Cimalp mountaineer and athlete Kilian Moni, accompanied by his friend Lilian Chance, ventured into the mythical Massue waterfall (140m), located at Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. The first ice fall ever graded 7, it is a childhood dream come true for these two climbers. Check out this glacial adventure.
The Massue waterfall, world-famous, was in perfect condition at the start of 2023. Located in the majestic Fer-à-Cheval cirque in Sixt, Haute-Savoie, this ice waterfall is legendary. Since its first ascent in 1992, very few climbers have made it to the top, due to the rarity of its formation. Fewer than ten climbers have dared attempt it.
But this year, several roped teams had the luck and pleasure of climbing it. Among them, the duo of Kilian Moni, Cimalp athlete, and Lilian Chance, as well as the pair of Pierrick Fine and Xavier Cailhol, and members of the High Mountain Military Group.
The Massue waterfall, world-famous, was in perfect condition at the start of 2023. Located in the majestic Fer-à-Cheval cirque in Sixt, Haute-Savoie, this ice waterfall is legendary. Since its first ascent in 1992, very few climbers have made it to the top, due to the rarity of its formation. Fewer than ten climbers have dared attempt it.
But this year, several roped teams had the luck and pleasure of climbing it. Among them, the duo of Kilian Moni, Cimalp athlete, and Lilian Chance, as well as the pair of Pierrick Fine and Xavier Cailhol, and members of the High Mountain Military Group.
Like an unreachable, fleeting dream
Along with the Lyre waterfall, 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, its ascent has been completed only a handful of times, as this glacial formation is exceptionally rare. The year 2023 was therefore exceptional for climbers. Specialist media covered the various ascents, seen as a unique and fleeting opportunity. The account by Montagnes Magazine speaks to the passion of alpinists and ice climbers for the legendary "Massue".Kilian, a mountain passion at heart
A true child born from the heart of nature and the mountains, Kilian Moni is first and foremost a seasoned caver and passionate underground explorer. He spent his early years diving through underwater siphons. Now, it is his love and ambition for the highest summits that guide his daily life. He has lost count of the hours spent on cliffs in high mountain terrain, armed with ice axes and crampons. It is alongside his friends that he now seeks to tackle mythical routes on the most beautiful mountain faces and walls. Just like one of his loyal roped companions, Hubert Boixeda, mountaineering and ice climbing have become true passions for Kilian. He is also into sport and traditional climbing, canyoning, and ski touring. A genuinely talented mountain kid, we told you!
©Timothée Nietschke
