Ak-Su Valley, Kyrgyzstan — In August 2024, a multinational team of climbers from South Africa, Austria, and the United States embarked on an alpine adventure through Kyrgyzstan’s Ak-Su Valley, renowned for its granite walls and sweeping landscapes. Over three weeks, they endured extreme conditions, dined on canned fish and homemade flatbread, and braved icy swims. The climbers ascended some of Central Asia’s iconic big-wall routes, including the 800-meter Perestroika Crack, the 1400-meter French Route, and the challenging Little Russian Tower, showcasing both successful climbs and forced retreats amid the rugged terrain.
Watch Aidan Bennetts memoir of his time.
On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Wes Antonites from Friends and Allies delivered an engaging talk at the Mountain Club of South Africa’s Johannesburg clubhouse. His presentation, rich with personal insights, takes the audience through his climbing adventures, offering a vivid recount of his journey. Watch the talk to relive the experience with him.
