The first time I became aware of the European Alps I was 14 years old. I was backpacking through the North Cascades on a 3 week Outward Bound style course. My first mentor, Miles Becker, would often wax poetic about the range, comparing the Cascades to the Alps. He shared tales of alpine daring by the likes of Louis Lachenal, Lionel Terray and other famous climbers of the modern era. I was captivated by their antics in the mountains surrounding the world’s alpine climbing epicenter, Chamonix, France.
After that trip I regularly read magazines and books about the area dreaming of the day I could walk, climb and ski amongst the famous peaks. Over the years I’ve fulfilled similar fantasies in other great ranges such as the Andes, the Himalayas and the Southern Alps of New Zealand. But the mountains of France have eluded me…until now.
The iconic Aguille du Midi tram stationIt can’t hurt to ask. That’s what people say. Well, ask I did and I was granted a two-month leave of absence from my job this winter to fulfill my dream of skiing and climbing in Chamonix. If all goes to plan, I’ll spend March and April doing just that.
The Aguille du MidiI haven’t worked out all the logistics yet. I still need to find housing. I have some solid leads but no commitment. Partners are certainly not locked in but I have some contacts that may develop in that direction. Cham is a busy place in the winter and lodging is pricey. I’ve budgeted accordingly but I’m still trying to be sensible.
Tour Ronde
I've spent hours on YouTube watching video after video of climbing and skiing in the area. I've become familiar with past and present players in the game. I've also become aware of those who've been hurt or killed playing in this formittable arena. I call several of them my friends. I'm nervous and excited. I'm certainly not getting any younger so the time is now.
If any readers out there have helpful tips or suggestions, I’m all ears.