Winter sends in Istria
Winter is slowly saying goodbye, and spring is just around the corner. But before we fully shift seasons, let’s take a look at some of the most impressive winter sends that have recently gone down in Istria.
This winter has been kind to climbers—offering consistently perfect conditions across the region. While we’ve already reported on Janja Garnbret’s incredible ascents in Mišja peč over the past weeks, the season has delivered even more inspiring performances worth highlighting.
One of the biggest winter highlights comes from 16-year-old Christian Leitner from Graz, Austria, who ticked off his fourth 9a by sending the demanding and crimpy Xaxid Hostel (9a) in the central sector of Mišja peč.
In the same crag, Lovro Črep onsighted the long and sustained Uživancija (8a), while 13-year-old Slovenian climber Ajda Skukan Mlačnik crushed both the elegant Pikova dama (8b) and the powerful Corto (8a). Corto (8a) was also climbed by Petra Zupan, showing strong winter form. Meanwhile, Michal Wrzesinski from Poland sent the iconic Mrtvaški ples (8b) at Mišja peč.
Just a few minutes away, in the winter sector of Osp known as Babna, a new combination route was established. Martin Wagner, Tadej Debevec, and Rajko Zajc all climbed a logical link-up starting in RKc (8a) and finishing in Veper lady (8b). Rajko described it on 8a.nu as “slightly easier than RKc… before the crux, a good knee bar, then finishing via Veper Lady. One of the best 8x routes in Osp.” The new route has been named RK lady, with a proposed grade of 8a.
Further north, in the wind-protected winter crag of Lijak, Saša Sedlar made a successful ascent of the crimpy Venezia (8a). Over in the same area, Tim Pahor quickly sent the impressive James Bond (8b), suggesting it might be more of an 8a+—but time (and repeats) will tell.
The beautiful winter weather is expected to hold until the weekend, followed by a bit of rain and then next week sun will be back. Until then, enjoy the last days of this fantastic winter climbing season in Istria!