Greenland Mirror Wall success for Leo Houlding & Co

The peak was first climbed in summer 2012 by a Swiss team comprised of Basil Jacksch, Christian Ledergerber, Silvan Schüpbach and Vera Reist and this year’s Anglo-South African expedition comprised Houlding, Joe Möhle, Matt Pickles, Matt Pycroft and Waldo Etherington tackled a line up the mountain’s main face.

After having been dropped off on the glacier on 25 June the five alpinists established base camp, then advance base camp at the foot of the Wall before identified a line up the unclimbed NW Face. A portaledge camp was established and, despite setbacks (ill health coupled with poor weather), they managed to breach what has been described as some extremely thin, loose and technical sections which slowed progress and made the climbing both difficult and dangerous. With only four days left to climb the final 400m to the summit it seemed as if success might prove elusive, but after 12 days on the wall Houlding finally radioed through today stating that they were safely back in base camp, after having topped out in a snowstorm.

"We nailed it! The team has successfully climbed the Mirror Wall by the main face and descended safely." explained Houlding, adding "Such a huge wall - taller than El Capitan - and so blank and smooth that you can almost see your reflection. Strategically simple, tactically highly complex - the month long process of gazing deep into the mirror looking for a way to the top is over and we found it! We are back in base camp. The crew, little experienced in this game, have all excelled and not just survived, but thrived on the challenge. It has been a privilege to run wild with these strong guys out here in this grown up playground."

29/11/2006 - Leo Houlding interview
Climber, mountaineer, but also keen snowboarder, surfer, skydiver, base jumper and nature lover, Leo Houlding is one of the most famous rock climbers and mountaineers in the world.