Swiss climber Giuliano Cameroni has ticked Adularia V15 (8C) in Gottardo, Switzerland, adding another elite compression problem to a resume that already includes at least 25 problems graded V15 and five V16s, according to reports of his recent ascent. The line relies on precise heel hooking and technical toe hooks on friction-dependent rock.
Understanding Conditions on Hard Gottardo Boulders
Cameroni stated on Instagram that he climbed the classic compression problem in May when the mountain pass had just opened and temperatures sat at 4°C. According to the climber, lack of friction caused him to slip off the crux in past seasons. When temperatures drop, rock grains keep their texture and chalk stays dry rather than turning into soap, which prevents an inevitable loss of contact during hard pulls.
“Finding conditions is actually one of my favorite aspects of bouldering,” Cameroni said via Instagram. He added that the process puts climbers into a meditative state requiring acute awareness of surroundings, body rhythm, and natural timing.
Did you know? Giuliano Cameroni has established multiple hard lines in Ticino, including Baby Shark V15, Trentatré Trentini V15, and Bim Bam Bum V13/V14, alongside flashing The Missing Piece V13.
First Ascent Context and Repeats of Adularia V15
Dave Graham established Adularia in September 2023. During his first ascent, Graham highlighted the immense difficulty of securing sending windows in Gottardo due to frequent rain, fog, and heat swings. According to Graham, patience, strategy, and fearless execution are mandatory when a window finally opens. He also noted that low-percentage toe hooks created significant struggles on the line while trying to link moves through the friction-dependent crux.
Since its establishment, Adularia V15 has seen repeat ascents from notable climbers. Stefano Ghisolfi, Sam Weir, Marco Müller, and Jorge Díaz-Rullo have all topped the boulder, with Díaz-Rullo ticking the problem in just three sessions of effort.
Pro Tips for Alpine Bouldering Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
Who established Adularia V15?
Dave Graham established Adularia V15 in September 2023 in Gottardo, Switzerland.
What grade is Adularia?
Adularia is graded V15 (8C).
Which climbers have repeated Adularia?
Repeats of the boulder have been logged by Giuliano Cameroni, Stefano Ghisolfi, Sam Weir, Marco Müller, and Jorge Díaz-Rullo.
What makes Gottardo bouldering conditions difficult?
According to Dave Graham and Giuliano Cameroni, fluctuating weather including rain, fog, and heat makes finding optimal friction windows exceptionally tricky.
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