A group of four friends from Świdnica and the surrounding area went on a high-mountain expedition to the Alps on July 20-28 to conquer the highest peak in Europe – Mont Blanc (4810 m above sea level). The expedition included: Robert Matuszczak, Marek Madera, Mirosław Patyk and Mariusz Kubik.
– Due to the fact that this is a peak of considerable height and the risk of altitude sickness is high, it was decided to organize the expedition in such a way as to minimize this risk as much as possible. The Austrian Alps were chosen as the acclimatization site, or rather the highest peak in Austria – Grossglockner (3798 m above sea level). This particular peak was chosen for a reason, because it belongs to the Crown of Europe, which I collect by the way. After reaching the town of Kals am Grossglockner, we set off into the mountains the next day. We chose the normal route through the beautiful Kӧdnitztal valley, then the Kӧdnitzkees glacier, crossing the ridge via via ferrata, up to the Erzherzog-Johann-Hütte hut. The next day, an early ascent to the summit and descent through the glacier to the starting point. This peak is quite technically difficult and requires belaying equipment and climbing skills. – explains expedition participant, Mariusz Kubik.
The next day was a drive to the Chamonix area and an overnight stay at a campsite. At 7:00 a.m. the next day, the participants set off by mountain tram to an altitude of 2,400 m above sea level, to continue the arduous climb to the Tete Rousse refuge (3,150 m above sea level). – At such heights, you should remember not to overdo the daily elevation gain. The next day was the famous Grand Couloir, also known as the Death Couloir or colloquially the Rolling Stones. This is a place where stones fly almost every day, which have caused many deaths or injuries. Then, a climb up a steeply inclined wall to the Gouter shelter at an altitude of 3,800 m above sea level. Finally, the day of the summit attack came. At 3:00 a.m. we attacked the summit of Mont Blanc, to report there at 8:30 a.m. in beautiful, sunny weather, admiring the amazing landscape of the snow-covered Alps from a perspective of 3,600. On the same day, we went down – add the expedition participants.
– For many, many years, our group has been organizing and going on various trekking trips in Poland, Europe, and even further afield. The Tatras are our favorite place, where we often go. Of course, we do not despise our Sudetes and Beskids (completed GSS and GSB). We have been to the Pyrenees, Alps, Romanian and Ukrainian Carpathians, Corsica (famous GR20 trail), or the Balkans. Outside of Europe, we managed to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro in Africa and the mountains in Georgia. As for our plans, we are planning a trip to Nepal this year. Unfortunately, our passion and love for the mountains are associated with frequent absences from home, which is why we are very grateful to our wives, children and families for their understanding and patience. We love you! We would also like to thank all those who support us, keep their fingers crossed and support us. Our passion generates large financial outlays, which is why we are looking for a sponsor who could at least partially finance our expeditions. – conclude the recent conquerors of Mont Blanc.
/MDvR, PHOTO: on loan/