Team MountainPro in training exercise

As is not a daily routine to catch up with members of MountainPro International Team we've got to spend all the time available in the best way, taking advantage of all the opportunities we can. But sometimes things you're planing in advance are not quite the same with the real situation, and that's why Paul Andrews (US) and Ciprian Moruzan (RO) found themselves in one of those funny situations when all the planning is washed away by weird weather conditions, so they had to wait for a good window several days.
But the patient one will have his reward, so weather turned good on Friday, the 15th of January, when they left for an ascent in Piatra Craiului mountains, in the heart of Transylvania.
Walking on virgin snow on the way to the ridge, through a gorge named Valea Crapaturii was pretty demanding, loose rocks covered with ice and a layer of 5 or 6 inches of snow made the ascent harder, but the incredible view was enough to compensate that.


At the saddle - Saua Crapaturii - they sort out the gear, starting the climb to get the first peak on the ridge, named (Varful) Turnu (1923 m), preparing for the technical steep passages on the way. Lucky enough, we spotted black goats - protected by the Romanian government - on the way to (Varful) Turnu peak.

Ciprian Moruzan at the beginning of the steep section.

Paul Andrews climbing to the ridge.

Ciprian Moruzan approaching to (Varful) Turnu peak.

Paul Andrews on the ridge between (Varful) Turnu peak (1923 m) and (Varful) Padina Popii peak (2062 m).

Weather closing in pretty bad by (Varful) Padina Popii peak.


The original plan was to climb along the ridge to the (Varful) Ascutit peak (2150 m), and to descend on Padinile Frumoase to Curmatura mountain hut (1460 m), but due to the bad weather conditions they've had decided to take the shortcut, on a steeper descent through Karol Lehmann route; it was quite tricky, considering the imminent avalanche danger, but it was a smart decision to take instead continuing the climb to the (Varful) Ascutit peak and risking a descent in the darkness, using headlights.
Paul before the descent.

Cipri descending on Karol Lehmann route; weather closing in.

At the Curmatura mountain hut, before a well deserved hot meal.

To see a good map of Piatra Craiului mountains click here.
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Welcome!

Welcome to MountainPro Guiding Agency's blog! It was about the time, people were asking for this, but at the end of the day our wish is to provide fresh info about the alpine field and to all mountain related activities.
On the other hand, if you're interested in exploring Romania's mountains, (worldwide destinations also available due to our international team) this is the perfect place to get support from a proffesional mountainguide. We provide a full range of services regarding mountain related activities, from trekking and climbing to mountaineering and team building events, or to skiing and snowboarding teaching and guiding. Our aim is to provide proffesional service at high standard into a SAFE environment. Enjoy your adventure with mountainpro!

MountainPro International Team

This a new concept that crossed our mind a while ago. It's about guides we know and trust, people we've been working with and that became our close friends. If you are looking for a new adventure somewhere close to their location they'll be happy to design your future escape into the nature.

MountainPro Team is: guide Ciprian Moruzan (RO), guide Sebastian Sfabu (RO), guide Marc Schertenleib (CH), guide Gustavo Arenas (CL), guide Jesper Berth (DK), guide Rudiger Steinke (DE), guide Paul Andrews (US), and guide Steinthor Nielsson (IS).