Mathieu, Scarpa alpinism ambassador

Mountaineering - France

Mathieu Maynadier

The Thirst for Discovery

Born and raised in the Southern French Alps, Mathieu has always had the mountains as a constant reference point. His first experiences came in ski mountaineering, where he was part of the French national team for four years, winning a 2nd place at the Youth European Championships and two French national titles.

After his competitive years, he decided to leave racing behind to dedicate himself more and more to alpinism and expeditions around the world. He has climbed on ice
and rock across Europe, the United States, China, Nepal, Peru, Alaska, and Baffin Island, building a career defined by new challenges and remote adventures.

At home in the Alps, he works as a mountain guide and is also responsible for organizing Ice Climbing Écrins, the largest ice climbing festival in France. Yet his true essence remains exploration: from the glaciers of the Cordillera Blanca to the
icefalls of Quebec, from Mexico’s great walls to the vastness of the Himalayas,
every journey is part of his quest for adventure.

Since 2012, he has found a second home in Pakistan, discovering an endless playground of alpinistic possibilities, which he hopes to continue exploring with the goal of opening new routes on the world’s highest mountains.

Mathieu Maynadier ice climbing in the Dolomites

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Winter mountaineering boot for technical ice and mixed climbs

"My thirst for discovery never fades: every mountain, every journey is only the beginning of something greater."

Mathieu Maynadier

Mathieu’s Most Iconic Achievements

First ascent of Lunag I (6,850 m, Nepal) – With the route Close the Door (ED, 1,300 m), one of his greatest alpine-style climbs, nominated for the Piolet d’Or 2011.

First ascent of the South Face of Gauri Shankar (Nepal) – The route Gare au Gauri (2,000 m, 5+ M5 A1 ED+), completed in alpine style on one of the Himalaya’s least explored peaks.

First ascent of Le théorème de la peine (Latok II, 7,020 m, Pakistan) – 2,000 m on the south-east face, climbed in light alpine style, confirming his role in exploratory alpinism.

International expeditions – Including La marshal’alba del sueños on Chopicalqui (Peru), Move your ass and your mind will follow on Mount Dickey (Alaska), and several new routes in Greenland.

First ascent of Birthday Crack (Dolomites, 2023) – Opened with close friends Francesco Favilli and Daniel Ladurner in Val Lunga, a climb that embodies both friendship and alpinism.

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