South Tower, Various Ascents. Jorge Casanova K., Dario Arancibia and Andres Babarca made a one-punch ascent of the Aste route (1250 meters, 5.10+ A1) in 32 hours from the Japanese camp to the summit, alpine-style, on December 30, 1996. We climbed the fifth pitch, which was graded 5.9 Al, totally free at 5.10+, finding it very exposed with marginal belays (RPs and microstoppers), expanding flakes and loose rock. We had a warm, sunny day on the climb— maybe the best day of the season.

Pablo Besser J., Carlos Fuentes, Esteban Chacon and an English climber made two attempts on the route in January, reaching the shoulder both times.

Jorge Casanova K., Chile