Canadians Climb Patagonia’s Newest Must-Climb Route

January 2014, Super Domo, WI5, M6, 500 metres.

The weather in Patagonia for the 2013-2014 season can be summarized as non-cooperative. Colin Haley’s recent blog says, “The 2013-2014 season in El Chalten continues to be a cold and stormy one. Since my arrival in mid November there hasn’t been a single weather window that I would call “a good one,” and the gnarliest summits, Cerro Torre and Torre Egger, have both yet to see a single ascent this season. However, at least small, mediocre windows have been relatively frequent for those motivated to climb smaller objectives in icy conditions.”

The newest line in Patagonia is Super Domo, WI5, M6, 500 metres on the east face of Domo Blanco. It was first climbed by Joel and Neil Kauffman and Mikey Schaefer, all from the US, in early January. The route climbs three distinct tiers of mixed terrain, each with its own character. Haley and Rolando Garibotti climbed the route recently, visit Haley’s blog for some amazing photographs from the route (www.colinhaley.com).

Two of Canada’s finest alpinists, Jonny Simms and Tony Richardson, arrived in Patagonia mid-January and the first route they climbed was Super Domo. Hopefully the weather improves as there are a number of teams waiting for a good weather window to attempt difficult free climbs, including the British team’s attempt on the Compressor Route.

For more on Patagonia’s 2013-2014 season see here and here.

For up-to-date news and topos visit Pata Climb here.