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Three daredevils tested their limits by climbing the towering icefalls of the Dolomites, the spectacular mountain range located in northeastern Italy, and photographer James Rushforth was there to capture their feat.

“There’s no better way of getting to know someone than sharing a length of rope on something scary,” said Rushforth.

Armed with ice hooks and mountaineering boots, climbers Francesco Cappelleri, Chiara Delfino and Lynne Hempton made their ways up the ice-covered Italian Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Dolomites contain a large quantity and concentration of highly varied limestone formations, with the geology supplying insight into the recovery of marine life from the Triassic period.

There are 18 peaks that rise above 9,800 feet and are known to have frequent landslides, floods and avalanches. Despite the dangers, the Dolomites are a popular destination for climbers and hikers seeking adventure.

“These pictures invoke a lot of special memories of superb days out and adventures with friends,” Rushforth said.

(MORE: Daring Ice Climbers of New England)