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La Marion in Winter: A Quebec Mixed Climb

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Watch Québécois climbers Jeff Girard and Carl Darveau take on the first winter ascent of La Marion. The pitches climb 5.8 and 5.11b terrain in the summer, but in the winter it transforms into a 230-foot M8/M8+ adventure. The line was developed by Girard and the late Benoit Marion, who died in 2015. Girard attempted the line four times over four years. During this final attempt, he dropped a tool on lead mid-way up the wall. Instead of bailing, he pulled off his gloves and persevered, supplementing his remaining tool with bare hands on the frigid rock.

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