Frenchmen Fred Degoulet and Benjamin Guigonnet led the charge into a promising winter season in the Mont Blanc massif. On September 2 and 3, they linked the Gabarrou Silvy on the Aiguille Sans Nom (VI 6b [5.10d] A1 WI6, 1000m) with the Bonatti Vaucher route (ED3/4: A2+, 1100m) on the north face of the Grandes Jorasses. Chamonix-based climber and photographer Jon Griffith, who ascended the Bonatti Vaucher after Degoulet and Guigonnet, told ukclimbing.com, “Whilst everyone else was wondering what would be in condition, these two guys just rocked up and ticked two of the best hard routes in the range, back to back–awesome!”
Along the way, the climbers captured some beautiful views and a few climbing shots that will either inspire you to grab your tools and run out into the mountains or remind you why you stick to rock climbing in the sunshine.–Ed.
