Simon Gietl, Constantin Schwaab are Born Ready on Geierwand (Dolomites)

South Tyrolean mountaineer Simon Gietl and his German counterpart Constantin Schwaab have opened a new multipitch on Geierwand / Col di Specie in the Höhlensteintal valley, also known as Val di Landro, in the Dolomites.

Established on 23 and 25 May 2026, Gietl had had this line in mind for some time; it climbs to the left of Fomo, which Gietl had opened last year with Jakob Steinkasserer. Named Born Ready, the new 7-pitch outing provides difficulties up to grade IX and, as usual, was first ascended ground-up and without bolts.

Following the first ascent, Gietl returned on 27 May with Mario Kaeppeli for the first free ascent. The 14 pegs and 3 peckers they used were left in-situ. Two sets of Totem Cams are required for a repeat.

Gietl explained: "The silence, the panoramic views, and this beautiful pillar are what make this place so special! The route offers overhanging, technical climbing on small edges, pockets, and cracks." and added: "Unfortunately, the rock isn’t great; we tried to clean it as best we could, and now I’d say it’s fine."