Petit Dru West Face: GMHM establish BASE

From 18 to 22 February 2021 the French alpinists Thomas Auvaro, Léo Billon, Jordi Noguere and Sébastien Ratel belonging to the Chamonix High Mountain Military Group have climbed BASE on the West Face of Petit Dru in the Mont Blanc massif. The route partially follows an attempt made by the Spaniards Josep Maria Esquirol and David Palmada in 2015.
1 / 7
Thomas Auvaro, Léo Billon, Jordi Noguere and Sébastien Ratel on summit of Petit Dru, Mont Blanc massif, after establishing BASE on the mountain's west face
GMHM

Just as they set out to do, from 18 to 22 February the French alpinists Thomas Auvaro, Léo Billon, Jordi Noguere and Sébastien Ratel climbed a line up the legendary west face of Petit Dru (3,733m) in the Mont Blanc massif.

After having transported some gear to the base of the mountain in the previous days, on Thursday the four alpinists belonging to the elite Chamonix High Mountain Military Group began their climb. Their ascent was streamed live on Youtube and the quartet reached the summit on Sunday afternoon after four days and nights on the face. On Monday they descended safely to Chamonix.

The route is called BASE and partially follows a dogged attempt carried out, as the BMC explains, by Josep Maria Esquirol and David Palmada. Climbing with the use of aid, over 14 days in winter 2015 the Spaniards managed to climb to within 300 meters of the summit before retreating.




Related news
Latest news


Expo / News


Expo / Products
the ideal year-round mountaineering backpack
Lightweight hiking boots in lightweight and breathable Perwanger leather.
Screwlock carabiner for rock climbing and alpinism
Crag climbing backpack with top and back panel easy access to the main compartment and lots of cool features.
Travel and leisure shoes
Minimalist, lightweight jacket
Show products