Sasha DiGiulian's three-year quest to free climb El Capitán's Platinum route turned into a 23-day ordeal when a severe storm trapped her and her partner on the wall. Despite extreme weather, a partner's departure, and perilous conditions, she persevered to become the first woman to complete the climb, gaining profound mental resilience.
Sasha DiGiulian, a renowned big-wall climber, spent three years meticulously preparing for her career-defining ascent of the Platinum route on Yosemite's El Capitán. This 39-pitch route is one of the longest, most challenging, and least traversed, with DiGiulian aiming to be the first woman to 'free climb' it—ascending without mechanical assistance. She began the climb with partner Elliot Faber on November 3rd, expecting a two-week window of clear weather. Her initial ascent brought a sense of calm, contrasting with the fear she felt during practice rappels. However, on their tenth night, a mild rain rapidly escalated into a ferocious, multi-day storm. They endured nine days of relentless downpour, snow, ice, 50mph winds, thunder, lightning, and falling rock, trapped in their suspended portaledges. Despite the perilous conditions and the temptation to bail, DiGiulian's determination to complete the 32nd pitch they had reached kept them on the wall. After nearly three weeks, the storm finally passed, presenting new challenges like wet, icy rock and DiGiulian's frostbitten toe. Just three pitches from the summit, Faber had to depart due to a family emergency. Undeterred, DiGiulian waited two more days before her friend Ryan Sheridan from the support crew belayed her to the top. After 23 days on the wall, Sasha DiGiulian successfully became the first woman to ascend the Platinum route. She reflected on the bittersweet achievement, acknowledging Faber's partnership while appreciating her support network. The ordeal, particularly battling the storm, instilled in her immense mental resilience and inner confidence, proving the mind's power in overcoming extreme physical challenges. DiGiulian also emphasized the milestone her 'first ascent' represents for women in climbing, hoping to inspire others.
