The results of the 2013 Piolets d'Or were announced in Courmayeur on Friday the 5th of April and the winner was.....everyone.
The standard of the nominees in the running for the award was so high that the jury was unable to separate their achievements, deciding instead to award a Piolet D'Or to each of the six shortlisted expeditions. It is believed that this unusual but understandable move heralds a new direction for the Piolets d'Or, one which the organisers believe will lead to 'more emphasis on diversity.'
Whilst all six of the expeditions were granted the prestigious award, a special mention was given to two ascents of Cerro Torre that were carried out with a particular emphasis on 'fair means'. Cerro Torre in Patagonia (3,218m) is the site of ongoing controversy in the mountaineering world stemming from Cesare Maestri's 1970 'Compressor Route' ascent which left the mountain littered with more than 400 bolts.
The Piolets d'Or is the most prestigious prize in mountaineering which recognises and rewards the spirit and style of Alpinism and respect for the mountains.
Congratulations to all six of the nominees and in particular the four British winners - Mick Fowler/ Paul Ramsden for their ascent of Prow of Shiva in India and Sandy Allan/Rick Allen for their complete traverse of the Mazeno Ridge on Nanga Parbat in Pakistan.
