Piz Palü NE Face – Via Soresini

D, 5.2, E3 (45-50°, 500m)

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Following a disapointing ski season, the desire to finally get some proper deep, cold powder in a serious alpine setting was still strong. In April, the webcam images from Diavolezza started looking really promising, so we decided to give it a shot.

The day started early. We left Munich at 4:00 AM and made it to the Diavolezza lift just in time for the first gondola. Following an existing skin track, we gained elevation quickly and reached the area below the summit around 11:00 AM.

But just as we started climbing the summit ridge, the weather suddenly changed. Thick clouds rolled in and completely covered the face, making it impossible to judge the snow conditions or safely find our intended line. Given the circumstances, turning around and descending the same route was the only sensible option.

Not willing to give up, we came back two weeks later. Once again, it turned into a race against the clock and the weather — but this time, it worked out. Pictures below are from our second attempt.