Colin Haley and Bjørn-Eivind Årtun recently climbed a new route on Mount Foraker, Alaska. The route - now named Dracula - is a gigantic direct finish to an existing line called False Dawn and is perhaps one of the most significant new lines in the area for some time.
In this short interview, with photos, Colin answers some questions on his new route.
Just noticed that in the photos that there are no helmets worn. I haven't read the article so I don't know if they comment on this but it is surely madness on a big mixed alpine face like that?
The guys did climb without helmets but not on Foraker. Prior to climbing Dracula, Haley and Artun made a speed attempt on Denali's Cassin Ridge where they climbed both ropeless and helmetless. By all accounts, they had pretty tough conditions and still only missed out on Mugs Stump's speed record by half an hour. Haley's blog has all the details.
Video Nils Favre develops new Chironico bouldering area
With the sun coming out and dry rock showing its face for the first time in what seems like a lifetime, here's a video to get you inspired to get out there and get back on that old project, or maybe find one that's yet to be climbed.