Vadim, the child of the mountains
He was born in the Chablais region in November 2001, and grew up in a chalet at the heart of the Roc d’Enfer pastures with his sister and his parents, both Mid-Mountain Guides.<br>From a young age, Vadim learnt about endurance and perseverance by living with both the advantages and disadvantages of a mountain chalet (walking the 400 m to school in snowshoes for example). By accompanying his parents on excursions with clients, taking part in ski clubs and hiking as a family, he developed impressive physical fitness and a pure mountain mentality. By the age of 10, he was able to carry crystals in his backpack on a tour of Mont-Blanc.
I really enjoy the expedition aspect. It’s a challenge. I wanted to see how far the body can go. When you’re in the mountains, I think you always dream of high peaks."
His passion for stones and crystals has grown over the years, just like his appetite for challenges. Vadim has developed a real relationship with the mountains, learning to understand, respect and even listen to them. He is very much attached to his home region of Chablais, and splits his time between mountaineering and cross-country skiing training and competitions. He also takes an interest in anything manual and history. He chose to study artistic metalwork and became a stonemason at the last underground slate mine in Morzine.
As time went by, Vadim took on the challenges of the high-mountains, climbing several 4,000-metre peaks, day-long ascents such as the Dent Blanche and Mont Blanc (which he had already climbed several times), and undertaking major treks in France and abroad. His parents taught him the basics of safety, humility, resourcefulness and the importance of travelling light and with the essentials.
Inspired by iconic figures such as Reinhold Messner, Vadim embarked on his Himalayan adventure in 2021, following the Alpine style that he feels so passionate about: setting off alone, without oxygen tanks, fixed ropes or Sherpas, and climbing in one go from base camp to the summit. In September 2021, at the age of 19, he reached the summit of Manaslu, becoming the youngest person ever to climb an 8,000-metre peak in this way, illustrating his convictions in favour of pure mountaineering.
After two failed attempts on Lhotse and Dhaulagiri in 2022, he climbed Kangchenjunga (8,586 m) in May 2023, establishing a world first of an ascent in one go. Between 10 and 28 July 2024, as part of his Thor project, he climbed Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), followed by Gasherbrum II (8,035 m) and Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), setting new records.
Today, at the age of 23, Vadim is always happy to return to his chalet, which he has adorned himself with stones he has found around his home. After bringing a menhir back to his garden as a souvenir of his first 8,000 m (Manaslu) peak, what will Vadim’s next crazy adventure be?
Vadim plans to continue with traditional mountaineering with an ethical approach, hoping to inspire many other enthusiasts.<br>His goal is to climb 14 peaks over 8,000 m in accordance with his values and principles, and to obtain his mountain guide diploma.
