Sheila Face Mount Cook
We are excited to announce that NZAT members Caleb Jennings and Kim Ladiges have climbed what is arguably the last plum unclimbed line on Aoraki Mount Cook.
Caleb and Kim left Empress hut around midnight on the 5th of September arriving back to Empress 24 hours later having completed the first ascent of the direct line. They named the route "Pilgrim", which goes at a grade of MC6, WI5, M6, 750M. The crux pitch involved a difficult detached ice pillar, with steep moves pulling over a small roof bulge.
This line has seen several attempts over the years with Steven Fortune and Ben Dare getting close to passing the crux last year. Caleb has also made several attempts on the line with various partners over the past few years and is very happy to complete this project with Kim. Caleb rated this route as one of the best he has done so far.
Nice work lads!
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Approaching the Sheila Face
Low down on the Shelia Face
Low down on the Shelia Face
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Caleb and Kim high on the route
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Kim back at Empress Hut with Mount Hicks in the background
New Route Shelia Face Mount Cook
New Route Shelia Face Mount Cook