The annual Piolets d'Or, which celebrates the greatest ascents and mountaineering achievements in the last 12 months, is to take place in Grenoble in 2017.
After seven consecutive events in Chamonix Mont-Blanc and last year in La Grave, at the foot of Meije massif, the event organizers have chosen, this year, to set up their base camp in the city of Grenoble, the "Capital of the Alps".
Taking on a new form, this 25th edition of the Piolets d'Or will include hands-on workshops, offering a high-quality event, in the hope of reaching a larger audience.
For the first time, the event will take place in two parts, the first in April and the second in November, during the Grenoble’s annual “Rencontre Ciné Montagne".
In April, a ceremony is to take place with four days of honours, reflection and discovery courses in alpinism (basic courses for beginners).
“Inspiration, action and sharing” will be the headlines for the 2017 Piolets d’Or.
The Schedule for April - Piolets d'Or 2017:
-
Wednesday 12th April, Special Evening at the Auditorium Alpes Congrès, Piolet d'Or Career (Lifetime Achievement Award) for the American mountaineer Jeff Lowe;
- Thursday 13th April, International Forum on the Evolution of the Piolets d’Or Charter, organised by the Groupe de Haute Montagne (GHM) on the issue of proof of ascents in high-level alpinism. Following the debate, the International Jury will announce the Piolets d’Or recipients for the most significant ascents of 2016.
- The weekend of 14th and 15th April is dedicated to the public. The GHM and former Piolet d’Or recipients will organise activities and discovery courses in alpinism in the mountain ranges surrounding Grenoble.
The Schedule for November - Piolets d'Or 2017:
The date has not yet been fixed. The event will include film projections and an award ceremony for Piolets d’Or recipients at the Palais des Sports in Grenoble.
The Piolet d'Or Career Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2017, the Piolet d'Or Career (Lifetime Achievement Award) is awarded to Jeff Lowe.
The American mountaineer has revolutionised alpinism several times over. Jeff will receive the 9th Piolet d’Or Lifetime Achievement Award, following on from the Polish mountaineer, Wojciech Kurtyka, who received the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award in La Grave.
Also, on Wednesday 12th April, the documentary "Metanoia", directed by Jim Aikman, will be shown in the presence of many climbing companions. Metanoia is about Jeff Lowe's life, business and climbing career.
