SAMAYA x LILIAN CHANCE
A BIVOUAC AT THE SUMMIT OF THE GRANDES JORASSES
Suspended in the heart of the Grandes Jorasses, Lilian Chance and his companions are about to embark on an extraordinary adventure. From an icy bivouac at an altitude of over 4,000 meters, to an unforgettable starlit night and a breathtaking paragliding take-off, the mountain imposes its challenges and reveals its grandeur. Discover the fascinating story of a journey where every moment celebrates the audacity and raw beauty of the peaks.
As the sun slowly declines behind Mont Blanc, the Grandes Jorasses plunges into the icy darkness of the high mountains. Lilian Chance, accompanied by two friends, is about to experience an extraordinary night, suspended in the heart of the peaks. While two other members of the expedition begin their descent towards Courmayeur, the remaining trio look for a place to set up camp, at an altitude of 4,208 meters.
Hunger still mingles with the euphoria of the summit, but the cold begins to remind them of their reality. Under the last light of day, Lilian and his companions use their bare hands and ice axes to dig a rough platform in the snow. Each gesture is a struggle against the immensity and harshness of the mountain. Their improvised shelter becomes a precious refuge, fragile and grandiose at the same time.
The meal is frugal, consisting of the meagre scraps found in their packs. Then, wrapped up in their comforters, they huddle together to retain a little warmth in the face of the humidity that is seeping in everywhere. Fortunately, Lilian can rely on his Samaya NANO BIVY sleeping bag, which limits condensation and slows down the inevitable freezing. Meanwhile, the sky slowly opens up above them, revealing a celestial vault of indescribable purity. The Milky Way bursts with light, crossed by shooting stars that seem to dance to the rhythm of their breathing. The cold is omnipresent, but the beauty of the night offers them respite. Wonder replaces fear, and sleep gently envelops them.
Early in the morning, the sun rises behind the Matterhorn, flooding the peaks with golden light. The emotion is immense. Lilian contemplates this unreal scene, her mind racing with a single thought: the incredible opportunity to experience such a rare, authentic moment. Every color, every shadow becomes a memory engraved in her mind.
After a feverish awakening, the team set off for a jog along the icy ridge, leaving behind the traces of an unforgettable night. But as they prepare their equipment for the return flight, something unexpected happens: Lilian's paraglider, soaked with moisture during the night, is frozen and rigid. Once again, the mountains impose their rules.
With patience and creativity, Lilian places his wing against his body to warm it up and speed up thawing. Meanwhile, his friends are busy adjusting their equipment, well aware of the challenges of taking off at this altitude. There's no wind, little lift and the bags weigh over 20 kg. Despite all this, the team coordinates with precision and prepares for the final stage of this extraordinary adventure.
Take-off marks the climax of their journey. Lilian and his companions soar through the air, flying over the mythical north face of the Grandes Jorasses and around the Col des Hirondelles. Every second is a gift. Gliding gently down to the valley, they fly over snow-capped peaks and majestic cols, taking with them images that will stay with them forever.
