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Film: How Matt Cornell Free Soloed One of America’s Classic Hard Mixed Routes
"The Nutcracker" explores the mental challenges of solo climbing and the tactics Cornell used to help him send the route.
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The Nutcracker (WI 5+ M8), in Montana, is of the most difficult mixed climbs to be done without a rope in the lower 48. Matt Cornell decided to give it a go, fully aware of the route’s reputation of poor rock and cryptic beta.
The Nutcracker, directed and produced by Nathan Norby, and featuring climber Conrad Anker and actor Michael Spears, explores the mental challenges that come with solo climbing and how Cornell was able to push past them to send the route.