Simon Gietl: “My winter solos show me how little it takes to be happy”

In winter 2020, Simon Gietl managed the first winter solo crossing of the Three Peaks. In 2021 he completed the first winter solo ascent of the central pillar on Heiligkreuzkofel, Mariacher variant, and in 2022 he soloed over all of the main peaks of the Rosengarten skyline. The following year the solo crossing of the Geisler peaks followed. Always in winter. Always alone.

Ob Crossing the Three Peaks or Traverse of the Geisler peaks: The winter projects that Simon Gietl has implemented in recent years represent very serious alpine challenges for a rope team. If they are carried out alone, it is a completely different caliber.

Doing a winter project solo requires great technical skill. And the will to be on your own for days.

You can find out why Simon Gietl doesn't find being alone a burden, how he plans his big winter solo ascents and what he takes away from them in the following film portrait of the likeable top alpinist.

Video: Simon Gietl's big winter solo ventures

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 Salewa / Simon Gietl

News

00:18:21

Projecting at the limit and the possibility of failure

Stefano Ghisolfi shows what it means to plan the hardest sport climbing route and the hardest boulder in the world.

Aidan Roberts climbs two potential 9A boulders

Two new 9A boulders? Aidan Roberts was the first to climb two extremely hard boulders that have the potential to be of the highest difficulty.

Seb Bouin climbs new 9b with a “20 meter hardcore finish”

9b first ascent: Seb Bouin releases his project Les Rois du Lithium - an endurance hammer with a 20 meter finish that has it all.

SAC Youth Climbing Cup Bouldering Baden | Live stream

This Saturday, April 27th, the SAC Youth Climbing Cup in bouldering will take place in Bouba Baden. Finals are available in the live stream.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter now and stay up to date.

00:18:21

Projecting at the limit and the possibility of failure

Stefano Ghisolfi shows what it means to plan the hardest sport climbing route and the hardest boulder in the world.

Aidan Roberts climbs two potential 9A boulders

Two new 9A boulders? Aidan Roberts was the first to climb two extremely hard boulders that have the potential to be of the highest difficulty.

Seb Bouin climbs new 9b with a “20 meter hardcore finish”

9b first ascent: Seb Bouin releases his project Les Rois du Lithium - an endurance hammer with a 20 meter finish that has it all.