Jeff Mercier, Simon Chatelan and Ron Koller have established two impressive new mixed lines at the Oeshinenwald sector above Kandersteg in Switzerland.
Swiss climber Chatelan joined forces with French alpinist Mercier to add a new line to the already well-developed and popular area. Chatelan spotted a possible route to the right of Bäretritt (WI5+, 70m) and established Röstigraben on December 28th 2017 with Mercier. The 3-pitch line is fully bolted with a crux pitch graded M10+, which leads through an 8 metre roof with two intermediate ice drips. Chatelan likened the pitch to Pink Panther M9+ at the mixed sector Ueschenen in Kandersteg in a report by Planetmountain.
In early January Chatelan returned with Ron Koller to climb Loch, Keile et compagnie WI4+, to the left of Röstigraben. Equipped with just six bolts and a handful of pitons, the pair wanted to protect the line with trad gear as much as possible. The first 35 metre pitch involves climbing up to M9+ in difficulty, the second follows up more relenting WI4+ ice, while the third tackles a roof to join a suspended drip, weighing in at M8. The grade is yet to be confirmed as the team failed to complete in a single push.
Follow on social media:
Jeff Mercier: Facebook, Instagram.
Simon Chatelan: Facebook, Instagram.
Hugo Vincent Photography: Facebook, Instagram.
Comments
I know nothing about winter climbing but this look insane!
Impressive. I wonder how many people would be climbing if bolts had not been invented?