Igor Koller repeats his Tatras testpiece 51 years after first ascent

On August 17, 1974, Andrej Belica and I made our most difficult first ascent at the time, the Candy route on the west face of Lomnický štít in High Tatras. We rated it VI-, A1 on the closed difficulty scale. We never used grade VI. I was 22 years old at the time and, back then, the route was among the most difficult in the High Tatras. The first free ascent was carried out by Alan Formánek and Rudolf Mihál on 7 July 1983.

Last year was the 50th anniversary of the first ascent and, now over 70 years old, trying to repeat it free was a great challenge for me to try to repeat the Candy route and climb it free. Last year though I didn't succeed.

This year Martin Krasňanský and I were determined to return to the route. And finally, on August 13, 2025, we did it! Martin provided me with amazing support. He brought all the necessary material for the ascent.

Today, at the age of 73, just like 51 years ago, I led the two most difficult pitches. And the tears at the end of the journey were unavoidable, what powerful and beautiful emotions! Martin, thanks again for the great support during this very special ascent!

- Igor Koller, Slovakia