Benedikt Purner

Ice climbing in the Arctic Region of Norway.

Albert Leichtfried is not only an experienced extreme climber but also the head of training for the Austrian Mountain Guides Association. Together with his ideal partner Benedikt Purner—also a mountain guide instructor—they are considered Austria’s most renowned ice-climbing duo. The far north holds a special allure for the pair; they return from every trip there with spectacular stories and first ascents. On their fourth trip to Iceland, one particular objective proves nearly impossible: the first ascent of a "sea cliff"—an icefall that extends all the way down to the ocean. Winter storms make the boat journey required to reach it extremely dangerous.