YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California — In a gripping testament to the progression of traditional climbing, Jacopo Larcher conquers the iconic “Meltdown” route in Yosemite, solidifying his place in climbing history with the route’s third ascent. Located in the scenic Cascade Creek, “Meltdown” first challenged climbers with its intense difficulty when Beth Rodden made the inaugural ascent on Valentine’s Day in 2008—an achievement that garnered widespread acclaim following its feature in the film Dosage V from Big Up Productions.
A beacon of difficulty that tales the tales of climber perseverance, “Meltdown” stood unrepeated for ten years until 2018, when Carlo Traversi completed the second ascent, reaffirming the route’s formidable reputation. Larcher first encountered “Meltdown” in 2016, dedicating two days to unravel the complex sequence of moves, or ‘beta.’ Returning with determination, he meticulously brushed the course’s holds and invested seven rigorous days weaving together his climbing strategy.
Marking the culmination of effort, Larcher’s successful climb saw him executing a flawless lead, placing all protection gear in real-time. Commemorating his climb, The North Face has unveiled a video feature as part of their YouTube series “The Traditionalist.” Viewers join Larcher’s journey as he immerses in Yosemite’s storied climbing culture, boldly navigating this historic ascent that entwines local tradition with climbing’s evolving edge.
Larcher’s ascent of “Meltdown” not only spotlights his extraordinary climbing prowess but also captures the spirit of Yosemite’s climbing heritage—a narrative eloquently showcased in The North Face’s series. The video encapsulates Larcher’s deep reverence for the valley’s legacy and his nuanced understanding of the area’s unique granite challenges, setting an inspiring opening chapter for the series that delves into trad-climbing’s rich tapestry of history, ethics, and the pursuit of the world’s most arduous climbs.
