Into the Light: Gietl and Messini Establish "Out of the Dark"

A Hidden Gem in the Shadows

The Laserz North Face is steeped in history, hosting classic difficult lines like the David Lama and Peter Ortner testpiece Spindrift. Gietl and Messini's new line sits roughly 300 meters to the left of Spindrift, navigating the cold, shadowed recesses of the wall that give the route its name.

The route is described as a "beautiful north face winter climb." While the grade of M5/WI5 implies it is accessible to competent alpinists (unlike the futuristic grades of modern sport climbing), the challenge lies in the environment. The route features a distinct ice and mixed section in the upper third that serves as the crux.

Style and Ethics

In true alpine fashion, the duo emphasized leaving the route equipped for future parties while maintaining the adventurous nature of the wall.

• Protection: All pitons used during the ascent were left in-situ.
• Descent: Abseil anchors have been fully installed, allowing for a relatively safe retreat.
• Character: Gietl, visiting this specific peak for the first time, noted the "superb rock" and "excellent ice," a rare combination in the often chossy dolomite winter conditions.

"Beautiful north face - winter climbing with an interesting ice and mixed section in the upper third."
— Route Description via PlanetMountain

Out of the Dark represents the "soul" of winter alpinism. It isn't about chasing the highest number, but about finding logical, aesthetic lines in harsh conditions. For climbers in the Tyrol region, it offers a new, high-quality objective that provides a full value adventure without the extreme commitment of the harder lines nearby.