Home > News

Sonnie Trotter Links Shining on Louis into 5.14

Sonnie Trotter has linked the hardest pitches on The Shining on the east face of Mount Louis into 5.14a.

The Shining (Uncut) on the Diamond Face is 13 pitches and tops out at 2,682 metres. Back in 2011, Trotter recruited Tommy Caldwell to help build the big line from the ground up.

A post shared by Sonnie Trotter (@sonnietrotter) on

“It took a few days but we topped it out in July with Calwell leading the crux pitch at 5.13+,” said Trotter. “But somehow it always stuck with me that maybe it could be climbed without any of the hanging belays of the first three pitches.”

It took Trotter three days this year to link the full 80-metre crux pitch. His partner was young gun comp climber Dexter Bateman.

The Shining is one of three big 5.14s by Trotter in the Bow Valley, the others are the six-pitch Castles in the Sky 5.14a on Castle Mountain and the eight-pitch Blue Jeans Direct 5.14a on Yamnuska.

“My partner Dexter and I took it to the top, and (almost losing our approach shoes) made it back to Banff for late night pizza around mid-night,” said Trotter.

“It was the most perfect day. At first I thought the rope drag would be too much. So stoked it went down. The climb finally feels complete to me. Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen.”

Trotter on the first ascent in 2011 with Tommy Caldwell.

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

The Best Climbing Gear According to Our Editors – March

Every month we're bringing you our favourite gear so you can complete your climbing kit with the latest and best stuff out there