Vadim, the child of the mountains
Born in Chablais in November 2001, surrounded by his sister and parents—both mountain guides—Vadim grew up in a chalet nestled in the heart of the Roc d’Enfer pastures. From a young age, Vadim became accustomed to endurance and perseverance, living with the advantages and constraints of a mountain chalet (for example, hiking 400 meters to the school in snowshoes during winter). By accompanying his parents on excursions with clients, participating in ski clubs, and hiking with his family, he developed a strong physical condition and a true mountain mentality. By the age of 10, he was capable of bringing back crystals in his backpack during 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, as has his taste for challenges. Vadim forges a true dialogue with the mountain, learning to understand, respect, and even listen to it. Deeply attached to his Chablais region, he alternates between training and competitions in ski alpinism and cross-country skiing, and he is interested in all things manual and historical. He chooses to study artistic blacksmithing and becomes a stonecutter at the last underground slate mine in Morzine.
Over time, Vadim ventures into high mountain races, summiting several 4,000-meter peaks, making day climbs such as the Dent Blanche and Mont Blanc (which he has already climbed several times), and undertaking major treks in France and abroad. His parents instill in him the basics of safety, humility, resourcefulness, and the importance of traveling light with only the essentials.
Inspired by iconic figures like Reinhold Messner, Vadim embarked on a Himalayan adventure in 2021, adhering to the alpine style he cherishes: going solo, without bottled oxygen, fixed ropes, or sherpas, and making the ascent in one go from base camp to summit. In September 2021, at the age of 19, he reached the summit of Manaslu, becoming the youngest person to climb an 8,000-meter peak in this manner, illustrating his beliefs in pure mountaineering.
After two aborted attempts on Lhotse and Dhaulagiri in 2022, he continued in May 2023 with the ascent of Kangchenjunga (8,586 m), setting a world first for a continuous ascent. Between July 10 and 28, 2024, as part of his Thor project, he climbs Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), followed by Gasherbrum II (8,035 m) and Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), establishing record times.
Now, at 23 years old, Vadim is always happy to return to his chalet, which he has adorned with stones collected from around his home. After bringing a menhir into his garden to commemorate his first 8,000-meter ascent (Manaslu), what will be Vadim’s next adventure?
Vadim envisions his future in continuing to practice traditional mountaineering with an ethical approach, hoping to inspire many other enthusiasts. His goal: to climb all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters while respecting his values and principles, and to obtain his diploma as a high mountain guide.
