Cimalp athlete and climber Kilian Moni, accompanied by his friend Lilian Chance, ventured into the legendary Cascade de la Massue (140m), located at Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. The first ice fall ever to be graded 7, it was a childhood dream turned reality for these two climbers. Explore this icy adventure.
The world-renowned Cascade de la Massue was in perfect condition at the start of 2023. Located in the majestic Fer-à-Cheval cirque in Sixt, Haute-Savoie, this ice fall is the stuff of legend. Since its first ascent in 1992, very few parties have climbed it due to the rarity of its formation. Fewer than ten climbers have dared attempt it.
But this year, several roped teams had the chance and the pleasure of climbing it — among them the duo of Kilian Moni, Cimalp athlete, and Lilian Chance, and the pairing of Pierrick Fine and Xavier Cailhol, as well as members of the Groupe Militaire de Haute-Montagne.
The world-renowned Cascade de la Massue was in perfect condition at the start of 2023. Located in the majestic Fer-à-Cheval cirque in Sixt, Haute-Savoie, this ice fall is the stuff of legend. Since its first ascent in 1992, very few parties have climbed it due to the rarity of its formation. Fewer than ten climbers have dared attempt it.
But this year, several roped teams had the chance and the pleasure of climbing it — among them the duo of Kilian Moni, Cimalp athlete, and Lilian Chance, and the pairing of Pierrick Fine and Xavier Cailhol, as well as members of the Groupe Militaire de Haute-Montagne.
Like an inaccessible and fleeting dream
Along with the Cascade de la Lyre, the Massue was among the first ice falls to be graded 7, on that same day of 6 January 1992, by Thierry Renault and François Damilano. Since then, it has been ascended only a handful of times, as this glacial formation rarely comes into condition. The year 2023 was therefore exceptional for climbers. Specialist media covered the various ascents, hailing them as a unique and fleeting opportunity. The account by Montagnes Magazine bears witness to the passion of mountaineers and ice climbers around the legendary "Massue".Kilian, mountain passion in his soul
A true child born from the heart of nature and the mountains, Kilian Moni is first and foremost a seasoned caver and an enthusiast of underground exploration, having spent his early years in siphons during cave diving. Today, it is his love of and ambitions for the highest summits that guide his everyday life. He has lost count of the hours spent on cliffs and in high mountain terrain, ice axe and crampons in hand. It is alongside his friends that he now seeks out legendary routes on the most iconic mountain faces and walls. Much like one of his loyal rope partners, Hubert Boixeda, mountaineering and ice climbing became true passions for Kilian. He is also a keen sport and traditional climber, canyoner, and ski tourer. A genuinely talented mountain kid, we told you!
©Timothée Nietschke
