Video:Louder Than 11; Images: Francois Lebeau; Words: Babsi Zangerl

In the beginning, I just wanted to see Yosemite— the climbing mecca with so much historical background.

I had no specific goal in mind.

But when I stood in front of the Big Stone for the first time … I was overwhelmed.

I think that El Cap attracts every single climber.

It doesn’t matter which style of climbing you like the most.

I was focused on bouldering for a very long time, and I couldn’t imagine that one day I would end up on a big wall in Yosemite.

But I just wanted to try and see how far I could get.

The challenge, the progress and the possibility that there could be a way to bring that big puzzle together … that’s what makes the whole experience of climbing in Yosemite so exciting.

Jacopo and Babsi share a smile at the top of their route.

-Babsi Zangerl