Adam Ondra flying high: Wonderland (9b / b +) first ascent

Adam Ondra manages the first ascent of one of the most difficult sport climbing routes in Italy: Wonderland (9b/b+) near Arco.

It goes very fast. The Czech professional climber Adam Ondra delivers inspections of difficult routes almost every week. At the end of February he managed the first ascent of the 9b route Bomb and barely a week later he was climbing the routes explosive (9a) and Dirty Harry's Brother (8c+) in Loruns almost flash. Last week he ticked off the route Il Guerriero del futuro (9a, first ascent).

Sixth route in the ninth degree of French in 2022

In the middle of this week he managed the next coup. In the Terra Promessa climbing area near Arco, Adam Ondra found himself at the end of last year in a project by Alfredo Webber an alternate launch sequence and added some bolts to the line. An obvious challenge for the Czech was born.

I was able to rehearse all the trains in November 2021, but then I got sick and later the route was wet.

Adam Ondra
Adam Ondra on the first ascent of Wonderland (9b / 9b +). Picture Petr Chodura
Adam Ondra on the first ascent of Wonderland (9b / 9b +). Picture Petr Chodura

When Adam Ondra realized in March that the route was finally dry again, he quickly drove to the area.

I took the opportunity - the wind was blowing hard - and climbed the route!

Adam Ondra

9b, 9b/+ or 9b/9b+?

Adam Ondra has a hard time evaluating the route. In his opinion it could well be the most difficult route in Arco. However, Adam Ondra does not dare to proclaim the grade 9b+, the route fully corresponds to his style and is a bit morpho, certainly more difficult for smaller climbers.

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Does the route really deserve 9b+? I honestly do not know.

Adam Ondra
"It was quite a struggle, but that's what climbing difficult routes is all about!" - Adam Ondra. (Picture Petr Chodura)
"It was quite a struggle, but that's what climbing difficult routes is all about!" - Adam Ondra. (Picture Petr Chodura)

For reference, Adam Ondra mentions routes like La Dura Dura, Change or Perfecto Mundo. But a comparison with these routes is difficult. Ondra is certain that Wonderland is more difficult than erebor, which he rated 9b. It is also certain that Adam Ondra is in top form and we will certainly hear from him again soon.

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Credits: Pictures Petr Chodura

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