Huge Fosslimonster icefall repeated in Norway by French alpinists

A group of French GMHM alpinists has just returned from a successful 6-day trip to Norway, where on the 13th of February  Pierre Labbre, Max Bonniot and Léo Billon made what might well be the first repeat of Fosslimonster, the stunning icefall at Gudvangen first ascended in 2009 by Robert Jasper and Roger Schäli. Making the most of conditions, ENSA teachers Aymeric Clouet, Philippe Batoux and Michel Coranotte repeated the line the next day, while Frederic Gentet (Groupe excellence alpinisme national coach) and young GEAN members Octave Garbolino and Antoine Avenas repeated the route on the 15th.

Back in 2009 Fosslimonster was hailed as one of the most extraordinary and longest icefalls in the world. The Norwegian Alpine Club however harshly criticised the first ascent, stating that it "did not meet the Norwegian standards of climbing in good style" as it contained bolts at the belays and bolts and pegs on the pitches (9 bolts for the belays, 5 on the pitches plus three pegs and an in-situ stopper).

Asked about these polemics from nearly a decade years ago, Bonniot told planetmountain.com:  "Other ice falls had been bolted in the area before Fosslimonster was ascended and these didn’t result in any open criticism. For me, even with the bolts (10 meters bolted in the first mixed pitch for 600 m of climbing) this route remains an adventurous undertaking. This is one of the most beautiful ice climbs in the world and, in my opinion, these few bolts have not killed its adventurous aspect. Futhermore, I really enjoyed following in the footsteps of Jasper and Schaeli and I'd also like to thank them for their topos and photos of the route."



Info: www.gmhm.fr