The Italian-Swiss team of Simon Gietl and Roger Schäli have climbed a difficult new route on the east face of Aguja Poincenot (3,002m/9,849') in Argentinean Patagonia. The two climbers spent four days on the route in wintry weather. One 20-meter slab required 15 hours of difficult aid climbing to overcome. Their route, Fühl dich stark aber nicht unsterblich (“Feel Strong, but Not Immortal”), went at 6c A3+ M5. 

While in Patagonia, Gietl and Schäli also climbed the California Route on Fitz Roy. Schäli made headlines last summer by completing the first free ascent of the Japanese Direct route on the Eiger’s north face, with Robert Jasper.  

Dates of Ascent: November 14-17, 2009 

Sources: Eigernord.ch, Salewa.com