Babsi Zangerl discovered her passion for climbing at the age of 14 – today she is one of the best alpine climbers in the world. An episode of "Bergwelten" highlights her historic ascent of the Alpine Trilogy in 2013. The documentary is now also available on YouTube.
Babsi Zangerl and the Alpine Trilogy: a piece of climbing history
Successful in 2013 Babsi Zangerl something that was long considered almost impossible in climbing circles: She was the first woman to repeat the famous Alpine Trilogy – consisting of the three extreme routes »Silbergeier«, »End of Silence« and »Des Kaisers neue Kleider«.
The three multi-pitch routes in the Swiss Rätikon, the Wilder Kaiser in Austria, and the Berchtesgaden Alps remain among the most challenging alpine sport climbing routes in Europe. They were first ascended in 1994 by Beat Kammerlander, Thomas Huber, and Stefan Glowacz – the leading climbers of their generation. To date, only eleven people have successfully climbed all three routes.
About the highs and lows of a project
This episode of Bergwelten follows Babsi Zangerl on her journey through the three key routes of the Alpine Trilogy. The focus is not only on her achievements, but also on... setbacks, injuries and mental challenges, which she had to overcome on her way to her goal.
The series begins with the "Silbergeier" in the Rätikon – Beat Kammerlander's infamous route, known for its high difficulty and wide bolt spacing. The camera then follows Zangerl on his attempts at Thomas Huber's "End of Silence" near Berchtesgaden and Stefan Glowacz's "Des Kaisers neue Kleider" on the Wilder Kaiser. This follows countless attempts, long days on the wall, and pushing his mental limits. Zangerl finally achieved her goal in October 2013 – the completion of the Alpine Trilogy.
A repertoire that is second to none
Babsi Zangerl She is not only one of the best, but also one of the most versatile climbers in the world: with ascents of difficult routes such as »Greenspit«,»Meltdown«, »The Journey«,»Magic Line" or "Principle hope“She is part of the absolute elite in trad climbing. The Austrian is also among the top sport climbers – she sent her first 9a+ in 2025.”Bombardino« in Arco.
Babsi Zangerl also feels at home on really big walls: Together with her partner Jacopo Larcher, she has already repeated many challenging big wall routes, including »The Gift« in the Rätikon, »Eternal Flame« at the Trango Tower or last »Freerider"on El Capitan. The duo has already achieved a free ascent of the Nose there."
The full documentary is now available on YouTube.
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- Babsi Zangerl climbs her first 9a+ in Arco | Bombardino
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Credits cover photo: ServusTV/Alpsolut