Mission to Mars is New WI13 at Helmcken Falls in B.C.

Tim Emmett and Klemen Premrl have just finished their trip to B.C.’s amazing Helmcken Falls. Emmett and Will Gadd discovered the steep ice climbing potential 10 years ago. They went on to establish Spray On, a 150-metre WI10, at the time it was the most difficult ice route in the world.

Helmcken Falls is the fourth-highest waterfall in Canada and it’s lucky for climbers that behind is an upside-down amphitheatre of overhanging rock. Spray from the waterfall hits the wall, covering it in a thick (and sometimes thin) layer of ice.

Emmett and Premrl have just added another steep spray-ice route with Nadurra Dura, a 35-metre WI12, yes that’s Water-Ice 12. What makes the climbing so unique is that you’re climbing icy stalactites hanging from the roof and clipping bolts for protection. They then extended their new route and called it Mission to Mars, a 40-metre WI13.

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@klemenpremrl and I are on our way home after climbing an extension to Nadurra Durra – the new line we climbed last week. “Mission To Mars” -WI 13 is a natural 40m ice climb through increasing steepness with the crux being the last 3 moves. Klem and I took many goes to try and link it but managed successful ascents back to back on 9th February. Of all the ice climbs at Helmcken this is the steepest and overhangs approximately 30m. @jonglassberg from @louderthan11 was there to capture both the ascents. Thanks for your support Jon and these photos too???? This is the first climb at this suggested grade. I really hope someone goes in there in the next few weeks to try it, it’s waiting for you?? Go for it ? Thanks for the good times @klemenpremrl ???? @mountainhardwear . . . . . . @mountainhardwear @scarpa_uk @scarpana @petzl_official @winfieldwatchco @asporteyewear #winfieldjournal #climbing #climb #climbon #climbing_is_my_passion #climbing_is_my_life #climbing_worldwide #climbing_pictures_of_instagram #climbingtraining #adventure #climbing_lovers #climbers #climber #adventuring #travel #mountains #photooftheday #dreams #liveyourbestlife #goforit #dreambig #nevergiveup #yolo #ice #iceclimb #helmckenfalls @ukclimbing @grippedmagazine

A post shared by Tim Emmett (@timemmett) on Feb 11, 2020 at 2:53pm PST

Helmcken Falls