[leadin]Ueli Steck has yet again broken the record for a solo speed ascent of the North Face of the Eiger. On November 16, 2015, Steck took advantage of good weather and climbing conditions and pushed for the summit of the classic Heckmair Route (ED2, 1,800 meters, first climbed in 1938) in a mere 2 hours 22 minutes.[/leadin]
The crazy fast ascent wins Steck back the record from Dani Arnold, who had captured the record with an ascent of 2 hours, 28 minutes, in 2011. This is the third time Steck has set a record on the Eiger.
Steck spoke of the climb in a release from his sponsor, Mountain Hardwear.
“Today I had a good track, good conditions and I was pulling some gear that made it quite safe and I believe it makes much more sense this way. I didn‘t push myself as hard as in 2008 and I felt very comfortable. This makes this ascent a beautiful experience and a great day.”
“Furthermore it is a new record, but this was a result of the specific conditions. We can never compare ascents in a face like the Eiger. Conditions and weather are always different. But this is what makes alpinism interesting and unique. For me it is the personal challenge and your own experience that really matters.”
