2010

S1.E1 ∙ The Adventure Begins

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

mountaineering friend, Jerome Grec, to prepare for their first expedition together. They meet a couple of days ahead of the others to prepare - The Plan: Making the ascent in sealskin garb, followed by the extreme challenge of working their way back down, through the treacherous Diablerets station, to the off-trail Verbier station, all the while trying to acclimate themselves to the high altitude and their unfamiliar gear and equipment.

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S1.E2 ∙ The Departure

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

And they're off. For the first stage, they must use a mechanical lift, from the Grands Montets station to the summit, since the High Route only actually begins there. The relative comfort of this last little bit of civilization is a far cry from the desolate wilderness that lies ahead. But an unpleasant surprise awaits our adventurers: extremely harsh weather conditions make it impossible to cross the mountainous Chardonnet pass and to hike the 20 km across the Trient Glacier, forcing their guide to interrupt the expedition.

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S1.E3 ∙ A Quest for the Peaks of Rosa Blanche

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Simon and his fellow adventurers are finally back on track towards the High Route. They leave the summit of Verbier station, sleeping in a cabin at Mont Fort before pressing on the next morning, towards the peaks of La Rosa Blanche. Despite worsening weather conditions, the group hopes to make it to the summit before nightfall - Will they make it?

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S1.E4 ∙ Endurance

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

The group readies themselves to confront the challenge of a treacherous pass that will require seven hours of sheer effort and determination, before they can finally rest and celebrate in the rustic comforts of the Cabane des Dix. The next day is both full and challenging and has them climbing the Pigne d'Arolla, a peak of the High Route that reaches an altitude of 3900 metres.

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S1.E5 ∙ Final Destination

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Our group is still swept up in the emotions of their triumphant ascent to the summit of Pigne d'Arolla. But as the saying goes, everything that goes up must come down. Simon and his companions soon begin to descend a thrilling 600 meters to the Vignettes cabin, where they spend the night. The next day, after an arduous 8 hours of working their way down the jagged mountainside, they finally reach the foot of Cervin, where they will start the final leg of their descent, the last 2200 meters through glaciers and some unforgettable stretches of dangerous but beautiful mountain country.

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S1.E6 ∙ Northern Norway: Tromso

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Simon heads off to Norway to join his mountaineering partner, Jerome Grec. Having arrived in the northern city of Tromso, the pair finish their preparations and meet up with their guide for the week. The group is ready for a first outing: exploring the Tromso mountain area to test their physical climbing shape.

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S1.E7 ∙ The Ski Expedition... In Dogsleds!

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

For their first adventure, Simon and his friends explore the Norwegian wilderness in a typically local fashion: by dogsled. Despite a freak storm that catches them off guard, they make it to a refuge in the Sygnaldalen valley just in the nick of time. Our intrepid skiers even try a couple of tentative runs, despite the inclement weather.

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S1.E8 ∙ The Fjords of Norway

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Simon and his companions climb onboard a sailboat, which serves as a refuge for a few days as they navigate their way through the canals and fjords found by the thousands along the Norwegian coast. Among their adventures is a 1,000 meter climb - followed by the thrill of a vertiginous drop straight back down.

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S1.E9 ∙ The Border Between Norway and Sweden

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

The Norwegian sailboat adventure draws to an end but our skiers don't lose a minute, heading off by helicopter up to Mount Riksgransen, in the northernmost part of Sweden. This area is a true icy paradise - with its stunning frozen countryside, its pristine pine forests, its plains and glaciers that stretch out as far as the eye can see.

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S1.E10 ∙ The Highest Summit in Sweden: The Kebnekaise

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Very early one morning, it's time to set off on the last of the Scandinavian expeditions - climbing the highest mountain in Sweden, the Kebnekaise. The group's climb is a technical challenge, with dangerous passages along treacherous ice bridges. After an arduous 12-hour climb, they finally get to enjoy the reward of all of their hard work - a speedy two-hour descent and a return to civilization.

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S1.E11 ∙ Back Country Skiing in Alyeska

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Simon and friends start in Anchorage to pick-up the RVs, buy equipment essential for Alaskan terrain and the necessary food supplies for the next 12 days. They meet briefly with Joe Stock, their guide for the « road trip ». But first, a ski day with Jérôme, in Alyeska, one of Alaska's few ski resorts. The group enjoys the sun on powder covered runs ...a good start to their new adventure.

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S1.E12 ∙ Kenai Peninsula: Turnagain Pass

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

First day of the « road trip » accompanied by their colourful guide Joe Stock. First summit on the list: Turnagain Pass in the Kenai Peninsula. Before starting their ascent in this hostile and dangerous terrain, Joe tests each climber's ability to operate his avalanche equipment and to apply search and rescue techniques. What better way to get in shape than to climb in sealskin garb and enjoy the thrill of back-country skiing.

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S1.E13 ∙ Heliskiing in Valdez

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Simon and the group continue their discovery of Alaska and prepare for a few runs of heli- skiing in Valdez. Unfortunately, bad weather grounds the helicopter to everyone's disappointment and they are left looking at the amazing ski terrain out of reach. After a few days' wait, the sun finally comes out and the group can fly out to the snowy peaks. The heli-pilot drops the skiers off on a narrow ledge; emotions are running high even before they start to ski down.

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S1.E14 ∙ Hatcher Pass

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

The group leaves the coastline and heads inland to Hatcher Pass, following in the footsteps of the Gold Rush pioneers. They meet locals still looking for gold in hopes of striking it rich. The group skies around an abandoned old gold mine. As they progress towards Mount McKinley, they travel by air taxi to a high mountain base camp on Pika glacier where they will camp for a few days and ski, surrounded by impressive but dangerous peaks.

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S1.E15 ∙ Alaska Range

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

The skiers are now very close to Mount McKinley, North America's highest peak standing at 20 320 feet (over 6000 m), and settled on a glacier for a few days of winter camping. With their guide Joe Stock, they enjoy ski touring in this breathtaking but dangerous environment full of hidden crevasses - Some nice ascents await them but they must constantly review their course to stay safe .

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S1.E16 ∙ Memories of Farellones

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Once in Chile, the group heads for the mountains to the small village of Farellones where Simon taught skiing back in 1993. Not that much has changed over the years as he reminisces with former colleagues. Back country skiing starts at La Parva ski resort, standing 3700 meters high. Unfortunately, the area is missing snow. The group decides to head south to the volcano region.

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S1.E17 ∙ The Volcano Region

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Simon and Jérôme's dream to ski the best faces of the most beautiful volcanoes of Chile comes true near Chillán in the southern part of the Andes. They are pleasantly surprised with the snow base. Their ski touring starts at the Nevado de Chillan resort, then they climb the Viejo and Nuevo volcanoes and do some spring skiing between the fumes and volcanic rocks. The group enjoys great mountain weather offering breathtaking views. They also get a taste of local culture during Chile National Independence Day.

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S1.E18 ∙ The Lake Region

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

The group heads towards the mountains of Argentina, to the village of Villa La Angostura where Jérôme spent a ski season in 1999. Tour of the Cerra Bajo resort, founded by visionary Jean-Pierre Raemdonc, who developed the area with old ski equipment imported from Europe by boat. The group heads to the out-of-bound area of the resort where non-skied runs lay ahead, a true paradise for our skiers. They have the mountain to themselves, incredible views of mountains and lakes in this part of the North of Patagonia.

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S1.E19 ∙ Top of the World

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

The group sets off to the south of Argentina to the region of Baralloce for a few days of ski touring. The skiers are accompanied by a local guide and head to the popular resort of Cerro Catedral. Many surprises lay ahead on the road to the Frey shelter - The efforts are worth it and after 3 days of climbing, they are rewarded by amazing ski runs in an environment of breathtaking beauty.

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S1.E20 ∙ Up the Lanin

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Standing 3770 meters high, the Lanin volcano is located in the Lanin National Park on the border of Argentina and Chile. The group sets their base camp in the small Andes village of Junin and tackles the ascent of the volcano in search of the ultimate reward: one of the longest ski runs in the world with a 2600 m vertical drop.

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