Fitz Roy's Casarotto route gets first winter ascent by Matteo Della Bordella, Marco Majori

The Casarotto route on Fitz Roy, according to those who know it well, is one of the most beautiful routes in all of Patagonia. Now, 46 years after its first ascent carried out solo by Renato Casarotto, this extraordinary line on the Goretta Pillar has finally been climbed in the coldest season, thanks to Matteo Della Bordella and Marco Majori who yesterday secured the coveted first winter ascent.

As reported previously, in early August the pair had travelled to the end of the world together with Tommaso Lamantia. The trio launched an impressive first attempt but were forced to retreat, then time ran out for Lamantia who had to return to Italy. Della Bordella and Majori remained put and waited patiently for a possible weather window – a very cold one, given the time of year – and the other day the climbers managed to complete their small masterpiece.

Currently there is little information about the actual ascent, but writing on his social media account, Majori explained: "A friend wrote and asked 'Did you struggle a lot?' And I found myself naturally answering him 'I don't remember anymore... It was just so beautiful.'"

Further details will follow in due course.