Gérard Pailheiret has left us

It was the year 2008 but it practically seems like yesterday. Many years of knowing Pailheiret had translated into an interview in which we attempted to reveal Gérard to all those who did not know him personally.

We believe that the introduction to the article is an efficient summary of who Pailheiret was and what he represented to ice climbing: he played an important role in the history of ice climbing and, without aiming for the limelight and consequently always remaining backstage, his contribution to the popularity of this sport was instrumental. His approach to the growth of ice climbing, its development and future objectives was almost scientific. The idea behind the world-famous international ice climbing meeting Cascade de Glace at l'Argentière la Bessée was his and he was the life and soul of the annual event. And his was the project www.ice-fall.com, an unmissable tool for all ice climbers.

The French term used to represent a modest person who is not big-headed is "Il à jamais eu une grosse tête." Despite the fact that the entire ice climbing community owed something to Gérard, he truly never became big-headed and, now that a serious illness has taken him away forever, we cannot but miss his presence.

Last year his brainchild, the international meeting at Argentiere La Bessèe – one of the most important ice climbing events in the world - had been organised by other people, close friends, who will certainly continue the monumental deed and, in doing so, keep the memory of him alive. Salut Gérard

Elio Bonfanti

>> Interview Gérard Pailheiret - 25/01/2008