Patrouille des Glaciers 2024: Nature always has the final say
Reaching Summit (RS) is an inspiring project that fosters women's participation in the famous race Patrouille des Glaciers (PdG). Founded by Karine Fragnière in 2023, RS aims at breaking the glass ceiling through ski alpinism.
Valentine and Noelle, runners in the Patrouille des Glaciers 2024, share their experience following a year of intense training, only to see their race cancelled due to bad weather. This is a great lesson from nature, which shows us that the Mountains will always have the final word and that sometimes, we need to take a step back and put on hold our projects, no matter how hard we’ve been training for.
The Story Of Valentine Cardis
This winter, I embarked on an extraordinary adventure: preparing for the Patrouille des Glaciers. Initiated by the Reaching Summits program in September, I was part of a team of fearless girls, united by our passion for ski mountaineering and our desire to push ourselves.
From the begining, our goal was clear: to enhance our skiing skills while building true team cohesion. Throughout the season, bonds grew stronger, and individual differences turned into collective strengths. Every descent, every climb was an opportunity to learn from each other, discover new strengths and weaknesses, and grow together.
The first ski mountaineering races were crucial moments in our journey. They tested our acquired skills and revealed new challenges to overcome. We embraced these challenges with determination, seeing them as opportunities for improvement and growth.
A decisive step before the Patrouille des Glaciers was a weekend spent at the Cabane Théodule in Zermatt, at 3400 meters above sea level. There, amidst majestic peaks, we not only worked on our endurance and physical fitness, but also strengthened our cohesion. Together, we developed strategies, refined our pace, and consolidated our mutual trust.
However, despite all the preparation and enthusiasm, sometimes nature has its own plans. A few days before the Patrouille, the Z2 race had to be canceled due to weather conditions. It was a setback for us, but we kept our composure and perspective. Safety first in the mountains, I accepted this decision wisely and redoubled my determination for the challenges ahead.
Hence, even if the season did not unfold exactly as planned, it was an unforgettable adventure, marked by camaraderie, personal growth, and a passion for the mountains. For me, the Patrouille des Glaciers represents much more than just a competition: it is a symbol of my commitment, perseverance, and love for the great outdoors. And regardless of the final destination, the real triumph lies in the journey itself.
PdG through the eyes of Noëlle Haudenschild
Joining Reaching Summits was a pivotal moment in my life. Created to shatter stereotypes and empower women, this association proved that with the right guidance, women can conquer any challenge. For us, that guiding light was Karine, a remarkable woman who showed us that we are capable of far more than we ever imagined.
Under Karine’s leadership, our journey with Reaching Summits was nothing short of transformative. We received top-notch training from WEMountain, honing our skills under the guidance of experienced mountain guides. Equipped with the best gear, we embarked on our adventure with determination and excitement.
At the outset, our team was a group of strangers, united by a shared goal: to push our limits and prove that women belong in the mountains. Despite the initial challenges posed by our ambitious goal, we rallied together and supported each other every step of the way.
As the final race approached, anticipation filled the air. We had trained tirelessly for this moment, pouring our hearts and souls into every ascent and descent. The excitement was palpable, driving us forward with renewed determination.
But as fate would have it, nature had other plans. Throughout the week leading up to the race, unfavorable weather persisted, preventing Z1, A1 and Z2 patrols from showcasing all the hard work and training we had put in. Despite the organizers’ best efforts to facilitate the event and ensure our safety, it became evident that the elements were not in our favor.
The realization that our hard work and dedication would not culminate in the race we had prepared for was a bitter pill to swallow. Yet, amidst the disappointment, there was a sense of gratitude for the organizers’ unwavering commitment to our safety and well-being. They had left no stone unturned in their preparations, and their dedication did not go unnoticed.
Despite the setback, our journey with Reaching Summits was a triumph of personal growth. We emerged stronger, more confident, and more resilient than ever before. Through our shared experiences, we forged bonds that will last a lifetime.
As I look back on my time with Reaching Summits, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities it has provided me. It’s not just about reaching the summit; it’s about the journey and the lessons learned along the way.
And thanks to Karine and the entire Reaching Summits team, I am now more confident in my abilities than ever before. With their support, I know that the sky is the limit.
Special thanks to Bobst, our main sponsor, for their unwavering commitment to projects like Reaching Summits, which empower women in traditionally male-dominated domains. Additionally, gratitude to WEMountain for their expertise in mountain safety, Movement for providing us with top-quality ski gear, Suprabeam for indispensable headlamps, BlueIce for reliable mountaineering equipment, and Le Koti du Châble for facilitating our connection with Montura, who outfitted us with high-performance attire.
Sometimes, you have to know when "to give up"
To minimise the risks, it is essential to have a deep understanding of both your environment and yourself. Indeed, the weather can be a real danger. But, did you know that our mental, energetic and medical states also play a crucial role in our decision-making and can have a positive or negative impact on our mountain adventure?
Preventing accidents is of utmost importance: your fate is determined BEFORE the avalanche, not AFTER.
Every adventure requires careful planning. What, who, when, where, how: learn to anticipate to avoid the unexpected. Adapting to the environment and being vigilant for changes is key to a safe backcountry practice.
Sometimes, it’s hard to take a step back, especially when you have perfectly planned your mountain adventure and have been trained for it. However, we must remember that nature always has the final say. Stay aware of your surroundings and be open to the possibility of postponing your ride. Safety first! The mountain isn’t going anywhere, you can always come back another time.
Start your mountain learning journey online today: www.w3mountain.com/en/shop
