An official army family and MWR Site

Caving the Buso della Rana

Head underground to explore the dark tunnels of the Veneto's largest cave system!

#
Note: This event has already passed.

You can expect to get down and dirty as we head underground to explore the dark tunnels of the Veneto's largest cave system, the Buso della Rana, with more than 34 kilometers of explored tunnels.

We will travel to the small town of Monte di Malo, just north of Vicenza. There we will meet up with our Club Alpino Italiano guides and get outfitted with helmets, headlamps and harnesses.

Clothing is not provided so please come prepared with clothes for the cave. The temperature in the cave is consistently about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. We will be underground for approximately four hours and recommend long sleeves and pants, and closed-toe shoes are mandatory. We highly discourage toe shoes as they do not adequately protect your feet for the terrain. Backpacks are not recommended as they are cumbersome for fitting through tight spaces. The guides will carry light items for you such as water, snacks or a camera.

Caving can be considered a moderately strenuous activity. The terrain is continuously rocky, slick and uneven. There are several unavoidable points that require either a full body crawl to pass through or scrambling up and down large boulders. Caves are formed by underground "rivers" and this cave is still very active with water! Be prepared for the water level to reach as high as your waist at points.

After returning to the surface, a simple but delicious picnic lunch will be provided outside the cave!

Please bring an entire change of clothes. You will be dirty and/or wet after caving. There will not be formal changing rooms at the cave, but we will turn the van into a mobile changing room. Likewise, there are no formal restrooms at the cave.

A note on weather: As previously mentioned, the cave is very wet and can still flood if there is too much rainfall. The guides will monitor water levels in the cave and inform us if it becomes unsafe for exploration.

Includes:

  • Transportation
  • Trip facilitator
  • Guide
  • Instruction
  • Equipment (helmets, headlamps and harnesses)
  • Picnic lunch

Our destination: Monte di Malo

Estimated drive time: 45 minutes each way

Departs:

  • Ederle Outdoor Recreation at 10:30 a.m.
  • Del Din Shoppette at 11 a.m.

Bring:

  • Warm clothes you are willing to get dirty/wet (athletic pants, synthetic shirt, etc.)
  • Hiking boots or closed-toe shoes
  • Knee pads and gloves recommended
  • Complete change of clothes and shoes
  • Towel
  • Waterproof camera
  • Plastic bag for dirty clothes

Get signed up today for this exciting caving adventure!

Visit our facility page and scroll down to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sections to find answers to many of your trip and program questions.

Get updates, information and more! Follow us on Facebook.

Cost

$85.00

Registration Information

Register at Outdoor Recreation or by phone

Ages 16 years and older recommended