Nico Borgeot, Gaspard Buro, and Ross Hewitt Ski the Diagonal Route on Mont Blanc’s Brenva Face
Nico Borgeot, Gaspard Buro, and Ross Hewitt have made the first ski descent of ‘The Missing Link,’ connecting Poire, Major, and Sentinelle routes on Mont Blanc’s Brenva Face. Hewitt detailed this significant accomplishment on one of the most challenging faces in the Alps.
British ski mountaineer Ross Hewitt, along with his French counterparts Nico Borgeot and Gaspard Buro, has accomplished a remarkable first ski descent on Mont Blanc’s treacherous Brenva Face. Their daring feat, reminiscent of Edmond Joyeusaz’s bold venture in May 2020, saw them traverse the serac of La Poire before diagonally cutting across the face to merge with the routes of Major (charted by Thomas Graham Brown and Frank Smythe in 1928) and Sentinelle (by the same pioneers in 1927).
Hewitt’s aspiration for this descent had brewed for over a decade, materializing after he discovered a concealed couloir two years ago and patiently awaited suitable conditions. With just one 60-meter abseil required, the descent was described by Hewitt on his Instagram as “Adventurous, intense, massively intimidating, all-consuming and utterly brilliant,” further illustrating its grandeur with comparisons to the vastness of the Grand Canyon or the majesty of the Himalayas.
In his comprehensive report titled “THE MISSING LINK ON MONT BLANC’S BRENVA FACE,” Hewitt chronicles the challenges and triumphs of their endeavor. Amidst an abundance of snowfall in the Alps, securing a two-day weather window for such an ambitious venture proved elusive. Hewitt underscores the necessity for adequate snow stabilization following prolonged storms.
The genesis of the idea had been rooted in Hewitt’s mind for years, evolving from a notion to ski the upper sections to the intricate plan of linking multiple routes. The serac needed to melt sufficiently to bridge the gap between the Poire start and Route Major. Despite numerous snowfalls since October and a recent deluge, Hewitt sensed the opportune moment had arrived.
Initially embarking alone to assess the conditions, Hewitt’s reconnaissance revealed the Brenva Face cloaked in a blanket of white, signaling readiness for their mission. Rallying the skilled Nico Borgeot proved pivotal, as they set out together from Cosmiques refuge, later joined by Gaspard Buro. The trio’s ascent was punctuated by moments of anticipation and uncertainty, battling biting winds and enduring frigid temperatures.
Upon reaching their designated starting point beneath the cornice, anticipation gave way to nerves as they awaited Buro’s arrival. Once united, they commenced their descent with precision, navigating challenging terrain and unpredictable light conditions. A crucial rappel was made in the link couloir before seamlessly merging onto Route Major.
Their journey culminated in a triumphant return to Col Moore, where Hewitt was overwhelmed by a profound sense of fulfillment. A day that had been years in the making had finally materialized, leaving them euphoric and grateful for the shared experience.
The saga of Hewitt, Borgeot, and Buro’s conquest on Mont Blanc’s Brenva Face stands as a testament to human tenacity and the unwavering pursuit of adventure amidst nature’s grandeur.
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