Journal

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

BD employee Chris Thomas reports on successful ascents of two peaks in Patagonia, including Cerro Torre

Black Diamond employee Chris Thomas got the green light to take 4 weeks off of work on a Friday, booked the plane ticket on Saturday and flew to Patagonia on Tuesday. Within a week he was below the coveted spires of Argentine Patagonia, specifically Cerro Torre, one of the grandest summits in the climbing world. Below is the email Chris sent us a few days ago along with some great pictures from his partner on Cerro Torre, Ben Ditto.

(And, yes, that's a new Vapor helmet, Xenos harness and Dawn Patrol Hybrid Jacket and Dawn Patrol LT Climbing Pant that Chris is field testing, all of which will be available Fall 2013.)

From: Chris Thomas
Sent: Monday, January 28, 2013 4:14 AM
Subject: Patagonia update

Just thought I’d send a quick update from Patagonia. I arrived at the tail end of an unprecedented multi-week weather window, so I hit the ground running and packed up to leave for the hills immediately. After my last trip here in 2010, which yielded only 8 consecutive hours of good weather in 3.5 weeks, I couldn’t afford to let this opportunity go to waste. Less than two days after arriving we had approached and climbed the Pilar Rojo on Aguja Mermoz.Although exhausted from the blitz effort on Mermoz, the weather was still holding strong for a few more days, so Ben Ditto and I rested for 24 hours and then packed up and left for the west face of Cerro Torre. Success! Four day effort from Chalten to Chalten. The Ferrari Route is for sure one of the most amazing ice climbs I’ve ever done, and standing on the summit was definitely a “life goal” accomplished. From the very first time I saw a photo of this pointy and rime covered mountain I knew I wanted to climb it, but honestly never thought that I’d actually be able to pull it off. We dug into the reserves pretty deep, so thankfully some typically awful Patagonian weather is moving in, allowing for some much needed rest, steak, Malbec, and catching up on work emails.

Thanks for creating a work environment that allows for both professional development and time away from the office to pursue personal climbing missions.  Black Diamond is like no other company in the world and I’m honored and privileged to be here!

Best,

Chris

 

Photos