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Vikki Weldon Climbs Chamonix Granite, Sends in Switzerland

Vikki Weldon was part of an international gathering of top climbers in Chamonix for the Arc’teryx Alpine Academy. After a few days of taking part in clinics and cleaning trash from the mountains above the famous mountain town, Weldon joined fellow Arc climber Paul McSorley on a route. They climbed Bonne Ethique up the Trident du Tacul, a 200-metre 5.11 on solid granite. Short highlight clip from Arc’teryx Academy, click to play.

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She then travelled to Gimmelwald in the Berner Oberland in Switzerland, where she sent Teufelsküche 5.13a and Torrero 5.13b. Next was a trip to Gastlosen, where Weldon climbed Bit Man 5.13a and said on Sendage.com, “Really incredible little route that links perfect crimps and mini jugs up an otherwise blank wall.” Be sure to follow Weldon on Instagram below.

Weldon became the third Canadian woman to climb 5.14 in 2013 with a send of Eulogy 5.14a in Maple Canyon. To date, five Canadian women have climbed the grade, first was Ellen Powick and then Josie Hetyei before Weldon. Since 2013, Leslie Timms and Marieta Akalski have climbed 5.14.

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