JC Lafaille attempts first winter Makalu ascent

Jean-Christophe Lafaille is currently attempting the first winter ascent of Makalu 8463m, the fifth highest mountain in the world

PlanetMountain.com

December 2005

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The first winter ascent solo and without oxygen of Makalu, at 8463m the fifth highest mountain in the world: this is the enormous project and dream of Jean-Christophe Lafaille, the French mountaineer currently at work on what is widely considered to be one of the coldest mountains, even in summer.

Lafaille's adventure began on 12 december when he flew in to the 4800m high Hillary Base Camp by helicopter. he was accompanied by only his cook and two other porters, who helped him transport the 1000 kg of gear to the Japanese Base Camp located at 5300m.

The expedition diary, updated by his wife Katia Lafaille, sums up the various stages as follows: on 18 December JC Lafaille spent the first night at Base Camp at 5300m, on 23 December he ascended to 6000m to spend the first night at altitude, before descending on the 25th and spending Christmas in Base Camp. On 27 December he ascended 1600m in one single push to 6900m, but descended due to high winds. Currently he is safely in Base Camp waiting for the wind to settle...

This is without a doubt one of the most interesting expeditions on the go at the moment. It can be followed live on his website www.jclafaille.com

Makalu 8463 meters
Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world and located on the border between Nepal and Tibet. It was first climbed on 15/05/1955 by a French expedition led by Jean Franco. The team members included J. Franco, J. Couzy, L. Terray, G. Magnone, J. Bouvier, S. CoupÃ¨, Leourux and A. Vialatte.