British pilot Squash Falconer achieved a lifetime’s ambition in September when she became the first British woman to paraglide from the summit of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak at 4,810 m.
An experienced mountaineer with ascents of Aconcagua and 8,000 m Cho Oyu under her belt, she enlisted the help of Annecy-based guide Irwyn Jehu to help her climb the mountain.
It wasn’t easy going, as she reveals in this podcast. On their first attempt to summit she fell, pulled Irwyn with her and only stopped after some serious ice-axe braking.
The pair’s second attempt was foiled by bad weather, but their third, ultimately successful, try saw them walk from near the valley floor to the very top. There the pair waited out the weather before finally launching on the Italian side and flying back into France. “It took two days up and 20 minutes to get down,” she says.
For pilots who want to follow in her footsteps, she adds, “Be prepared. Have the right lightweight kit, give yourself enough time, and take a good climbing partner.”
Squash completed the climb and flight for Cancer Research. Donate at www.justgiving.com/squashfalconer.
You can read all about this adventure on Squash’s blog.
