Amélie Kägi, 14, flashes Catatonica (8A)

Amélie Kägi has during a week in Brione done five 8A’s and Salamandre (8A+) including as flash of Catatonica (8A). The 14-year-old won the Switzerland nationals in all three disciplines last year in U-17.

Can you tell us more about the trip and your highlights?
It was my first but definitely not my last trip to Brione! Right after Christmas we spent one week in this amazing bouldering spot in Ticino. The weather was quite cold but dry - so we could really enjoy many great boulders. Here are some highlights: Entwash (8A) is a great overhanging line which we attempted on our first day here. Many of our group sent it. One of the highlights for me was Salamandre. We went there in the evening, I did all the moves but then I was too tired to send it. The next day we were back - again in the evening. I had some very close goes but I was again too exhausted. Finally, on day 3, we came back in the morning and I did a quick ascent on this really cool pinch boulder. The next day we went to climb Catatonica - and I was very excited to flash my first 8A boulder! It’s beautiful and I really liked the crimpy holds of this problem.

Pamplemousse (8A) was another one of my favourite boulders on this trip. It is such a beautiful piece of rock with great moves. I was so happy to be here with such a nice crew, to have expierienced some of the classics here - and I can't wait to be back for more!