The Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy massifs are located in the heart of Argentine Patagonia. These granite peaks that tower above rugged glaciers host some of the most difficult climbing in the world, which is further complicated by some of the worst weather known to man. Storms of fierce intensity regularly lash the mountains. Also considered outstanding for its physical beauty, the area attracts many world-renowned nature photographers, including Galen Rowell and Art Wolfe.
These storied peaks hold an incredibly rich climbing history. From the first ascent of Fitz Roy by Lionel Terray and Guido Magnone and the disputed 1950's first ascent of Cerro Torre by Cesare Maestri and Toni Egger, to the modern era of veteran alpinists, including Jim Bridwell, Jim Donini, Kevin Thaw, Rolando Garibotti, Charlie Fowler, Jay Smith and a host of out-there Slovenians, climbing in Patagonia represents a microcosm of the trials and evolution of climbing as a whole.
Each year, many of the world's best climbers gather in Patagonia during the summer of the Southern Hemisphere. In January and February of 2001, six Americans will brave the storms to test themselves on the sheer granite faces.
Steph Davis and Dean Potter will arrive early in January at Rio Blanco Base Camp, and prepare for their goal of summitting those peaks in the Fitz Roy massif that they have not already summitted, including Fitz Roy itself. Jimmy Chin and Brady Robinson will arrive later in January at Campo Bridwell, with their sights set on Cerro Torre. And Dave Anderson and Andrew Chapman will also arrive in late January, at Rio Blanco, with the goal of pulling off a traverse of the major peaks of the Fitz Roy range.
Each team is equipped with a satellite phone, digital camera and laptop computer and will be sending back emails, photos and audio dispatches. Follow their experiences now through the end of February, only on MountainZone.com.
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