Blog

Athletes /
Epic Adventures /
Aug, 2026

Dougal Tavner - Digital Crack

Some places never lose their magic.

High above Chamonix, on the granite towers of the Cosmiques, with the entire Mont Blanc massif as a backdrop, lies one of the valley’s most iconic test pieces: Digital Crack.

First climbed in 1990 by French climbers Thierry Renault and Alain Ghersen, Digital Crack is known historically as one of the highest-altitude hard sport routes in Europe and the world. At nearly 4,000 metres, it’s a route that demands far more than strength. Precision, balance and complete commitment on holds that barely seem to exist.

Despite the name the route follows a shallow vertical groove and steep headwall, as opposed to a traditional deep crack climb. At a grade of 8a, it's highly technical and requires a balance of delicate face climbing utilizing tiny crimps, smearing feet on smooth granite and careful body positioning and bridging to stand any hope of success.

Fully focused on the movement, it’s easy to forget just how incredible the surroundings are. World-class granite, huge exposure, and one of the most spectacular backdrops anywhere in the Alps.