December in Istria – conditions, sends and personal bests
December delivered excellent climbing conditions across Istria, and Mišja peč once again proved why it is one of the most iconic winter destinations in Europe. Great friction, dry rock and motivated climbers resulted in many hard repeats and numerous personal bests.
Šimon Potůček repeats Za staro kolo in majhnega psa (8c+)
On Thursday, 18 December, 24-year-old Šimon Potůček from the Czech Republic repeated the legendary Za staro kolo in majhnega psa (8c+) in Tedi’s Cave, left sector of Mišja peč.
Originally climbed in the early 1990s, this route stands alongside icons like Hubble and Action Directe and has seen only a handful of ascents over more than 30 years. Šimon’s ascent marks the 12th historical send, following Janja Garnbret’s first female ascent earlier this spring.
Šimon wrote on Instagram:
“Today I ticked off this legendary line! It was one of the hardest routes back in the early 1990s – a real piece of history. In over 30 years, it has only seen a few ascents. I’m really proud to be joining the list.
To be honest, this was the biggest effort I’ve ever put into a route. It’s an unforgiving strength-endurance testpiece. Failing on the same move so many times was a real mental battle. I’m so happy I finally put it all together. Huge thanks to everyone who helped me.”
Luca Bacer sends Histerija (8c+)
In the central sector of Mišja peč, local Trieste climber Luca Bacer successfully climbed the long and beautiful Histerija (8c+), confirming his strong winter form.
Slovene girls achieving personal bests at Mišja peč
December was particularly strong for young Slovene climbers:
- Ajda Skukan Mlačnik (14) broke into a new grade by redpointing Kaj ti je deklica (8b+), and also completed the first part of Chiquita (8a).
- Teja Bobnar (17) clipped the chains on her first 8b, the powerful classic Mrtvaški ples.
- Katja Mesarič climbed her first 8a+, Sonce v očeh, in the right sector of Mišja peč.
Strong local performances in Slovenian Istria
Many Slovene and Italian locals were active throughout the area:
- Tomaž Bevk climbed the long and crimpy Gorenjski šnops (8b).
- Andrea Pustetto, Luca Bacer and Žiga Sedej all topped out the crimpy Chiquita (8b); Žiga also climbed the chipped Marioneta (8b+).
- Guido De Sabbata sent Kaj ti je deklica (8b+), while Matevž Štular climbed the long Sreča vrtnice (8b), all in Mišja peč.
- In nearby Lijak, Simone Constantini climbed James Bond (8b) on his fourth attempt.
Female ascents
- Eva Dana Vidmar climbed Urbanova (8a) and Tekila (8a) in one day, followed by Tretje tisočletje (8a) in Mišja peč and Rkc (8a) in Babna sector, Osp.
- Nea Gržetić (Croatia) redpointed Mozaik (8a).
- Tia Brnot Mrak climbed Tretje tisočletje (8a).Ajda Remškar completed the long classics Albanski konjak (8a) and Uživancija (8a), all in Mišja peč.
Polish team crushing it in Mišja peč
A strong Polish crew returned to Mišja peč, led by the Heretyk brothers:
- Kacper Heretyk climbed the first part of Človek ne jezi se (8c) and sent Talk is cheap (8c).
- Mikołaj Heretyk and Grzegorz Lyko also climbed Talk is cheap (8c), with Mikołaj adding Lahko noč Irena (8b).
- Tymon Herod climbed the first part of roofy Sanjski par (8c+) and onsighted Tekila (8a).
- Bartosz Nowicki redpointed Mrtvaški ples (8b).
Czech and Slovak climbers at Mišja peč
- Filip Zlámal (CZE) climbed Lahko noč Irena (8b).
- Maximilian Suchan (13, CZE) sent Mrtvaški ples (8b) on his third go and Marjetica (8b) on his fourth.
- Juraj Gonžur (13, SVK) also climbed Mrtvaški ples (8b).
Weather & wishes
The forecast for the upcoming New Year holidays looks promising: Meteoblue – Osp / Mišja peč
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, with plenty of sends in 2026!