07/07/2025
Another magnificent ARCTERYX Chamonix Academy in the bag. A highlight of the summer - seeing all my favourite people cocooned in a green bowl of Parc de Couttet, getting inspired, learning from the best, dancing into dawn with a short summer night leaving little time for sleep before early alpine starts. Living the life to the fullest. Being one with the Community.
I loved being on a two day ‘Alpine Climb and Bivvy’ clinic led by the two friends and legends Benjamin Ribeyre and Fred Degoulet (check out their rad project Une Belle Trace at https://youtu.be/_bwz5K5DtN4?feature=shared).
Discovering a little gem of a route on the north ridge of Dent de Geant. A perfect mix of exposure, jaw dropping views on harsh beauty of the north face of Grand Jorasses complete with 10 pitches of golden granite. Away from a crowded normal route. Accompanied by serenades of hurling rocks at a (safe) distance. Alpine sun dawn on a deserted Salle a Manger. Building tent platforms. Melting snow for freeze dry dinner. Sharing my experience of 30+ expeditions. Wrapping my feet in a Gore-Tex jacket for warmth and hugging a hot water Nalgene bottle. Falling asleep at 4,000m in a tent with happy Karin and Lena who have experienced this for the first time. Remembering many beautiful moments on altitude. Being reminded we can have it all again without leaving home. Long live adventure!
