Didier Berthod frees hard-hitting crack line in Squamish

The Swiss climber and crack specialist Didier Berthod manages the pink point ascent of his long-term project in Squamish, Canada. His new crack line, Crack of Destiny, is likely to rank at the top of the world's most difficult trad lines.

Didier berthod has the Canadian climbing Mecca Squamish backpack brings a new trad test piece: Crack of Destiny. The day before yesterday he achieved an important milestone, the pink dot ascent of the fine and extremely difficult crack line. Of course it is "the big deal" to place the fuses during the inspection, says Didier Berthod and adds: "I'll be back soon to do a few tests."

"It was love at first sight. So there it was, that perfect splinter crack I had been dreaming of for so long."

Didier berthod

Crack of Destiny - a long journey

Last year, Berthod became aware of the crack thanks to a picture in the Squamish climbing guide and was thrilled when he inspected his project on site for the first time: "Everything was perfect, the surroundings, the view, the ledge." Even the hour-long climb contributes to this, as it gives you a break from the crowds.

From then on, the Swiss crack specialist spent a lot of time in the line. "30 days last season, six days this year." Being able to climb the line means a lot to Berthod, which also has to do with his Squamish past.

"Until the day before yesterday it was like I'd never walked off the chief with an inspection in my pocket. And this has been the case since 2005 when I tried Cobra Crack - almost 20 years!»

Didier berthod
  • Didier Berthod Crack of Destiny
  • Didier Berthod Crack of Destiny 2

The name is program

Many meanings could be derived from the route name Crack of Destiny, explains Didier Berthod. "One of them is to emphasize my relationship with crack climbing." And this is definitely special with Berthod.

In 2005 he started projecting the notorious Cobra crack. When a knee injury prematurely ended this project of the Valais exceptional climber, he disappeared from the scene practically overnight and traded for the next 12 years Climbing harness against cowl.

Crack of Destiny: Harder than 8b+

Didier Berthod answered the question about the rating of his latest crack creation somewhat evasively by suggesting 5.14 on the American scale - and thus a range from 8b+ to 9a.

"Crack of Destiny seems harder to me than just a 5.14a, but I can't be more specific."

Didier berthod

Berthod's comparison with his destiny line, the Cobra Crack, allows for an even more precise classification: «Crack of Destiny seems to me to be a bit more difficult than You-Know-Who, but I'm aware that it's a bit cheeky, saying this as I still haven't crossed the line!"

What is certain is that Didier Berthod has breathed life into a new mega line with Crack of Destiny, which will not only become a new trad test piece in Squamish, but will also not shy away from comparison with the world's most difficult crack lines - on the contrary.

That might interest you

Do you like our climbing magazine? When launching the climbing magazine Lacrux, we decided not to introduce a paywall because we want to provide as many like-minded people as possible with news from the climbing scene.

In order to be more independent of advertising revenue in the future and to provide you with even more and better content, we need your support.

Therefore: Help and support our magazine with a small contribution. Naturally you benefit multiple times. How? You will find out here.

Don't miss anything - receive our newsletter

* Indicates required
Interests

+ + +

Credits: Cover picture Didier berthod

News

Yannick Flohé boulders 8C+ Story of Three Worlds

The German professional climber Yannick Flohé succeeds in climbing one of the most difficult boulder lines in Ticino: Story of Three Worlds (8C+).

The world's largest bouldering event is coming up: Melloblocco 2025

The eighth edition of the legendary bouldering event Melloblocc will take place in Val di Mello from May 7th to 10th, 2025. Register now for the event that brings together the international climbing scene in northern Italy.

The most versatile training tool for climbers | Crimproll

It feels like there are a ton of fingerboards on the market, and yet the different models only differ marginally from one another. With the Crimproll, there is now a fingerboard that boasts an unusual rotating mechanism. We took a closer look at the Crimproll.
00:21:19

Concentrated girl power and training tips from Erin McNeice and Jana Svecova

They couldn't be more different: competitive climber Erin McNeice and outdoor boulderer Jana Svecova. Lattice Training accompanied the two during their training.

Yannick Flohé boulders 8C+ Story of Three Worlds

The German professional climber Yannick Flohé succeeds in climbing one of the most difficult boulder lines in Ticino: Story of Three Worlds (8C+).

The world's largest bouldering event is coming up: Melloblocco 2025

The eighth edition of the legendary bouldering event Melloblocc will take place in Val di Mello from May 7th to 10th, 2025. Register now for the event that brings together the international climbing scene in northern Italy.

The most versatile training tool for climbers | Crimproll

It feels like there are a ton of fingerboards on the market, and yet the different models only differ marginally from one another. With the Crimproll, there is now a fingerboard that boasts an unusual rotating mechanism. We took a closer look at the Crimproll.