The chill bite of the pre-dawn air was a promise of the challenge ahead. Vinterriket, a formidable 6+ on the Right Prosset Face, stood before us, a dark, imposing wall. The first pitches were a ballet of delicate footwork and precise hand placements, the rock still numbingly cold under our fingertips. As we ascended, the sun slowly crept over the distant peaks, painting the landscape in hues of orange and purple, yet offering little warmth.
The crux pitch, a sustained 6+, demanded absolute focus. Tiny crimps and slick slopers tested every fiber of our being. The exposure was breathtaking, the world falling away beneath our feet. Each move was deliberate, a silent conversation between climber and rock. Reaching the anchors after the crux was a moment of profound relief and exhilaration.
The upper sections, though slightly less technical, maintained the demanding character of the route, culminating in a windswept summit offering panoramic views. We didn't linger long; the cold was relentless. The descent was a careful dance of rappels, the ropes snaking down the shadowed face. As dusk settled, the air grew even colder, and our headlamps cut beams through the gathering gloom. Reaching the base, utterly spent but brimming with accomplishment, the thought of a warm meal and a roaring fire was the only thing on our minds. Vinterriket had been a true test, and we had answered its call.