Watch Jacopo Larcher make the first ascent of Tribe, likely the world’s hardest route using traditional protection. Larcher worked on the route for six years and made the first ascent last spring. He declined to grade the climb, but had climbed 5.15a in the past and said Tribe was the hardest route he’s climbed. In Canada, Larcher made a quick repeat of The Path 5.14R trad in 2018.
“It’s really hard to grade,” said Larcher about Trive. “I decided not to give it a grade. Maybe it’s my anti-style, I don’t think so, but who knows. When you try something so short and bouldery for so long, it’s tricky to grade, because when you finally send it it almost feels easy.”
Larcher was born in Merano, South Tyrol, but grew up in Bolzano. He first wore a pair of climbing shoes at the age of 11, when he participated in a youth climbing course.