Can the Rift of Silence (9c) be jammed?

Brit Pete Whittaker wanted to know if the crack section of the world's hardest route, Silence, could be jammed. To find out, he went to Norway and shot a video.

Pete Whittaker is one of the strongest crack climbers in the world. So it is not surprising that he was tempted by the crack passage of the route Silence to try out. His conclusion:

The beta I figured out for the sequence is far from easy. It requires fine and technical foot and hand clamps.

Pete Whittaker

With a wink at the end of the video, Pete Whittaker says, Adam Ondra could certainly improve his hand and foot clamping technique.

Adam Ondra comments on Pete Whittaker's video

Adam Ondra watched the video of course and said about the new beta: “I think the new solution would be difficult for me to climb straight away. Pete's solution requires flatter shoes on both feet instead of a light downturn shoe on my right foot, which in turn would make the lower sections much more difficult. "

I agree with Pete, I definitely have a lot to learn about hand and foot clamps.

Adam Ondra

VIDEO: Pete Whittaker checking out the crack section of Silence (9c)

That might interest you

Do you like our climbing magazine? When we launched LACRUX, we decided not to introduce a payment barrier. It will stay that way, because we want to provide as many like-minded people with news from the climbing scene.

In order to be more independent of advertising revenue in the future and to provide you with even more and better content, we need your support.

Therefore: Help and support our magazine with a small contribution. Naturally you benefit multiple times. How? You will find out here.

+ + +
Credits: Cover picture Wide Boyz

News

Ines Papert opens four spectacular new mixed climbing routes in Norway

She needs no introduction. When Ines Papert is out on the ice, you can expect spectacular lines and great stories. In the fjord valleys of Norway, the German ice climbing icon has completed four first ascents of impressive mixed routes in the last two months.

Solo in winter: Simon Gietl climbs “Phantom der Zinne” 7c+ (7a+ obl.)

On March 5th and 6th, South Tyrolean alpinist Simon Gietl completed a solo winter ascent of the challenging route "Phantom der Zinne" (7c+, 7a+ obl., 550 meters). The line on the north face of the Cima Grande was first climbed by Christoph Hainz and Kurt Astner in 1995 and is considered one of the most demanding and aesthetically pleasing routes on this striking wall.

8c+ onsight | Alex Mego's impressive tick list from France

A successful short trip to France came to an end for Alexander Megos from Erlangen, and his tick list is impressive. Shortly before the end, he onsighted the 8c+ route "Nadesjda".

“Ice climbing is a mental game” – mountain guide Jonathan Hilborn in an interview

Jonathan Hilborn is a certified mountain guide and active climber. Since January 2026, he has also held the role of General Manager Europe at Black Diamond Equipment. We spoke with him about his fascination with ice climbing and gathered some important tips for beginners as well as advanced climbers.

Ines Papert opens four spectacular new mixed climbing routes in Norway

She needs no introduction. When Ines Papert is out on the ice, you can expect spectacular lines and great stories. In the fjord valleys of Norway, the German ice climbing icon has completed four first ascents of impressive mixed routes in the last two months.

Solo in winter: Simon Gietl climbs “Phantom der Zinne” 7c+ (7a+ obl.)

On March 5th and 6th, South Tyrolean alpinist Simon Gietl completed a solo winter ascent of the challenging route "Phantom der Zinne" (7c+, 7a+ obl., 550 meters). The line on the north face of the Cima Grande was first climbed by Christoph Hainz and Kurt Astner in 1995 and is considered one of the most demanding and aesthetically pleasing routes on this striking wall.

8c+ onsight | Alex Mego's impressive tick list from France

A successful short trip to France came to an end for Alexander Megos from Erlangen, and his tick list is impressive. Shortly before the end, he onsighted the 8c+ route "Nadesjda".