Between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day of 2012, 28 climbers reached the summit of Cerro Torre via the Ragni route. By contrast, when the first climbers finally sent Ragni in 1974 (attempts had been made since 1958), it was only after two months of attempts and down to their last stores of food. The difference that 40 years makes? Patagonia’s summers are now clear. Since climbers began trying ascents in Patagonia, the battle was always with constant storms and waiting (and waiting) for a window. Storms also brought snow and ice, where now Cerro Torre is seeing free solos, which would’ve been impossible in the past. It’s worth celebrating, but the context is also important to note. Via UKC Climbing.

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Tags: Climbing

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