First to Highline the ‘Tre Cime di Lavaredo’
Press Release / 25.09.2011
Overcoming all doubt and uncertainty (is it even possible to safely anchor material in this crumbling and exposed terrain?) they found world class locations and perfect rock on all three summits.
They started on the ‘Cima Grande’ (big battlement), where they spanned a 31-meter/101ft-long line west of the summit, above the classic 'comici' north face. A real challenge. The exposed setting and loose rocks meant that they had to be extremely careful not to dislodge stones, putting climbers below at risk. After a couple of attempts to get himself accustomed, Reini Kleindl was able to walk the whole line. Armin managed one direction, but fell on the way back. They named the highline 'Vertigo'.
The 'Perle des Westens' (the pearl of the west) is a 37-meter/121ft long highline located close to the summit of the ‘Cima Ovest’ (western battlement) heading east towards the ‘Cima Grande’. Again, they had to cross awkward, crumbling terrain to set this highline up. Special care was required on the block opposite the summit cross because the classic 'Demuth Kante’ route passes directly underneath. Both managed complete crossings of this highline.
The highline on the ‘Cima Piccola’ (small battlement) was a highlight for both of them: "As we descended from the ‘Cima Grande’ we looked to the ‘Cime Piccola’ and noticed a mountain that looked like a fortress in a fantasy film and a highline spot like in a dream - overpowering - across the whole width between the lower and main summits," is how Armin Holzer describes the first impression. According to Reini it was "the best spot that we have ever set eyes on". They spanned the 53-metre/174ft long highline between the lower and main summit. Reini completed another crossing – Armin managed half the line.
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