From Patagonia… to Kalymnos: Living climbing legend Silvo Karo in T.N.
Source: Tornos News
Kalymnos — the Greek island synonymous with freedom of movement and the vertical magic of climbing — is preparing to welcome one of the most iconic alpinists of our time. Slovenian climbing legend Silvo Karo, recipient of the prestigious Piolet d’Or Lifetime Achievement Award, will participate for the first time in the Kalymnos International Climbing Festival 2025, bringing with him decades of experience, insight, and a philosophy shaped by a life devoted to the mountains.
“Kalymnos is the global capital of sport climbing”
In an exclusive interview with Tornos News, Karo described Kalymnos as “the global capital of sport climbing,” praising its perfect balance of nature, hospitality, and climbing quality. He highlighted the island’s exceptional limestone rock, its abundance of climbing routes, easy accessibility, mild climate, authentic cuisine, and the friendliness of the locals.
For Karo, climbing on Kalymnos represents more than just a personal adventure. He sees it as “a form of gentle tourism that extends the summer season year-round,” making the island a model of sustainable tourism development.
From Patagonia to the Himalayas: A life in vertical lines
Reflecting on his career, Karo pointed to his 1990 ascent of Bhagirathi III’s west face in the Indian Himalayas as his most meaningful climb — “an eight-day expedition in pure alpine style.” From the raw beauty of Patagonia and the classic peaks of the Alps to the remote giants of Asia, Karo has helped shape modern alpinism.
“I belong to the generation that experienced the shift from classical to modern alpine climbing,” he said. “I’m proud to have been part of that transition — and to have climbed alongside some of the best alpinists in the world.”
The changing soul of alpinism
Karo doesn’t shy away from reflecting critically on the evolution of his sport:
“Alpinism is not immune to time — it changes with society,” he said, expressing a certain nostalgia for what he calls “a more soulful era.”
“I miss the mountaineering that had soul. Today, commercial expeditions have paralyzed climbing in the Himalayas. What’s left is salon alpinism,” he remarked. “If I were to compare it to photography, analog had soul and demanded skill; now with digital, everyone is a photographer.”
He advocates for gradual growth in climbing: “In today’s fast-paced world, everyone wants to reach the summit without going through the process of maturing.”
Lessons in endurance from Patagonia
Looking back at the 1980s, Karo recalled his early climbs in Patagonia, where “unpredictable weather and fierce storms pushed us to the edge of despair.” Yet, he adds: “Those hardships forged us — and hardened steel is always stronger.” For Karo, every ascent is a lesson:
“The more experience you gain, the more confident you become.”
Slovenia’s alpine legacy and the women redefining the sport
Karo also paid tribute to Slovenia’s storied alpine tradition, attributing its strength to “people with vision.” He credited Aleš Kunaver as a pioneer of Himalayan exploration and praised fellow climbers of the 1970s and ’80s such as Stane Belak – Šrauf, Nejc Zaplotnik, and Franček Knez for “opening new paths.”
He also recognized the vital role of Slovenian female climbers in bringing the country to the global stage of sport climbing — from Martina Čufar and Maja Vidmar, to Janja Garnbret, whom he called “the greatest of all time.”
Kalymnos: A new source of inspiration
“I haven’t climbed in Greece yet — but I feel the time has come,” said Karo, expressing his excitement for this year’s Kalymnos Festival.
“Now that I’ve stepped away from major expeditions, I want to focus more on sport climbing in warmer places. If Chamonix is the capital of alpinism, then Kalymnos is the capital of sport climbing.”
His appearance at the festival, he noted, “will be my first — but certainly not my last.” Meanwhile, he continues to travel the world promoting his autobiography, “Rock ‘n’ Roll on the Wall,” now available in five languages, which chronicles a life lived in vertical solitude and the wisdom found atop the world’s most remote summits.
Kalymnos: A symbol of experience-driven, sustainable tourism
Karo’s presence at the Kalymnos International Climbing Festival is not just a major moment for the sport, but also a testament to Greece’s emergence as a destination that blends athleticism, nature, and sustainability. Kalymnos continues to redefine what meaningful tourism looks like — proving that the future of travel lies not only in numbers, but in authentic, memorable experiences.
From October 16–19, 2025, the festival will once again bring together the global climbing community with top-tier athletes, film screenings, outdoor events, exhibitions, and cultural activities. Kalymnos is back in the spotlight — and firmly on the global climbing calendar.
The original article: belongs to Tornos News .
