Stefano Ghisolfi’s Pursuit of the World’s Hardest Boulder and Sport Route: A Journey of Determination and Skill

Climbing is a sport that often involves sending and failure. It’s not uncommon for climbers to experience numerous failures before successfully completing a climb. This period of failure can last for just one session or extend for weeks, months, or even seasons for mega-projects.

One such mega-project is the world’s hardest boulder, Burden of Dreams V17, and the world’s hardest sport route, Silence 5.15d, chosen by professional climber Stefano Ghisolfi. Recently, La Sportiva released a film documenting Ghisolfi’s attempts at these two climbs during a trip to Scandinavia in May 2023, following his first ascent of Excalibur 5.15c in Arco. The film provides a detailed breakdown of the V15-ish crux of Silence, showcasing Ghisolfi’s determination and skill in his pursuit of these challenging climbs.

Over the past two years, Ghisolfi has made multiple trips to Flatanger in an effort to claim the second ascent of Adam Ondra’s Silence 5.15d, a highly coveted achievement in the climbing world. Additionally, he has taken on Nalle Hukkataival’s Burden of Dreams boulder project, surprising many with his progress despite not being known for his bouldering skills. Ghisolfi’s determination and commitment to these projects are evident as he continues to push himself and seek improvement.

As one of the world’s best sport climbers, Ghisolfi has an impressive resume of difficult climbs, including four 5.15c ascents and notable repeats and first ascents of 5.15b and 5.14d routes. His recent accomplishments in 2023, such as the first ascent of Excalibur 5