Jonathan Siegrist climbs Midnight Way (9a+)

Jonathan Siegrist has added Midnight Way (9a+) in Squamish to his impressive ticklist. The 39-year-old has climbed 90 routes graded 9a and harder, including ten up to 9b in the last 12 months. Didn’t think that it could get any better than Spirit Quest but this is it! 3rd ascent after Connor and Ben. Amazing crimping / technical testpiece. Unsure on the grade…” (c) Victoria Flanagan

Can you tell us more about the ascent?
Midnight Way is an amazing granite testpiece route that was bolted and envisioned by my friend Tom Wright. The first half was FA’d by my good friend Mike Foley and then Connor Herson did the first ascent of the whole line last year. I absolutely loved climbing on this wall in years past so it was high on my list to try and repeat the line when I got back to Squamish. The wall is a bit of a mess with link ups but there’s no denying how amazing the quality is here.

What are the secrets peaking at 39?
I’m not sure I have any secrets! I think the outside world keeps telling me I should feel old but to be honest I just don’t. I have a lot of excellent role models - including my father who is 75 and still climbing strong - that remind me in many ways that age is a state of mind. I do prioritize sleep, I quit drinking, I eat well, and more than anything I just keep pushing as much as my body will allow. I’m hopeful I can keep it up for a good while longer!