Dripping Elegance, new mixed route in Austria's Ötztal

Just before the dreaded Föhn wind melted their dream away, Albert Leichtfried and Gerry Fiegl managed to make the first free ascent of Dripping Elegance (M10/WI5+, 110m), an elegant three pitch mixed route in Austria's Ötztal.

The two had first attempted the south-facing drip located above Köfels on 26 December from the ground-up, placing some bolts for the powerful moves through the roof. Conditions weren't ideal and the ice was dripping significantly - hence the name - and they returned on 2 January and managed to redpoint the three pitches.

	DRIPPING ELEGANCE, OETZTAL

Dripping Elegance, Ötztal, Austria
First ascent: Albert Leichtfried & Gerry Fiegl 28/12/2010, ground up
First RP: Albert Leichtfried & Gerry Fiegl, 02/01/2011
Elegant three-pitched mixed climb
Height: 110m
Grade: M10/WI5+
Getting there: Drive into the Otztal to Köfels
Route: P1: WI5, 50m P2: M10, 35m P3: WI5+, 25m
Descent: down the route
Gear: Two 50m ropes, set of Cams #3 , short screws
Warning: the route faces south