In an awe-inspiring display of skill, fortitude, and sheer determination, Lucia Guichot and Nieves Gil, hailing from Spain, etched their names in the annals of mountaineering history by conquering the formidable Supercanaleta on the imposing west face of Fitz Roy. Their awe-inspiring saga unfolded across an intense six-day odyssey, punctuated by five nights spent in precarious bivouacs clinging to the frigid heights of the Andean giant.
The Supercanaleta is revered among climbers for its staggering 1,600-meter expanse of relentless challenge. Scaling this pinnacle of Fitz Roy’s west face demands an unwavering spirit as the route weaves through a punishing 1,000-meter gauntlet of snow and ice, followed by a grueling traverse of 15 pitches characterized by demanding rock and mixed climbing.
The climactic test arrives within the final 200 meters, where the intrepid duo encountered their most daunting obstacle—a series of formidable gendarmes scattered along the unforgiving west-southwest ridge. Here, the peril of dislodged debris from adjacent walls heightens the palpable sense of exposure, intensifying an already nerve-wracking ascent.
“We seized a fleeting weather opportunity,” Guichot revealed on her social media platform, underscoring the solitude of their endeavor, devoid of human encounters for six days amidst the breathtaking but isolating terrain.
Their epic journey commenced with a two-day trek, an arduous approach leading them to the base of their ascent. With meticulous precision, they scrutinized the route, finding it in optimal condition, prompting their bold decision to commence the daunting climb. As they made their descent, the duo navigated the intricate Franco-Argentine route, deftly maneuvering through the challenging Brecha de los Italianos.
Describing the expedition as a “whirlwind of emotions,” Gil encapsulated the tumultuous range of feelings evoked by the intense climb. Guichot echoed this sentiment, expressing how those six days amidst the craggy terrain had imbued her with a profound “renewal of the zest for life.”
Their triumphant ascent of the Supercanaleta stands as a testament to their unwavering resilience technical expertise honed through years of training, and an unyielding spirit in the face of nature’s most formidable challenges. It is a crowning achievement in the realm of mountaineering showcasing the pinnacle of human endurance and the indomitable spirit of exploration.
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