All-Women Team Climbs New Alpine Line in Patagonia
Angelina di Prinzio, Paloma Farkas, and Catalina Unwin have completed a new rock and ice route deep within Patagonia
Angelina di Prinzio, Paloma Farkas, and Catalina Unwin have climbed a new route in the remote peaks of southern Patagonia. They established a 900-metre line on the west face of Cerro Steffen (3,300 m), a mountain within the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Their route, which they named Sincronía, features sustained mixed and ice climbing up to M4 WI4 with snow slopes reaching 60°. This is a rare ascent of Cerro Steffen and the first of its west face, a major achievement in one of Patagonia’s most inaccessible areas.
Planning for the expedition began long in advance, as the climbers coordinated across Argentina, Chile, and the United States. With little information available, they relied on a handful of historical photos and the 1965 first-ascent report to assess potential lines. Virtual meetings replaced traditional reconnaissance, and logistical hurdles were overcome through creative problem-solving, including securing transport to cross Lake O’Higgins, the glacial lake guarding access to the Steffen massif.
Once on the ice field, the climbers waited patiently for a short break in the weather, a hallmark of Patagonian success. When the window opened, they moved efficiently, climbing the steep, frozen line in challenging conditions and topping out after a long day on the face. The team described the ascent as a moment of deep connection and shared purpose, reflecting the name Sincronía, or “synchrony.”
Their effort was supported by grants from the Grit & Rock Foundation, the NOLS Rothberg-Birdwhistell Exploration Fund, and members of Argentina’s guiding community. In a region long defined by mixed team expeditions, the climb adds a new and inspiring chapter to Patagonian mountaineering history.
