The seven toughest routes up the seven toughest walls on seven continents–the Pou brothers from Spain are climbing around the world. Without technical assistance. Current stop: Mount Fitz Roy in Patagonia.

It is a challenge that no mountain climber has ever taken on to this degree: “7 Walls, 7 Continents” is a trip around the world with an itinerary that aims to conquer the most difficult walls on seven continents–free climbing. That means no hooks, crampons or other artificial aids. For the average pro alpinist, a series of the most horrible nightmares imaginable–for the two world class mountain climbers and brothers Iker and Eneko Pou, an opportunity to test and considerably expand their own limits.

Risk Factor Weather

At present, Iker and Eneko are bivouacking at the base of Mount Fitz Roy in Patagonia (Argentina) while they wait for good weather. Fitz Roy, the sixth mountain in the exclusive ensemble, distinguishes itself by its inhospitable starkness as well as by a variable climate punctuated by extreme storms. It’s rarely calm and cool–necessary for climbing–for longer than 24 hours at a time. Which means that even if the weather does cooperate, the Pou brothers will be under time pressure–so much so, that they may even have to climb at night.

According to Iker and Eneko, the assault will begin no later than the end of February. What then awaits them is a route with a 1300 metre difference in altitude and a difficulty grade of 7b. It starts out with 400 metres of ice, followed by 600 metres of granite interposed with treacherous ice and snow, and all of it highly exposed to the wind. The last stretch to the summit consists of snow and ice under a blanket of clouds. Even in the best of weather.

Ascent into a New (Pou-)Dimension

Iker, the younger of the two siblings (born in 1977), is one of the best free climbers in the world. He is the first Spaniard to have three routes with a difficulty grade of 9a under his belt. Eneko (born in 1974) is a few rungs beneath his brother on the climber’s ladder of fame, but his skill set also includes ice climbing and an extreme skiing unimaginable to the average fellow. The two brothers complement each other in their abilities and spur one another on toward the summit–regardless of how demanding the way.

Now with their world trip, they’re bursting every dimension of alpine practice. It’s the logical extension of the “Seven Summits”, a climbing tour in which the highest peaks on all continents are scaled and which several climbers have already successfully completed–but with the use of artificial aids.
By climbing in the “free” version, the Pou brothers are presently creating a new royal alpine discipline. Two victories are all that are missing until completion.