Superstar Markus Stofer proved happy to share his thoughts and feelings about Fosslimonster, Norway.

Apparently not all elite ice climbers have lucrative sponsor deals.

No matter what they might think for themselves, this may actually increase their cred amongst the wankers of the common mobs. Still, most feedback that actually reach them might prove ungrateful or envious.

With only an hour by car from his home in Bern, Markus Stofer have several first ascents in Kandersteg, including world famous dream lines Nine Inch Nails and Mach 3.

But it was Will Gadd who made it to the covers and billboards reapeating the latter with Ines Papert.

Meanwhile, Herr Stofer remains beyond recognition. Without even realizing, we met our idol in Oeschinenwald a few days before Christmas.

Spontaneously chatting about the route Fosslimonster in Gudvangen, Norway, it turns out both of us have been there languishing. One of us actually had the ability to climb it.

- That was me, says Herr Stofer.

Apparently he has taken offense by the (sometimes anonymous) attacks on his person on the internet after his achievement.

Clearly that is what he considers it to be - an achievement - although it might be difficult for less skilled climbers to understand the scale of this undertaking. 

He finds it hard to understand how a few bolts in a dry roof could create so much indignation, especially comparing with the routes Will Gadd opened in Laerdal.


Herr Stofer do not want to even discuss bolts on stands (not that we asked). 

He thinks it is not worth waiting forty years for enough ice to climb the route without bolts, or for climbers to improve.

Although keen on talking about his decision to use bolts, he is perhaps not responding to the no-bolts-vision of the Norwegian climbing community.

The situation is a little tragic. Of course Markus Stofer have earned immense respect. His efforts have inspired and enabled lots of climbers at all levels, most of whom are not even aware of him. Of course his achievements in Norway calls for celebration. The rest of us cannot afford not to encourage him to keep on. And of course the idea of a bolt-free Norway should be charished. Treasures waiting for someone to want to find them - all of which could easily be spoiled during a deccade if not zealously defended.

It's a bit like recycling - pointless on a small scale, but important as a state of mind. And the damage is irreversible - to the enthusiasm of Markus Stofer, and to the idea of spurlös ferdsel.