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First Woman Free-Climbs El Capitan's Toughest Route
3 Dec
Summary
- Sasha DiGiulian is the first woman to free-climb El Capitan's longest route.
- The challenging climb of the Platinum route took 23 days, including nine days of bad weather.
- DiGiulian faced extreme conditions, including wind, rain, cold, and slippery rock surfaces.

American climber Sasha DiGiulian has etched her name in history as the first woman to successfully free-climb El Capitan's most extensive and demanding route, known as the Platinum or Direct Line. This monumental ascent in Yosemite National Park took over three weeks to complete, with DiGiulian and her climbing partner, Elliot Faber, spending 23 days on the sheer granite wall. Nine of those days were spent enduring a severe storm from a ledge camp.
DiGiulian described the climb as the most formative and challenging of her career. The team battled harsh weather, including high winds, rain, cold, and snow, which made the already treacherous terrain even more perilous. At one point, ice chunks fell from above, necessitating the use of a helmet. The climbers relied on basic provisions and meticulous planning, with DiGiulian even inventing her own protein bars for sustenance.
Despite her partner's departure due to a family emergency near the summit, DiGiulian, with his blessing, continued to the top. She ultimately summited on November 26th, marking a significant milestone in climbing history. The accomplishment highlights DiGiulian's incredible resilience, determination, and skill against one of nature's most formidable natural rock formations.




