Climbing is a sport where failure and success are often interconnected. It’s not uncommon for climbers to experience numerous failures before achieving their goals. This period of failure can be brief or last for weeks, months or even seasons for mega-projects.
One such climber who has chosen two of the hardest climbs in the world as his mega-projects is Stefano Ghisolfi. His first mega-project was Excalibur 5.15c in Arco, which he successfully completed in May 2023. For his second project, Ghisolfi chose Burden of Dreams V17, the world’s hardest boulder, and Silence 5.15d, the world’s hardest sport route.
La Sportiva recently released a film documenting Ghisolfi’s attempts at these two climbs during his trip to Scandinavia in May 2023. The film provides a detailed breakdown of the V15-ish crux of Silence, showcasing Ghisolfi’s determination and skill in his pursuit of these challenging climbs.
Over the past two years, Ghisolfi has made multiple trips to Flatanger in an effort to claim the second ascent of Adam Ondra’s Silence 5.15d, a highly coveted achievement in the climbing world. Additionally, he has taken on Nalle Hukkataival’s Burden of Dreams boulder project, surprising many with his progress despite not being known for his bouldering skills. Ghisolfi’s determination and commitment to these projects are evident as he continues to push himself and seek improvement.
As one of the world’s best sport climbers, Ghisolfi has an impressive resume of difficult climbs, including four 5.15c ascents and notable repeats and first ascents of 5.15b and 5.14d routes. His recent accomplishments in 2023, such as the first ascent of Excalibur 5