village in San Martino and concludes with the party on Saturday evening, while Sunday is dedicated to free climbing.
The program alternates climbing sessions on the boulders of Val di Mello, Val Masino, and Valle dei Bagni with workshops, talks by internationally renowned athletes, book presentations, mountain film screenings, and live music evenings.
Programme Melloblocco 2026
Wednesday, May 6 — Departure
- Opening of the village in San Martino, registrations from 10:00 AM at the official gazebo
- Sponsor activities (La Sportiva, Decathlon, E9, Brazz, and others) from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM — Melloblocco Music Fringe
- 9:00 PM — Wafaa Amer presents the book "Attraverso la roccia"
Thursday, May 7 — In Full Swing
- Bouldering on the valley's boulders (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM — "SHE ROCKS" workshop, women's coaching with Caroline Ciavaldini, Jana Svecova, and other athletes
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM — Brazz slackline workshop in Val Masino
- 6:15 PM — Marco Bruci presents "Climbing Therapy"; followed by screenings and live music
Friday, May 8 — Party Time
- Climbing until 10:00 PM
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM — "Once Upon a Time in Mello": La Sportiva athletes tell the stories of the boulders
- 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM — Running for outdoor people, uphill race from the sports field
- 4:30 PM — APICI round table on the Masino-Bregaglia International Park
- 9:15 PM — Laura Pineau with the film "The Queen Swing"; 10:15 PM — Cody Roth with "A working class climber"
Saturday, May 9 — Awards and Party
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM — "Tick Marks", discussion on respecting the place with James Pearson and Domen Skofic
- Soul Frixion resole workshop (morning and afternoon)
- 10:30 AM — Presentation of the Val Masino-Albarracín twinning
- 8:00 PM — Awards ceremony; 10:00 PM — talk by Nicolas Favresse and Sean Villanueva; 11:00 PM — closing with live music
Sunday, May 10
- Free climbing
Highlights Melloblocco 2026
Prices Melloblocco 2026
Practical information — Melloblocco
How to get there
Val Masino is reached from SS38 dello Stelvio, turning off at Ardenno towards Val Masino. The event village is in San Martino, at the end of the valley. The nearest train station is Morbegno. Shuttle buses are available during the event, and traffic regulations in the valley must be followed.
Registration
Registration is done online at melloblocco.it or at the village gazebo. The registration fee (around €25) supports the event and entitles participants to a bag with a boulder map, partner gadgets, and a t-shirt.
When
The gathering starts on Wednesday morning and concludes with the party on Saturday evening; Sunday is for free climbing.
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Where does it take place — Melloblocco
Val di Mello, Val Masino e Valle dei Bagni
San Martino, Val Masino, 23010 Mello