From February 12th to 13th, the Italian alpinists Francois Cazzanelli, Emrik Favre and Stefano Stradelli opened a new route on the west face of the Aiguille Noire du Peuterey (3.773 m) in the Mont Blanc massif: Couloir Isaïe (600m, M8, 7a/ 7a+, AI5).
It's always difficult to organize your thoughts after an adventure in the mountains, says François Cazzanelli after the first ascent in the west face of the Aiguille Noire du Peuterey. Along with Emrik Favre and Stefano Stradelli he climbed in unknown terrain for two days and opened a new route on the Punta Brendel at 3498 meters.
«We had a great adventure on the west face of the Aiguille Noire. It wasn't easy, but thanks to our willpower and teamwork, we achieved something special that we will remember for a lifetime."
François Cazzanello
Twelve pitches up the Peuterey ridge
Couloir Isaie (M8, 7a/7a+, AI5) leads in twelve pitches of demanding rock, mixed and ice climbing through the west face of the Aiguille Noire du Peuterey to the Punta Brendel at 3498 meters. The Aiguille Noire du Peuterey is part of the famous Peuterey ridge that leads to the top of Mont Blanc.
Spindrift brings icy night
Francois Cazzanelli, Emrik Favre and Stefano Stradelli climbed the west face of the Aiguille Noire du Peuterey on February 12. The three alpinists spent the night at an altitude of 3300 meters.
Persistent spindrift made for a wet and very cold night's sleep. However, the trio did not let this discourage them. The next day they continued their ascent and reached the summit around 14 p.m.
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Credits: Cover picture Pierre Lucianaz