Cerro Riso Patron is located 50 kilometres to the southwest of Cerro Torre, in an isolated area between the Hielo Continental plateau and the Pacific fjords. During a first attempt on the south summit (which remains unclimbed) in 2014, an accident low down on the mountain interrupted their expedition early on. Accustomed to the complex logistics of climbing in the region, the international team composed of Lise Billon, Antoine Moineville (both French) and Jerome Sullivan (half american, half french), decided to reattempt the challenge, joined this time by Argentinian climber Diego Simari (taking the place of Martin Elias). Unable to reach the foot of their initial objective, the team changed plans and shifted their sights to the main summit, which had already been climbed in 1988 by an Italian team. After an epic five-day approach, the foursome made the first ascent of the northeast pillar in three days from 22 to 24 September. This was the second ascent of the peak. Their 1,000 m route Hasta las Webas is rated ED-, with difficulties estimated at AI5+, M5, 90° and X. The first ascensionists nonetheless note that the grade takes into account the isolated location. They made the descent on the same day they summited, following the north ridge and then its flank.
Jerome Sullivan
- USA-FR
Jerome Sullivan was born in Anaheim California, USA, in 1983. He can be best described as a nomadic climber, as his home is wherever he pitches his tent. He works as a guide in Chamonix for a few months a year, but can often be found drifting along the southern winds (meaning somewhere in Patagonia!). He has developed an addiction to horrible weather and uncharted terrain. Jerome has climbed new lines on the west face of the Dru (Chamonix), Cerro Murallon, Cerro Adela Norte (Patagonia), and Pyramid Peak (Alaska)..
Lise Billon
- France
Lise Billon was born in Romans-sur-Isere, France, in 1988. She works as an aspirant guide in Chamonix. A relentless traveller and climber, her curiosity and love for exploration have led her around the world. She has made first ascents on Cerro Murrallon and Cerro Adela Norte in Patagonia, and also in Alaska's Revelation Range, where she made the first ascent of Pyramid Peak.
Diego Simari
- Argentine
Diego is 29 years old and lives in Bariloche, on the northwest side of Patagonia. His parents, professors of math and literature, and backpackers when they were young, moved down there in the 1980s looking for a pleasant place to raise him and his two brothers. Half Gaucho/half climber, he has been working as a UIAGM mountain guide throughout the Andes in recent years, from Peru to southern Patagonia. His passion for mountaineering involves climbing, skiing, and exploring, but simply being in the mountains is ultimately what is most important to him. In addition to repeat ascents of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre (Via Ragni in 2012), Diego has also established new lines on La Silla and Aguja Guillaumet, and has been expanding his activity throughout North Patagonia, the Central Andes, the Northwest and Peru.
Antoine Moineville
- France
Antoine was born in 1984 on a farm in Limousin (central France), far from the mountains. He discovered his passion for the mountains through books. This revelation led him to realize the ascents of his dreams, starting at the age of 22. In 2010, he experienced a tragedy: the fatal fall of his climbing partner. After the shock of this event, he turned to a new activity: highlining in the mountains. With the performance troupe the Flying Frenchies, he also began exploring the arts. Strengthened by these experiences, Antoine revived his interest in committing alpinism, with a focus on adventure and sharing. He currently works as a mountain guide and adventure film director.
