Alma Bestvater completes Darkness (8A+)

Alma Bestvater spent New Year as usual in Brione, where she sent Darkness (8A+) and Frogger (8A) (pictured). The 28-year-old climber began competing in World Cup events in 2013 and achieved her best results in 2018, securing 5th and 6th place finishes. Following a serious shoulder injury in 2022, she took a hiatus from competition. Despite this setback, she made an impressive return in 2024 being 22nd overall. (c) Felix Beyer

Can you tell us more about the trip and the highlights?
The trip was amazing, and I’m happy to share more about it. One of the highlights was finally sending Darkness. I actually attempted it a year ago, but back then, I got a nasty cut that stopped me from finishing it. This year, it was still on my list, and luckily, my skin held up against the razor-sharp crimp this time. There’s honestly no better feeling than realizing you’ve improved, both mentally and physically.

Funny enough, it was almost exactly six years ago that I climbed Molonk (7C), and at the time, it was a massive project for me. Coming back this year and sending Molonk Left (7C+) in about 10 minutes was one of the most satisfying climbing moments of the trip—and probably the whole year.

Right before jumping into Darkness, I also managed a pretty quick send of Red (8A). The day before, I worked on Frogger, which was a fun little one-day side project as well.