Simon Gietl: “My winter solos show me how little it takes to be happy”

In winter 2020, Simon Gietl managed the first winter solo crossing of the Three Peaks. In 2021 he completed the first winter solo ascent of the central pillar on Heiligkreuzkofel, Mariacher variant, and in 2022 he soloed over all of the main peaks of the Rosengarten skyline. The following year the solo crossing of the Geisler peaks followed. Always in winter. Always alone.

Ob Crossing the Three Peaks or Traverse of the Geisler peaks: The winter projects that Simon Gietl has implemented in recent years represent very serious alpine challenges for a rope team. If they are carried out alone, it is a completely different caliber.

Doing a winter project solo requires great technical skill. And the will to be on your own for days.

You can find out why Simon Gietl doesn't find being alone a burden, how he plans his big winter solo ascents and what he takes away from them in the following film portrait of the likeable top alpinist.

Video: Simon Gietl's big winter solo ventures

That might interest you

Do you like our climbing magazine? When launching the climbing magazine Lacrux, we decided not to introduce a paywall because we want to provide as many like-minded people as possible 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.

Don't miss anything - receive our newsletter

* Indicates required
Interests

+ + +

Credits: Cover picture Salewa / Simon Gietl

News

120 meter rope team fall – one survivor, three dead

A serious climbing accident occurred in Washington State, USA, in which four climbers fell approximately 120 meters. Three of them died, while one man survived despite serious injuries and was able to alert emergency services.

Rock fall in the Denti della Vecchia climbing area

On Sunday, around 50.000 cubic meters of rock collapsed in a hiking and climbing area near Lugano. According to experts, the brittle rock favors further rockfalls.

Alizee Blass (12) climbs her second 8c | Super Samson in Claret

At just 11 years old, Alizee Blass climbed her first 8c at the beginning of the year – now she has already climbed her second route at this grade: Super Samson (8c) in Claret.

"I've found my dream boulder" | Jana Svecova ticks Oslo's hardest boulder

Czech 8C boulderer Jana Svecova has managed the hardest boulder in Oslo with Mild Abuse of Terminology (8B+).

120 meter rope team fall – one survivor, three dead

A serious climbing accident occurred in Washington State, USA, in which four climbers fell approximately 120 meters. Three of them died, while one man survived despite serious injuries and was able to alert emergency services.

Rock fall in the Denti della Vecchia climbing area

On Sunday, around 50.000 cubic meters of rock collapsed in a hiking and climbing area near Lugano. According to experts, the brittle rock favors further rockfalls.

Alizee Blass (12) climbs her second 8c | Super Samson in Claret

At just 11 years old, Alizee Blass climbed her first 8c at the beginning of the year – now she has already climbed her second route at this grade: Super Samson (8c) in Claret.