In addition to new climbs on La Mascara, Cerro Trono Blanco, and Torre Norte, there were several notable ascents in Torres del Paine National Park.

In February, Nicolás Gutiérrez and Aron Roca (Chile) completed a route called Espolón Chykillan on the north spur of Paine Chico Oeste. It climbs 24 pitches (650m, 5.12c), which took them 11 days over four outings, during which they fixed 15 pitches. The crux, pitch seven, is fully bolted, as are several other pitches and all the belays—they used a power drill. The name Chykillan pays tribute to the original inhabitants of the region in central Chile where both Nico and Aron are from. In 2003, Tomaž Jakofčič and Grega Lacen (Slovenia) had attempted this line, encountering “less than perfect rock” and retreating after 300m, when they came to a blank section that required bolts.

Elsewhere in Paine, Maximiliano Arias, Ulises González, and Vicente Urzúa (Chile) completed the first recorded ascent of Cuerno Chico, which they did via a nine-pitch line on the east and south faces (5.11-). Earlier in the season, Urzúa and Felipe Marín Moreno climbed a 14-pitch route called Millacahuin on the north face of El Escudo that joined Las Aventuras de Don Quijote (Gore-Perkins, 1992). They retreated upon reaching the start of the long summit ridge.

On the east face of Cuerno Norte, Nicolás Navarrete, Sebastian Pelletti, and Hernán Rodríguez established Kundalini (500m, 5.11+). The route weaves up the face like a snake—hence the name—connecting slabs, a prominent dike, a vertical section of questionable rock, a traverse, and a finish on high-quality golden granite on the upper pitches. For a repeat, they recommend bringing doubles to number 3, a 4 and 5, TCUs, and nuts. 

       —Rolando Garibotti