Caro North

Alpinist Caro North is driven—to the mountains, to rock walls, to great heights—in every part of the world. At the early age of 16, she had already been to Argentina to summit Aconcagua (6,961 m). In addition to her expeditions in Patagonia, Alaska, Iran, and the Himalayas, her experience as a mountain guide in her native Swiss Alps also shaped the young alpinist. In this portrait, we follow her there—to the icy heights of Switzerland where Caro North feels most at home.

What begins as a challenge on the rock becomes a profound process of dedication and commitment. Caro North, Fay Manners, Rocio Rodriguez Guiñazú and Belén Prados devote their time, bodies, and hearts to opening a new route in a remote place, Turbio IV in Patagonia, Argentina, building not only a challenge but also a way of inhabiting and sharing the mountain. What makes it unique is their willingness to dedicate the necessary time and care to leave the route immaculate and safe for other climbers to enjoy; not simply to climb a wall, but to create something that can be shared with others.

In March 2024, a team of nine The North Face athletes from around the globe gathered in Bariloche, Argentina to explore the climbing, community and culture. There, they bolted lines, scrambled up spires and sought opportunities to learn from each other—and the walls of Valle Encantado.