Flying and riding: Géraldine Fasnacht's ultimate alpine adventure

For the past three years, renowned athlete and pioneer Géraldine Fasnacht has been working on a project of exceptional scope: riding the northwest face of the Nordend, a steep 55-degree slope culminating at 4,608 meters. Rarely practicable due to its extreme conditions, this slope is in ice practically all year round and is rarely in a condition to be descended. Géraldine chose to access it by air aboard her ultralight aircraft,Roméo, combining her passions for snowboarding, aviation and exploring the most beautiful lines in the Alps. This unique challenge requires absolute mastery of high-altitude piloting and in-depth knowledge of Alpine conditions.

On June 13, 2024, after three years of observing and waiting for perfect conditions, Géraldine seized her chance. She achieved an unprecedented feat: making the highest landing in the Alps at 14,000 feet on a crevasse-strewn glacier. This technical feat marks the starting point for an extraordinary sequence of events: riding the north-west face of Nordend before setting off again by air.

This project is the result of meticulous physical, mental and technical preparation, and a meticulous requirement to know every parameter - from the shifting winds to the quality of the snow - has been analyzed to push back the limits while calculating the risks.

"Flying and riding are my way of expressing myself. For a brief moment, I'm one with the elements,“ confides Géraldine. An adventure emblematic of her pioneering spirit, which continues to inspire and redefine mountain possibilities.