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the Alps
A session, two challenges
This year, a double challenge awaited Philip Crivelli, the winner of the 2016 White Session: to climb and ski two faces on two legendary mountains of the Alps: the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. For this adventure, he had to rely on his talent, of course. But also on two giants of steep slopes for whom these are home: Sam Anthamatten for the Matterhorn and Vivian Bruchez for Mont Blanc. Two extraordinary guides for an extraordinary performance.
We go to the mountains, there are no special reasons, there is no money to win. We’re just looking for good moments. That’s freedom.
THE TEAM
PHILIP, SAM, VIVIAN: AN INCREDIBLE TRIO TAKING ON TWO LEGENDARY FACES
Philip Crivelli
The lucky winner
A child of Davos, Philip has always loved snow. At 31, this former alpine ski competitor with an athletic build now works at the Davos Snow and Avalanche Research Center, where he is preparing a thesis on the effect of wind on the snowpack. Pre-selected among ten amateur skiers from all over Europe, he traveled by train to Chamonix to take part in the final selection. Back in Davos, he discovered he had been selected for the 2016 White Session. Someone who takes care of his diet every day and does not drink alcohol, he is truly passionate about steep slopes. That made all the difference during the selection and also impressed his two rope partners during the White Session.
Sam Anthamatten
The extreme Swiss army knife
Touche-à-tout, le guide suisse Samuel Anthamatten est une référence dans le milieu de la montagne. Cascade de glace, freeride ou ski de pente raide sont des domaines où il excelle et fait A jack-of-all-trades, Swiss guide Samuel Anthamatten is a reference in the mountain world. Ice climbing, freeride, or steep skiing are fields in which he excels and is among the world’s best. Born in Zermatt, Sam never joined a ski club, but learned with his parents and brothers. From a young age, he loved going off the beaten path, in winter as in summer. Together with his brother Simon, then 14, he climbed his first 4,000 m peak at 11! Victorious in an ice climbing World Cup round at just 16, he then moved on to freeride and finished second overall in the Freeride World Tour on his first try. In short, a monster of talent, whose dream is to ski the Himalayan slopes.
Vivian Bruchez
The one who makes the impossible possible
Vivian fell into skiing as a child. After alpine skiing, ski cross or freeride competition, he naturally turned to his mountains to follow his inspiration and draw lines on improbable slopes. At 29, this native of the Chamonix valley is a reference in the mountain and steep skiing world. Alone or with legends like Kilian Jornet or Jonathan Charlet, he loves to put his skis in places that have never been skied before. His talent and humor did not escape director Sébastien Montaz, who dedicated a film to him, “T’es pas bien là”. Also a high mountain guide, he will also assist Sébastien Montaz as cameraman during Kilian Jornet’s Everest attempt. In short, a man who can do everything. And does it well.
Sam and Vivian are my idols. I was already following both of them on social media. If I had to choose who I wanted to ski with, I would have chosen these two without hesitation!
ZERMATT
THE BEGINNING OF THE ADVENTURE
The first meeting between Sam, Vivian and Phil takes place in Zermatt. At 1,620 m altitude at the end of the Mattertal Valley, this village is much more than a postcard. Preserved by strict urban planning rules and closed to cars, it is devoted body and soul to the mountains and nature. Home of the Haute Route and the Patrouille des Glaciers, it is also the base camp for legendary peaks. Its region is home to 38 of Switzerland’s 54 peaks over 4,000 m. There is Mont Rose (4,634 m), Dom des Mischabel (4,545 m), Liskamm (4,527 m), Weisshorn (4,526 m) and of course the legendary Matterhorn (4,478 m). On July 14, 1865, it was the last great summit of the Alps to be conquered, by a team of 7, including Whymper and Croz, ahead of an Italian rope team. Today, it’s a Franco-Swiss rope team’s turn to fill up on adventure around Zermatt.
Mountains aren’t like people. They’re honest. If you make the wrong decision, you’ll know right away, you can’t cheat.
What I like is adapting to what the mountain offers me.
THE BREITHORN
WHEN THE MOUNTAIN LAYS DOWN THE LAW
With heavy snowfall in recent days and strong winds, the team is very attentive to the weather. As a local, Sam reviews what can be done. The Marinelli? Too risky, even though it’s the season. The Matterhorn? They have to go see. They decide to spend the night at the Hornli hut.
At 3,260 m altitude, the sound of the wind following the steep curves of the Matterhorn is the only distraction for the three skiers. In the morning, the panorama is wonderful. However, the wind hasn’t dropped. And skiing the Matterhorn remains too dangerous. Not discouraged, the trio turns back and decides to consider a new option: the Breithorn by its north face.
After a trip and a night at the Testa Griglia hut, the three companions begin this ascent, which peaks at 4,163 m. Once at the top, Sam leads the way. The first slope is 45° and requires full concentration. Then comes a 40 m rappel, to tackle a new slope of 45 to 50°. The skiers move among hanging seracs reflecting the blue of the sky. It’s sublime, but you mustn’t forget to stay alert, as the danger is real.
NORTH FACE OF THE BREITHORN
Access: Breithorn
Slope: 45°, then 45 to 50°
Rappel: 40 m
The end of the couloir is more welcoming and leads to a large north-facing glacier. As good freeriders, Sam and Phil carve wide turns at high speed. And Vivian always seeks out the wildest slopes. Once at the bottom, the three men high-five with joy. Just one more hour of skinning before returning to Zermatt to celebrate together.
CHAMONIX
THE DREAM VALLEY TO EXTEND WINTER
After Zermatt, the whole team heads to another legendary town, the Luna Park of snow sports: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. While all the resorts are already closed, it’s the perfect place to extend winter on skis. Around the Aiguille du Midi, there are no pistes. Just the cable car that takes you to 3,842 m and opens access to extreme slopes, reserved for the best riders. A local and member of the prestigious Chamonix Guides Company, Vivian knows every corner of the massif. Whatever the season or snow cover, he always knows where to go. And if it’s not possible on snow, he’ll detour via rocks, always with skis on! For Sam and Phil, Vivian is a precious help and the best possible companion.
Chamonix is the meeting place for big kids.
COULOIR DES AIGUILLETTES
AND OTHER LITTLE PLEASURES OF THE MONT-BLANC MASSIF
After listing the best options in the area according to the weather and snow, Vivian decides to lead his small team into two legendary slopes of the valley: the Couloir de la Passerelle and the Couloir des Aiguillettes. The Couloir de la Passerelle is named after its start, from the footbridge connecting the two peaks of the Aiguille du Midi. The two 50 m rappels impress the amazed tourists, gathered to watch.
COULOIR DE LA PASSERELLE
Access: Aiguille du Midi
Slope: 1,000 m from 45 to 50°
Rappels: 50 m + 50 m
Are they really going down there?
Rappelling with skis isn’t something I do every day. It’s not fear, but adrenaline that rises. I am super focused.
Once the rappel is over, it’s 100 m of hard snow up to 50°. Then a more open section, finishing on the Glacier Rond and the traverse to the Plan de l’Aiguille. Once at the Plan, the companions decide to go back up to the Aiguille du Midi to spend the night at the Cosmiques hut.
The Couloir de la Passerelle was on my list. It represents the real Chamonix style as I imagine it.
On the refuge terrace, Vivian and Sam take out their ropes and share their little mountaineering secrets with Phil. Then, between vegetable soup and diots/polenta, Vivian prepares the next day’s trip according to the weather.
After a short night’s sleep, the three Julbo riders set off under the full moon on the Glacier du Géant, to the base of the Grand Capucin. There, they decide to tackle the Couloir des Aiguillettes. Crampons on, ice axe in hand, they enjoy seeing the sun rise during their ascent. At 8:10 a.m., they are at the top, just above the Grand Capucin. From the top of these 3,900 m, the panorama is as mineral as it is magnificent. But there’s no time to linger: the descent awaits, along this great climbing route.
The Grand Capucin is a legendary mountain for climbers. It’s incredible and rare to ski next to great climbing routes.
I’m not looking to show off or push my limits, it’s more about finding new possibilities.
COULOIR DES AIGUILLETTES
Access: Aiguillette du Diable
Slope: Up to 48°
Rappels: none
To get straight to the point, they start with a big slope above the seracs, where every mistake can be fatal. Then it’s a long south-facing couloir of about 300 m. Once at the bottom, they admire the fresh tracks left on the slope and high-five. It’s time to start the mythical Vallée Blanche, before taking the equally legendary Montenvers train. The adventure ends with a barbecue facing these mountains, before the promise to meet again soon.
I loved skiing in Chamonix with Vivian. There’s a strong ski history there, with extreme skiers and mountaineers. I love coming here and joining this world of enthusiasts.
THE TEAM
WHATEVER THE SLOPE OR THE WEATHER, OUR THREE COMPANIONS COULD COUNT ON AN AMAZING TEAM
Thanks to Vivian Bruchez and Sam Anthamatten for their talent and advice.
Thanks to Philip Crivelli for his passion and commitment.
Thanks to Dino, Jérémy, Luca and Thibault for their beautiful images and technical assistance.
Thanks to François-Xavier for being reliable in every sense.
OUR PARTNERS
