The first ascent of the route “Alternative proposal” (IV 3 WI3+ M3+, 340m) was realized on 18/3/2007 by St. Stamatiou - A. Boskos and it is the first winter route on Christakis’ crag.
The line moves exactly in the middle of the crag, targeting at the icefall of the 4th pitch.
The 1st pitch (50m) moves in an easy snow gully (45° - 50°) with a small and simple rock passage.
The 2nd pitch (60m) involves mixed passages, which are quite interesting and present rates of difficulty up to M2+.
The 3rd pitch (50m) is the hardest pitch of the route, since it is characterized by continuous difficulty and it moves on thin ice (given that it is found under the icefall of the next pitch), but also and mainly on turfy ground. The rate of difficulty of the 3rd pitch is M3+ throughout its entire length, without possibility of satisfactory protection.
The 4th pitch (55m) is basically an icefall, which offers nice and vertical ice climbing for about 3m - 4m. From that point after, the angle falls to 45° - 50° approximately.
In the 5th pitch (55m) the angle remains to 45° - 50° approximately.
The 6th pitch (70m) involves some more vertical passages, without any particular problem though, since there is the possibility of protection.
The necessary equipment for the ascent of this route comprises a set of nuts, a set of friends, 5 - 6 pitons and an ice screw for the icefall.
The minimum overall time required for this climb is 5h.
Sketch of the route.