Bonatti Pillar | TD Multi-pitch

Quick Info

Grade TD
Type Alpine
Pitches 34
History
First ascent Walter Bonatti (17th-22nd August 1955)
Recorded repeats 5

Quick Info

Grade TD
Type Alpine
Pitches 34
History
First ascent Walter Bonatti (17th-22nd August 1955)
Recorded repeats 5
34 pitches.
This is currently unclimbable. Typically this is because the climb existed in some state but then changed significantly (e.g. by losing holds) and is now considered a different climb.

A major route of the western Alps from its solo first ascent until its collapse in stages from 2005-2011.

[1] https://theboldandcold.com/f/history-bonatti-pillar-petit-dru-1955-to-2025

[2] https://www.summitpost.org/the-fall-of-the-alps/794108

Contributors
92 contributions since 4th October 2026.

Pics + Vids

Loading pics and vids...

Ascents

6 successful ascents recorded.

Climber Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
First ascent.

Bonatti's solo first ascent over six days on his third attempt was a major event of the time.

References

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aiguille_du_Dru
Toni Egger Lead 1956
Third ascent.
With Hamish MacInnes, Chris Bonington and Paul Ross.

All-star team makes the first British ascent. MacInnes sustained a head injury from rock-fall but completed the route cementing his hard-man reputation and Whillans' for keeping calm and carrying on.

References

[1] https://www.alpinejournal.org.uk/Contents/Contents_1959_files/AJ64%201959%2025-37%20MacInnes%20Petit%20Dru.pdf

[2] https://www.instagram.com/p/DEbASdAyMpz/?img_index=1
Chris Bonington Alternate Leads | alpine Aug 1958
With Hamish MacInnes, Paul Ross and Don Whillans.
Paul Ross Alternate Leads | alpine Aug 1958
With Hamish MacInnes, Chris Bonington and Don Whillans.
Hamish MacInnes Alternate Leads | alpine Aug 1958
With Chris Bonington, Paul Ross and Don Whillans.