Climbers are always seeking new thrills, and many of them, loving the taste of risk to the point of recklessness, constantly want to push further and higher. Some push the boundaries beyond what's imaginable. This is why we've seen the development over the years of a practice bordering on the foolhardy: extreme climbing.
Scaling the most vertiginous mountains with bare hands has become a challenge for an elite group of climbers in search of adrenaline.
Here are the 5 most extreme climbing sites, otherwise known as the "Big Walls"
Bugaboo Spire, Canada
This is one of Canada's most famous spots, located in the Purcell mountain range. Bugaboo Spire peaks at over 3,200 metres. The first to fall in love with this impossible wall was Conrad Kain, who climbed it in 1916.
Las Torres, Chile
Las Torres are three granite peaks located in Torres del Paine National Park, between the Andes mountain range and the Patagonian steppe. The tallest of these towers reaches 2,800 metres in altitude. The contrast between the flat steppe and the site's dramatic relief makes it one of the most astonishing in the world.
The Matterhorn, Switzerland
This peak, standing at 4,480 metres, is one of the highest in the Swiss Alps. It was first climbed in 1865 by an English team led by Edward Whymper, during which three members lost their lives.
Cerro Torre, Argentina
In Argentine Patagonia lies one of the most extreme summits in existence. Cerro Torre, besides its 3,102 metre altitude, presents extremely harsh weather conditions. It was long an object of obsession for many mountaineers until 1959, when Italian Cesare Maestri, accompanied by Australian Tony Egger, finally conquered it.
And our grand winner, The Trango Towers, Pakistan
These towers fascinate not only with their height (a mere 6,286 metres...) but also their beauty. Some say they're the most beautiful granite towers in the world. Joe Brown, an Englishman accompanied by a team, was the first person to leave his mark on their summit.
When practising high-altitude climbing, numerous challenges arise:
- Low pressure reducing available oxygen levels, with temperature dropping 6.5°C every 1,000 metres
- Intense sunlight that can burn skin or eyes
- Dehydration due to increasingly dry air at altitude...
A list of constraints that add even more glory to these slightly mad pioneers, eager to take on all challenges.
Climbing is a complete sport, requiring not just physical abilities but mental strength too - perfecting movements to absolute precision, overcoming fear of failure or heights...
You don't need special talent to begin. Starting climbing on artificial structures often sparks a passion in many beginners, who then venture outdoors with their club. Why not climb towards adventure's peaks yourself?
