New 36-Pitch Patagonia Big Wall Climb Took 41 Days to Complete

Why It Matters

The ascent proves that ultra‑technical, high‑altitude big‑wall routes are achievable despite Patagonia’s extreme weather, expanding the frontier for elite climbers and guiding future expedition planning.

Key Takeaways

• 36-pitch route established on Torres del Paine’s east face
• Ascent took 41 days, battling 100 km/h winds
• Only two sections potentially unclimbable, future teams can improve
• Project spanned two seasons, highlighting logistical challenges
• Sponsors Trango, Metolius, Mammoth supplied essential climbing gear

Pulse Analysis

Patagonia’s rugged climate has long limited the scope of big‑wall projects, yet the new 36‑pitch line on Central Tower demonstrates how modern logistics and resilient team dynamics can overcome those barriers. By integrating 29 fresh pitches with historic segments of the Bonnington‑Williams route, the climbers forged a hybrid ascent that balances pioneering bolt work with classic alpine heritage. The undertaking required meticulous weather windows, a capsule‑style bivouac system, and a supply chain anchored in Puerto Natales, underscoring the importance of local partnerships for remote expeditions.

The climb’s technical profile is stark: half the route is dead‑vertical to slightly overhanging, demanding precise footwork and the carriage of protection blocks to portaledges. Despite two sections that Moser labeled potentially unclimbable, the team’s adaptive strategy—using varied strengths among members—allowed them to negotiate the most demanding pitches. Their experience of five‑day snow entombments and 100 km/h gusts provides a case study in risk mitigation, from water cache management to strategic pauses during adverse conditions. These insights are valuable for future teams aiming to push free‑climbing grades on similar walls.

Beyond the physical achievement, the ascent signals a shift in the commercial ecosystem supporting extreme climbing. Sponsors such as Trango, Metolius, and Mammoth Mountaineering supplied lightweight gear that enabled the prolonged capsule approach, while local hosts facilitated transport and porter services. The successful completion of this route not only adds a benchmark climb to Patagonia’s portfolio but also encourages investment in gear and logistics tailored to high‑risk, high‑reward environments, paving the way for the next generation of big‑wall innovators.