Westkante aka Vulture West Ridge
5.10a,
Trad, Sport, 450 ft (136 m), 5 pitches, Grade II,
Avg: 2.7 from 3
votes
FA: Dietrich Hasse & Stefan König - 24 April 1984
International
> Europe
> Greece
> Meteora
> Geierwand
Description
Westkante ascends the western ridge of the Geierwand, taking advantage of a long crack system. The adventure begins where this system peters out and you are forced into exciting arete-style climbing somewhat reminiscent of Moons of Pluto at Smith.
P1(5.5) Head up up into the cave, searching for the easiest way to traverse left and up the crack to a belay bolt. Gear, 80 ft.
P2(5.8) Continue up the cobbles on the face, passing a small roof, 1 bolt and gear in the crack to your right. Stretch this pitch out to belay above the termination of the crack. Gear, 1 bolt, 180 ft.
P3(5.10a) Face climb up right and back left towards the ridge. Although shorter, this pitch and the following are airy and exciting! 5 bolts, 90 ft.
P4(5.10a) Techinical face/arete climbing up the sharp edge. 4 bolts, 60 ft.
P5(5.8) As you approach the top, the climbing slabs out, providing great views of the area. 2 bolts, 80 ft.
Location
Approach: From the base of the south side of Geierwand, walk left towards the west ridge. Start up on a small shelf, aiming for the obvious cave and crack above.
Descent: 3 rappels take you down the north side chimney/gully and a short bushwhack back to your packs.
Protection
A light rack with a single set of nuts and cams from fingers to fists. Extra slings to prevent rope drag and equalize belays using a single bolt on the face and gear in the crack. Double ropes for the descent. All belays and rappels are from standard Meteora single, beefy glue-ins.