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B.I.G. — A Story of obsession, partnership and the pursuit of the impossible
@Hannes Mair
Deep inside the granite cave of Flatanger, Norway, lies a route unlike anything else. Steep, powerful and relentlessly long, B.I.G. 9c (5.15d) stands as one of the most futuristic sport climbs ever bolted. Over time, it became a benchmark for difficulty and a magnet for those drawn to its challenge. Among them, Jakob Schubert. He became one of its most dedicated protagonists and the first to make the free ascent on B.I.G.
This is the story of Jakob Schubert and Adam Ondra and their shared pursuit of one of climbing’s most ambitious ascents. And the story of Jakob’s evolving relationship with a line that has pushed him harder than almost any other.
A cave that demands everything
Flatanger is a place climbers don’t forget: sweeping granite, a perfect overhang, and a sense of wilderness that pulls you in. Jakob has visited often, forming a deep connection with the cave and returning again and again.
Among its many striking lines, B.I.G., formerly Project B.I.G., stands out: over 120 steep granite moves blending powerful sequences, comp-style movement and technical precision.
Adam Ondra bolted the route years earlier, when the line still looked almost too wild to consider. Even he wasn’t sure it could ever be climbed. But once the moves were unlocked, the project revealed itself.
When Jakob joined Adam in 2022 for his first round of serious attempts, they both saw the potential but also the challenge. Harsh conditions slowed progress, with humidity and wet holds often shutting down sessions. Still, they pieced the route together: Jakob finding rhythm through endurance and dynamic movement, Adam contributing his deep knowledge of the cave. Their partnership grew into one of mutual respect.
Returning with new momentum
After a strong competitive year, Jakob returned to Flatanger more motivated than ever in autumn 2023. He rebuilt the beta, refined the crux and felt more at home on the route. This time, the team decided to share the experience with the world, turning the project into a full production with drones, multiple cameras, and live broadcasts.
Jakob embraced the vulnerability of climbing live and the community embraced him back.
Near the end of the last good weather window of the year, Jakob Schubert finally reached the last holds of the former “Project BIG” on September 20, becoming the first to complete a free ascent of one of the most difficult routes in the world.
Why this story matters
B.I.G. is more than a route. It symbolizes partnership, persistence, and the rare motivation that grows when athletes lift each other up. Jakob’s commitment and Adam’s vision created a story far bigger than a single ascent: one that continues to shape Jakob and draw him back to a cave that feels like home.
