Robert Jasper Climbs “Meltdown,” Solo First Ascent on North Face of the Eiger
Robert Jasper, extreme mountaineer from the German Black Forest, scores another first ascent, solo, on the north face of the Eiger.
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This summer, Robert Jasper set his sights on another first ascent on his favorite wall, the historic Eiger north face, to prepare for an upcoming expedition to the largely unexplored northern inland ice of Patagonia.
He climbed through the face on terrain that had been untouched to date in rope-solo style. Jasper was able to redpoint his route, which he named Meltdown (7a+/5.12a).
Jasper knows the Eiger’s north face like only few do. In 1985, at only 17 years old, he climbed the huge wall of rock and ice for the first time. Today, he has amassed over 360 days on the wall and a number of first ascents (some solo). He has climbed the face via 19 different routes.
The name Meltdown comes from his observations of the north face over these 19 years. He has noticed the rapid melting of ice and glaciers at a quicker and quicker pace. Last summer, the ice fields were completely melted and had vanished for the first time in mountaineering history.
He views the name as a call to action: Aside from decision-makers in the economy and in politics, each and every one of us has to make changes. “I believe we should all take personal steps against climate change. Otherwise it will be too late not only for our mountains but also for our future!” says Jasper.