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25/09/04: Winter Ascent in Patagonia
In a range that is notorious for some of the worst weather on the planet, most climbers venture to Patagonia in the southern summer. The woolly winter season (our summer) is a relative unknown with only a handful of climbers exploring these cold, dark months despite rumors that there may be less wind.
Will Mayo (Northfield, Vermont) and Sean Isaac checked out the Fitz Roy region of Patagonia in September (last month of winter). Their original goal was to make the first winter ascent of Mermoz via the Andy Parkin mixed line, Vol de Nuit, but it was devoid of ice. On their third day of a six day trip, they climbed the Amy Couloir (D M5 WI3), a mixed gully on Guillaumet, under blue, windless skies. This was the second or third winter ascent of the peak.
“I can’t confirm rumors of better weather
in winter since we were there for such a short time”, states Isaac.
“The weather we had for our climb was awesome though!"
copyright 2004: SeanIsaac.com