BURSTDeep Blue Sea is a nine-pitch, 300-metre 5.12+ on the Eiger’s famous north face. First climbed by Reto Ruhstaller and Bernd Rathmayer in 2001, the route became known internationally in 2008 when Dean Potter free-soloed it with a parachute, an approach he called “FreeBASE.” Since then, Deep Blue Sea has become one of the best-known hard free lines on the Eiger.
The approach involves rappelling near the exit of the 1982 Brunner-Ochsner route and moving along a ledge. The start is marked by the letters “DBS.” As many have reported, the rock is bomber by Eiger standards, but the bolts are far apart in some section, making a small rack useful.
The first two pitches climb dark-grey edges, huecos and broken terrain before the route reaches its first cruxes. Pitches three through eight are the business with roofs, technical sidepulls, pockets, small edges, slots and long traverses across the face. The pitches breakdown to 5.11a, 5.11a, 5.11d, 5.12c, 5.12a, 5.12a, 5.11d, 5.12c, and 5.8.
It was recently climbed by Alex Honnold and Josh McCoy. “It’s got to be one of the best multi pitches we’ve done,” said Honnold. “Amazing pitches separated by really nice comfortable belays. And of course, incredible scenery. So good!!”
The team of Brette Harrington, Vincent Landry and ynadier also just repeated Deep Blue Sea – watch clips from them below. In 2024, Yosemite veteran Jordan Cannon climbed it with Jackson Jewett and said, “The quality and position of this mega-classic cannot be overstated!” Watch Potter’s free solo ascent below.
Potter on Deep Blue Sea
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