Alpine Ambitions: Conquering Peaks, Forging Paths

Enduring Days, Elevated Ascents: The Alpine Summer's Call

June in the European Alps heralds an optimal period for alpine pursuits. The extended daylight and generally moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for ambitious rock climbs, while the persistent snow at higher altitudes still offers opportunities for extreme ski descents. Often, these demanding journeys blend challenging rock ascents with long treks through valleys, skis securely fastened to backpacks.

Billon's Bold Route: A Tribute on Aiguille du Plan

Among the recent feats, the indefatigable Leo Billon, alongside Enzo Oddo from the French High-Mountain Military Group, has established a significant new route within the Mont Blanc massif. Their 700-meter climb on the West Face of the Aiguille du Plan, near Chamonix, follows a central spur, echoing the historic Bonington/Tejada-Flores route from 1965. They've christened their demanding line "OSS ne répond plus," assigning it a challenging overall difficulty rating of 7a+.

Overcoming Shadows: Finding Light on a Consecrated Face

This ascent holds a profound significance for Billon, transforming a site of past tragedy into one of renewed purpose. The West Face of Aiguille du Plan had been etched in his memory as a "wall of shadows and vertigo, loaded with sadness, fear, and emptiness" following the fatal accident of friends Max Bonniot and Pierre Labbre on a nearby route in November 2019. Through this new climb with Oddo, Billon found a way to infuse "a little lightness, beauty, and positivity" back into the formidable rock face.

Bruchez's Grand Finale: A Fifteen-Year Skiing Saga Concludes

In a truly epic conclusion to a 15-year odyssey, Vivian Bruchez recently reached the summit of Pointe Marguerite on Grandes Jorasses (4,065m), completing his audacious goal of climbing and skiing all 82 of the Alps' 4,000-meter peaks. After meticulously downclimbing the unskiable summit ridge, he made his final descent, marking a monumental personal achievement. He reflected on the journey, stating, "I put all my heart, all my body, all my energy into this."

Navigating Challenges: The Collaborative Spirit of Bruchez's Quest

For his final ascent on Grandes Jorasses, Bruchez collaborated with Mathieu Navillod. He noted the pragmatic approach taken, explaining, "Given the verticality of this peak, we approached the mountain on skis and then climbed to the summit via the Italian side." Despite less-than-ideal snow conditions, they maximized the use of their skis, a characteristic of Bruchez's entire project. Over the years, this incredible endeavor saw Bruchez pioneer 22 new ski routes, four of which were on previously unskied peaks, and complete over 100 descents. He acknowledged the project's evolving nature, particularly the arduous last two years, which were fraught with injuries and the daunting difficulty of the remaining peaks. He credits his partners for transforming what began as an individual pursuit into a collective triumph.

Babicz's Resurgence: A Return to Alpine Exploration

Filip Babicz, a prominent Polish-Italian climber, is back on the alpine scene following a period of recuperation from injuries. Known for his previous accomplishment of opening an M7 route on Petit Flambeau in November 2024, Babicz has now, with Heike Schmitt, opened a new route on the Vierge du Flambeau. Details of this latest achievement are eagerly awaited by the climbing community.

Alpine Alert: Navigating the Rising Temperatures

The increasing temperatures in the Alps are becoming a critical factor for anyone planning outdoor activities. France recently experienced its first heatwave of the summer, and forecasts predict further warming conditions. Climbers and skiers are strongly advised to monitor temperature predictions, particularly those from sources like Meteofrance, within 48 hours of their planned excursions. For instance, the projected minimum temperature on the 4,806-meter summit of Mont Blanc on Saturday is an unseasonably warm 0ºC, highlighting the significant impact of climate change on these high-altitude environments.