At age 73, Slovak climbing legend Igor Koller has once again etched his name into the granite of the High Tatras, repeating his iconic 1974 route Candy on the west face of Lomnický štít—a staggering 51 years after its first ascent.
🧗 A Historic Climb Revisited
On August 13, 2025, Koller teamed up with Martin Krasňanský to tackle the same line he pioneered with Andrej Belica back in 1974. At the time, Candy was considered one of the hardest climbs in Slovakia, rated VI-, A1 on the closed difficulty scale. Koller was just 22 years old when he led the original ascent, and the route quickly gained legendary status in the region.
🔁 The Emotional Return
Last year, Koller attempted to climb Candy free but didn’t succeed. This year, with renewed determination and Krasňanský’s support—who carried all the gear—he returned and completed the climb, leading the two most difficult pitches himself.
“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!” — Igor Koller
🏔️ Legacy of Candy
First ascent: August 17, 1974 by Koller and Belica
First free ascent: July 7, 1983 by Alan Formánek and Rudolf Mihál
Route style: Traditional alpine, technical and exposed
Location: West face of Lomnický štít, High Tatras, Slovakia
This repeat isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a poetic full-circle moment that bridges generations of climbers and reaffirms the timeless spirit of adventure. Koller’s ascent is a testament to enduring passion, resilience, and the deep emotional connection climbers have with the mountains they love.
