The Piolet d’Or–Francois Marsigny’s superb idea, taken up by the then-president of the GHM, Jean-Claude Marmier, and developed by our former president Yves Peysson, in total confidence with Guy Chaumereuil, who at the time was the editor-in-chief of Montagnes Magazine–has lived today.
We must admit that the conviviality of it is gone, that the financial interests of the hypothetical and disputed winners have become too weighty. The time has changed; the Piolet d’Or must change.
The Piolet d’Or must become again a grand festival, a space for encounters and exchanges that will valorize alpinism and its values. A festival that in accordance with the diverse nationalities of those nominated will internationalize its geographic locus.
The GHM proposes to its sponsors and partners the next March 23 to develop a new trophy that will be directly connected with the concepts of present-day alpinists. All those who love, support and maintain the promotion of alpinism will be welcome to work with us, respecting the qualities, means and attributions of each.