Matjaž Zorko sent Xaxid Hostel (9a) in Mišja peč
Slovenian climber Matjaž Zorko, who impressively sent three 9a routes in 2022, has once again demonstrated his prowess by redpointing Xaxid Hostel (9a) in Mišja peč. After approximately 20 determined sessions, Zorko finally completed this challenging route. Reflecting on the climb, he shared on 8a.nu:
“I started projecting Xaxid this spring, but unfortunately ran out of time to finish it before summer. This endurance masterpiece suits me quite well, even though it features a challenging boulder problem in the lower section. I kept falling at the crux during my last few sessions, each time getting one move further. Once I finally passed the crux, I managed to stay focused and clip the chains without extra drama in the upper section. For sure, it’s my hardest route so far. Now I can finally focus on other projects in Istria without being a slave to Mišja peč.”
Other highlights from Mišja peč
The climbing community has been buzzing with activity in Mišja peč, with several notable sends:
Janez Miklavčič finally clipped the chains on his long-standing project, Vizija (8c), marking a major personal milestone.
Robert Buh redpointed the beautiful Kaj ti je deklica (8b+) on his fifth attempt, showcasing skill and persistence.
Italian teenager Andrea Chelleris added another tick to his record with Lazuret (8b), a steep combo in the left side of the crag.
Fellow Italian Simone Constantini smashed through the long and demanding Pikova dama (8b) in the central section of Mišja peč.
Spotlight on female climbers
Female athletes also shone in recent weeks:
Petra Zupan conquered the demanding Tretje tisočletje (8a) in the right-hand sector of Mišja peč.
Slovakian climber Lenka Micicová added three impressive routes to her achievements:
Karies (8b) in Osp’s Banje sector, as previously reported, Gronolom (8a), also in Banje sector and Črna gradnja (8a) in Osp’s Babna sector.
What’s next?
With sunny, crisp conditions in the forecast, climbers in the region can look forward to perfect sending weather in the coming days. The energy in Mišja peč is electric, and there’s no doubt that more incredible feats are on the horizon.
Stay tuned for more updates from the heart of Istrian climbing!