New tour in the Dolomites: On 14 May 2025 Simon Gietl and Jakob Steinkasserer made the first ascent of a new route on the previously unexplored central section of the Hintere Geierwand. The name of the route: FOMO – Fear of Missing Out (9-).
The climbing route corresponds entirely to the style of the first ascents and the climbing philosophy of the DolomitesAll potential repeat climbers can expect varied, challenging and, above all, bolt-free climbing.
The facts about the route
- Name: FOMO
- First-timer: Simon Gietl, Jakob Steinkasserer
- Length: approx. 150 m / 5 rope lengths
- SDifficulty: 9- (without bolts)
- Character: Overhanging, technically demanding climbing on ledges, holes and cracks
- Fuse: Mobile, with five intermediate hooks and five standing hooks
- Approach: From the Geierwand via the right gully, approx. 1h 15min
- Descent: Abseiling down the route
- Material recommendation: Double set of Totem Cams, 60 m half ropes
The line in detail
FOMO follows a prominent crack through surprisingly good rock. The climbing is consistently overhanging, technically demanding, and requires not only stamina but also a good feel for mobile protection. The last 20 meters in particular require increased attention: the rock here is more brittle and the protection more challenging. The last two pitches can be easily connected.
The new route complements the existing Don't worry be happy line by Senfter & Moser (2006) and offers an exciting alternative for anyone looking for an alpine experience – far away from bolts and with a lot of personal responsibility.
That might interest you
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Credits Cover photo: Sven Schmid