UKC

New Kandersteg Mixed Lines by Mercier, Chatelan and Koller

© Hugo Vincent Photography

Jeff Mercier, Simon Chatelan and Ron Koller have established two impressive new mixed lines at the Oeshinenwald sector above Kandersteg in Switzerland.

Jeff Mercier flashing the M10+ crux pitch of Röstigraben.  © Hugo Vincent Photography
Jeff Mercier flashing the M10+ crux pitch of Röstigraben.
© Hugo Vincent Photography

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.

Simon Chatelan making the first ascent of pitch 3 of Röstigraben.  © Hugo Vincent Photography
Simon Chatelan making the first ascent of pitch 3 of Röstigraben.
© Hugo Vincent Photography

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.

photo
Jeff Mercier climbing towards the end of the second pitch of Röstigraben, Kandersteg.
© Hugo Vincent Photography

Follow on social media:

Jeff Mercier: Facebook, Instagram.

Simon Chatelan: Facebook, Instagram.

Hugo Vincent Photography: Facebook, Instagram.


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19 Jan, 2018

I know nothing about winter climbing but this look insane!

21 Jan, 2018

Impressive. I wonder how many people would be climbing if bolts had not been invented?

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