Mont Blanc // Rescuing a Russian

[@frankiev8295]

I don’t blame the Russian. He probably subscribes to your channel and thought….“anyone can do a 15 to 30 mile, 5,000 to 10,000ft vert gain round trip in half a day”.You guys are animals. That dude was out of his depth….very fortunate you were there.

[@awKtn32-_-]

The mediocre team makes everything looks easy!

[@silasmarner7586]

I am more or less retired from mountaineering, and I'm a more mediocre amateur by far than these guys, but that Russian has ZZZEEEERRROOOO technique and is a hazard to himself and others.

[@conorlinehan4434]

Anyone can do the things these amateurs do.

[@awKtn32-_-]

@@conorlinehan4434 I’m sure you climb bigger mountain faster than these guys but their efficiency is very impressive! Sorry everyone can’t live up to your abilities Conor.

[@conorlinehan4434]

@@awKtn32-_- you must not be very intelligent, as this was a pun on words based on the “mediocre amateur” name lolz. I can’t do 10% of what they do looooool

[@thorstenreitz7302]

Going from Midi to Mont Blanc this way has long been considered a quite challenging climb, with substantial objective risks from weather and ice/snow avalanches. Good to see that you made the call to return and that you go safely out of this (together with Andreas, who indeed looked like he was in way over his head). A hint: Sometimes you can call the cable car and inform them that you are rescuing soemone, and they will wait or go an extra time (often they go one more time a bit later anyways for the staff).

[@mtadams2009]

Many years ago, my friend and I helped carry out a very badly injured backcountry skier off of Mount Washington NH. I don't remember his name and I never heard from him again. He was an orthopedic surgeon is all I remember. I remember carrying him out was very difficult and much harder than I expected. What I do remember is feeling really good for being in the right place at the right time and that feeling lasted for a bit. The next day we headed back up and skied like nothing ever happened. I do remember looking at my friend and without a word with both knew are plans for a big day of skiing had changed and something much more important needed to be done. I am happy you were there for him; you really never know what could have happened. Take care and thank you for doing the right thing.

[@FerrerLarruy]

I totally agree with you, Scott. In high mountain we have to behave like humans first...

[@kevinbrooks1104]

Sometimes you just have to be decent, thank for your integrity, doing the right thing when nobody is watching, can be difficult. Much respect for you and your friend

[@riccardobelleggia4260]

Hey guys congrats for your alpine adventures! I would like to point out a few mistakes I think you have done on this summit push. It's up for discussion, and these are just my 2 cents - that route has objective dangers especially later in the day. Starting from Chamonix and not from the Cosmique adds unnecessary risk. People usually starts at 2 A.M. from the Cosmique to make it as safe as possible - it's good practice to check the conditions with the hut or guides before embarking on a high mountain route like that. A phone call to the Hut would have been enough to understand that it was not meant to be on that day, given the conditions. - Same for the gear: always gain informations about the conditions of the ice and vertical sections and the gear other alpinists or guides suggest to bring - cool that you met Andreas, but never leave somebody alone in the glacier, especially if it's someone that can be psychologically and phisically stranded. And especially if it's later in the day and the weather is changing (heli rescue is not always an option). You have done it twice in this case. A secondary summit is not worth risking somebody else's life. Also, you can call the Midi tram and say you just rescued a guy and please to wait 5 extra minutes for you. They are usually keen to do that. That being said, climb on!

[@thehunt85]

I'm no where at your or their level but everything you pointed out seems like basic steps someone at their level would have taken. I felt the anxiety of that older gentleman being left alone at the end even if the guys knew that he physically was "ok" with where they split off from him. No judgement... it just surprised me that experienced climbers would leave someone.

[@hyperadapted]

@@thehunt85 its not ok - just some ego tripping to summut something. Potential sacrifice to go after own pleasure. The bragging how they saved him. Up until now I enjoyed the videos but this one exposed heavy character flaws which makes me reconsider liking the content

[@DaViDCZ321]

Amen

[@Dontbustthecrust]

That is true and still a mistake, but damn these guys are really really fast.

[@LydJaGillers]

There's a lot to learn from this video. For starters, it is great that you guys were there and willing and able to help him down what seemed to him to be an impossible task. Secondly, and this is for the others who watch these videos, always stay with your group. If you start with a group, you need to stay with that group and be willing to accept the decisions of the group as a whole. If you feel you cannot do that, then you need to find a different group. It is really unsafe to climb any mountain and even more so when doing it alone, especially mountains such as Mont Blanc. I hope the Russian guy learned from this and knows that for future climbs he should stay with his group. But also, for future groups, don't allow someone to be left behind.

[@keylarodriguez7541]

Hi guys! I met two of you in a restaurant in Chamonix and you told us the story of rescuing Russian guy. Crazyyyy but so lucky for him you were there. Plus the view from up high breathtaking… saw mount blanc for a week doing the trek but seeing a different perspective amazing. Kudos to you all!!

[@A-Aa-ron]

Whoa, great to hear from you! Your groups seemed way awesome and that dinner and wine from La Tablee was so tasty after a good day in the mountains. Hope the rest of your trip went well. Thanks for the comment! -Aaron

[@DannyLovesPolska]

Just found tour channel. You guys are awesome. Cheers! Keep inspiring

[@xsteevox]

Proof that people will do anything to hang out with you guys!

[@cliffordcrimson7124]

I've climbed beyond my capability to descend a few times and it really is a paralyzing situation. Once I decided I had to go down no matter what (stuck above a snowfield in a saddle at 3pm, storms coming in) and had no way to glissade safely since I kicked steps up planning to take a backside trail down. Stupid. No broken bones but many bruises and cuts. I must have hit 30mph at least screaming in a mix of pure joy and pure terror. Then again, pure joy and terror are why we climb at all.

[@bellicose2037]

True

[@StrikeEngine]

I think its a fine line between getting out of your comfort zone and getting in over your head. At what point does one become the other? What are the signs? Any tips welcome!

[@cliffordcrimson7124]

@@StrikeEngine Very true. Planning makes the biggest difference. If you have contingencies, a potentially dangerous situation just becomes a challenging situation. I didn't consider having to descend early and my point of no return was stupidly low down.

[@Dontbustthecrust]

@@StrikeEngine good question. It sucks but I guess it's learned from experience. Initially putting yourself out of your comfort zone and then realizing that wasn't so bad.

[@CodaLucente]

Maybe you. I tend to like going home at the end of the day. Been climbing for 25 years in the alps. Americans...

[@Neontrifle]

Great that you looked after the fella, thanks for another great one

[@dustinbilodeau2940]

Well I have finally caught up and watched every Mediocre video. The content is too good to be free. Thanks Danny. Its been a hell of a run

[@seantoms4697]

Great video I have done Mt Blanc 3 times via the Gouter Ridge once in a heavy snow and , like you have done the Tacul , bet you liked the short rock pitch on the summit of Mt B du Tacul .Andrew was taking a big risk soloing , he was lucky he was doing it in very dry conditions - in a typical year his risk of ending up in a slot would be high. Well done for helping him , one advantage 4 on rope lessens any of you being dragged into a slot , you took a risk as he could have fallen and pulled you all off on the face. Noted the 15 foot 70 degree wall , you probably made a good call as the slope up to the Col Maudit can be steep in a dry summer , in 19 , 3 friends who climb WI 4+ told me they had to pitch the face using ice screws , not normal its usually 50 degree snow. Good luck on your next trip !

[@torgersontravis]

Does anyone else watch enough of these videos that the opening beat pops into your head when you're going on a mild hike?

[@miferna]

I have been to the Mont Blanc a few times through different routes. If you guys are up to the task (which I am pretty sure you are), I suggest you choose the Bionassay Arette route. You will not find as many people there and once you reach the Durier Hut, is all joy from there. Of course you will have to go down via the regular Gouter route, so be aware that you will need to manage the vehicle/bus combination. If you have a semi capable SUV or a true 4x4... you can start the route in the Chalets Du Miage and avoid some kms of dirt road. If you don't want to do arette climbing or the conditions are not good, go through Grand Mulets. The 4000's Route (Tacul, Maudit, Mont Blanc) is waaaaay to long to be enjoyable IMHO. Cool video and thanks for helping that russian guy. Seeing how he downclimbs I think we can all agree he was trying to do a route above his skill and fitness level. Mikel

[@ianwood4406]

Hugely balled-up crampon at 9:19 ... Dude was so fortunate to meet you guys!

[@13WhiteFang37]

Yup, and loose crampon fastener, perfect recipe for a disaster.

[@triroli71]

Does he wear crampons without cleats (is this the right word for 'Stollplatten'?)? unbelievable

[@michaelb1761]

Yep, noticed that too, but figured nothing bad came of it or the video wouldn't be posted.

[@counterfit5]

@@triroli71 usually called anti-balling plates in English

[@AleksandarGospic]

Pity you couldn't reach the summit of Mont Blanc because of that bergschrund but looks like you wouldn't make it before the clouds anyway so bergschrund saved you from an unnecessary effort :) But making it back to Midi from Mont Blanc du Tacul in 2h is crazy, you are machines :) Great video as always and kudos for helping that Russian!

[@Rendarth1]

That was a great sub-peak to summit, regardless of not making it to Mont Blanc, and with a good deed along the way at that! I liked that this video showed that even though you guys are amazing climbers, you still take safety into account when on a route, and can fall victim to poor beta / trip reports like anyone else.

[@cyclingbutterbean]

My grandmother used to say you earn "stars in your crown" for good deeds done. You guys earned some serious hardware for your deeds with Andreas.....................................

[@Scott7169]

Great video chaps, good call on the early turn around and great helping the Russian dude. After watching all Mediocre videos I get the Impression Danny isn't the most patient of guys..... Great video as ever.

[@oneofnine4212]

Any experienced chmonix climber knows, the hardest route in the valle blanche is undoubtedly the final slog up to the midi, before the last bin goes down. Otherwise you spend the night in the midi station luxurious restrooms.

[@gerylagrande]

So you abandon the russian guy who has clearly big problems to get to another less important summit, and then you leave him for good on the glacier while weather is changing because you somehow have to run to make it to the very "important" last gondola on Aiguille du Midi. You are exactly the kind of dudes i would like to climb Mount Everest with 🤣👍

[@corneliasfudge]

I was worried they would twist an arm patting themselves on the back

[@davidryan4454]

Personal responsibility ..... Russian was an idiot who broke the golden rule.

[@donnydont]

I don't get it, what were his options if he missed this gondola? Is he screwed?

[@soolyOnE]

@@donnydont As said in the video, he had the cosmique hut near him. It's a refugio with food and beds.

[@Logan-kj8be]

Some may even call that rescue a "Miracle on Ice"

[@jasonwooden]

I see what you did there.

[@jimc.goodfellas]

Haha

[@counterfit5]

Turned out much better for Russia this time

[@trevorswayhome]

Good job guys 🌞 I’ll never forget coming down from mt adams, with no water, and these absolute saviors had some water and blue ribbon for me. Homie probably had a long think about preparation for adventures like this. Y’all are bad ass

[@mrsi4mon]

The repertoire of different names given to that man by Danny was comical 😂

[@kaspareevald2264]

We managed to summit the same route during this summer. The conditions weren't great on the glacier and the huge crevasse was there too, but with really a crevasse beneath it. There were fix ropes needed and many anchors on the way up over the Maudit Col. But we managed it and got to the summit. The whole summit day took us 20 hours... which was really crazy in terms of endurance and fatigue. Arriving the Cosmique at 10PM in the evening was a big relief... Good luck!

[@vinzenzboman607]

It took you 20 hours to the summit.. Amazing.. Last month it took me 8 hours to the summit and 4 hours to descend and I was very tired. I cannot imagine how it feels to walk 20 hours without a sleep.

[@kaspareevald2264]

@@vinzenzboman607 Felt very challenging, especially the way down once you were very tired both physically and mentally, but had to be focused and firm. So, but now I’ve summited Mont Blanc two different routes and I’m bit proud too! 😄

[@robinsmith9734]

Great day you guys, and non-errant decision-making! I was there in '72' and '86' and,, but weather and conditions, held. we made an igloo for an over-nighter, on a good flat spot. Full moon and all. Bonati days fixed firmly in our heads, and Gaston Rebuffat. You all rock.............

[@0hn0haha]

Me being a dirty Ruskie myself I wholeheartedly support your new Russian saving endeavors

[@justrione]

Outstanding Sir. Thank you for sharing your adventures

[@brendonm.deverix8491]

one thing about the hiking/ climbing community that gave me a masterclass in humility. ive never met someone in the mountains not willing to help one another without hesitation and any time theres a chance for people to help one another, you'll only ever hear about how glad they were to stumble upon them and be of help. something ive gathered from being both the saved and the savior so to speak.

[@user-zn5td2cp1u]

They did hesitate though - then they left him. The fact it was something they casually had to weigh up whether to help or not was disturbing to me.

[@brendonm.deverix8491]

@@user-zn5td2cp1u when you’re in a group you owe it to the people to the side of you to have the conversation. Nothing is assumed. And they left him in good shape and he assured them he was okay. They also can’t allow this man to put their climbing safety at risk. Some random man not knowing what he’s doing on the mountain should not be the reason that others get into worse situations.

[@user-sk9hl7si7l]

​@@brendonm.deverix8491u need to catch what u preach here on mountain,let's see what your thoughts gon be if u make it. Helping each other worth more than your climb goal ,we are humans not animals

[@NameNaameNameeNaamee]

Objectively, tackling Mont Blanc solo in the state it's in right now speaks of very bad judgement. Actually, tackling Mont Blanc right now in any scenario does as well. That Mountain as we know it is dying, and that process is immensly dangerous. Rocks the size of a house are coming down and glaciers are more treaturous than ever. But it's good to see that you made the right call and turned around. And good to help that poor guy out as well. Who knows, maybe it was his life long dream to do this, and being a used car salesman in russia will not put you into a position where you can fly out two friends into the alps with you. So we should have a bit compassion for that dude I think.

[@donovanbloom5943]

It wouldn't be a Mediocre Amateur video without yall having to run the last leg in order to make it back in time for something 😂. Loved the vid

[@domesticterrorist483]

The Brenva spur is a great route to the top. Did it 25 years ago. Probably in poor condition now. Poignant to see the Tacul face. Downclimbed it in the dark once after summiting via the Gervasutti pilar, also a top route. Lost a friend who slipped descending the Tacul with a French partner. Willie died as he fell from above the frenchie who tried to arrest the fall. Saved himself albeit with serious injuries. RIP Willie.

[@seantoms4697]

Did you do the Col Moore start or the Gussefelt start and in what month , we went to do it in 19 but July was way out of conditions , we asked the conditions at the guides , they literally laughed while they said you are 2 months too late .

[@domesticterrorist483]

@@seantoms4697 Col Moore in late June. All these classic snow/ice routes are now spring routes basically. I see why the guides laughed at you. Hope you get to do it somwe day. Or even better by the central Pillar de Freny.

[@dylancolon5871]

The Brenva is now considered extremely dangerous because of changes in the glacier. It's now very exposed to serac fall, and unfortunately people don't really bother with it anymore. Maybe someday those seracs will all fall off and the route will become safer again.

[@theworldhiker1]

Great video guys...and glad you were able to help out Andreas as well. Well done!! Hope to do Blanc one of these years.

[@Fellmandave1]

Happy memories for me of doing Mont Blanc du Tacul with almost zero acclimatisation, for many as a regional 4000m peak it's a key target. So to say you did not summit is doing that fine peak something of a disservice. Good job rescuing, a memory that will stay with you and I am sure the karma will come back. Mont Maudit has a reputation, just look at the translation. I was keen to do it at onetime but the British guide I was using was not at all!

[@opotopo1]

I once had to run to make the last bin down from the midi - an experience that'd i'd completely forgotten until watching this! Nice job!

[@dylancolon5871]

I've barely made it running so hard I felt sick, and also just straight up missed it and spent a long cold night in the station. That won't kill you, but it sucks really bad and is definitely not recommended.

[@chrishall6364]

I’ve recently discovered your channel and been watching quite a few videos; no doubt I’ll be working through them all as I find them compulsive viewing! I have to say you guys are absolutely awesome in the adventures that you do and the videography showcasing them. As a Brit, I’ll probably never visit the locations in North America, but it’s a real enjoyment and privilege to be able to see them through your filming. Seriously impressed!

[@ChesterChi3]

If you're ever up for trip, you could go to Washington state and visit Mt Rainier, St Helens, Mt Adams, Mt Hood, Mt Baker, Mt Jefferson and the 3 Sisters all in one trip.

[@DaveSearle]

Long gone are the days of doing that route in a day with light boots, alloy crampons and 1 axe unfortunately. It was one of my favourite high altitude day hits. Anyone who knows these mountains could have told you guys this so you could have saved the hassle. But perhaps you had to go to save the guy? Don’t be afraid to reach out for advice on conditions would be my advice.

[@A-Aa-ron]

We'd heard that things were spicier than normal, but one person's spicy can be another's walk in the park. Don't know till you go - you can always just turn around (which we did). Certainly I don't regret "the hassle" of hanging out on Mont Blanc for the day!

[@DaveSearle]

@@A-Aa-ron hassle was maybe the wrong word, maybe exposure would have been better. sure you made the right call to turn around but it’s a heck of a lot of objective risk to take on to have a punt at something. It’s widely considered that descending (or ascending) MBD tacul normal route in the afternoon in the summer is a bad idea. Of course everyone has there own level of risk tolerance…

[@fastbloommessi7211]

Wow rescuing a human what goodwill. Subscribed

[@ivo_picha]

Maybe it is not my business to comment but I think you have way too much slack on the rope on many of the steep sections. The point of being roped up on terrain where there is a risk of falling is that if the rope is almost straight then if someone falls the person above them can easily stop the fall. If god forbid one of you guys fell on some of the steep sections where you have a lot of hanging rope between you then what I can imagine would happen is the person falling would gather enough speed to take down the person above as well and then you have double the trouble. Please correct me if I am wrong!

[@Larock-wu1uu]

Thought the same...

[@dylancolon5871]

To be honest even with a tight rope a fall would be extremely hard to hold on slopes that steep and icy. You are really counting on your partners to not fall if you're not placing pickets or screws.

[@jl4921]

So @Danny... any Christmas presents for the audience? Nervously awaiting next video... 🎄🎁⛷📼

[@Charles-xe2qh]

Excellent video! You guys seems exceptionally fit. I could have done about a quarter of that! A dangerous decision by that Russian guy to be up there on his own!! Bravo for helping him! I was there maybe 10 years ago and I spoke with a local guide called Franck Chapon of Chamonix Sport Adventure. He said that even then the slopes on mountains like Mont Blanc du Tacul had gotten a lot steeper due to the snow melting away. It looks like it has got worse since then. I was surprised to see exposed rocks at the summit of Mont Blanc du Tacul, I didn't think there were any. But it has been a very warm summer in the Alps I think!

[@jhet75]

Known as the Cosmic Route to Mont Blanc, that's a serious endeavour. I would always recommend having at least one guide going into that area. Everyone was lucky to come away.

[@offpiste312]

Should’ve done the Dent du Geant Hahaha @ the solo Russian, every mountain has one

[@jk6561]

When you look at that terrain from the Midi it doesn't look that serious but it obviously is! Well Done Guys!

[@jiggystardust]

If there's a mediocre amateur NOPE it's a hard NOPE for anyone, glad you were able to assist. also learning about an open bergschrund and that is scary

[@jonolson4884]

I miss the old crew. Blake is the best.

[@artartcon1238]

Good job guys! I think you got lifetime patron/comrad from that trip)

[@gerritd-y9k]

Great video. I noticed you guys holding the ropes on the glacier sometimes trying to keep it up off your feet. One trick I've done for this same problems is to put your main carabiner you use to clip into the rope through the two reinforced points on your harness where the belay loop goes. Old harnesses didn't even have a belay loop and this was the standard point to attack a carabiner and rope anyway. Dangling the carabiner from the belay loop loses a few key inches in height.

[@geoffcox75]

Just not clear what happened to Andreas after you made the "last" gondola?!

[@jeremyquiros5483]

I’m curious about something. None of the searches I’ve done for “Mediocre Amateur” get saved to my search history, nor does the name show up in the auto-complete list. Is anyone else experiencing this?

[@bennettmeale1705]

I have this too, not sure why that is

[@christyph3382]

Thank you for helping out

[@trekkingenonsolo]

Amazing channel! Very very lovely hiking movies!

[@harrisonaero]

Nice edit and climb. Hilarious you climbed over the gate at the end :)

[@Mags120fish1]

Incredible and great job helping out the Russian.

[@richarddean2532]

God puts you in the right place at the right time. Great job guys. You guys are amazing and thank you for taking us on your adventures.

[@mongolmcphee7791]

Well done for being good Samaritans lads, I’m proud of you. It’s the right thing to do even if it’s a pain in the arse. In the mountains if you don’t help each other it’s not worth going. Very impressive physical performances from you guys too, not to mention the fact that your still rocking the word “Stoked” long after it’s mid 90’s expiration date. Hero’s! Some excellent videos on your channel lads. Hope your 2023 diary is packed full of adventure. Greetings and best wishes from Scotland. Subscribed.

[@davegrenier1160]

In 1980 I left the Midi after taking the last lift up, spent the early part of the night checking out some routes, and decided they weren't in shape (I was alone), and went back to the Midi and spent the night in the station. The next morning, one of the workers handed me a broom and I swept the floor to earn my overnight stay. (Also bivouacked that same year at the terminus of the Grands Montets lift prior to a late night/very early morning start to a solo climb of the Couturier Couloir of the Aig. Verte. Descended the Whymper Couloir in deteriorating conditions in the company of two Spanish climbers.)

[@pagewhite61]

Happy Rescue a Russian Day!! You are good guys.

[@darrenroberts1713]

Unbelievable, what an absolute great vid once again....! BADASSES!

[@ricardodehoyosjr.3718]

Did the Russian make it?!?!

[@Berry_N]

Wondering the same thing.

[@robfodder5575]

Good on you helping Andrei, but wow, talk about stretching one's capabilities😬You lads smashed it 🤜

[@DannyLovesPolska]

Powered by good vibes for sure!!!! Throwing even more your way! Cheers

[@alexcoumailleau419]

Shame a bout not summitting Blanc but the view from Tacul looked incredible!

[@kevinw1129]

First time I’ve seen the amateurs bite off more than they can chew. Very technical snow/ice climbing. Good for helping the Russian guy though.👏👏

[@allenharris5397]

Many thanks for the Videos and humor 😂

[@markjones3425]

No tracks to follow on Mt. Blanc as there have NO GUIDES taking climbers on the route for several months due to Very Unstable conditions on the mountain caused by the unusual heat this summer at altitude. There have been several deaths related to this. Also any climbers in need of a rescue on the mountain at this time will be forced to pay in full the rescue costs, which are normally a service free of charge....with such huge exposure above as well as on the surface of the glaciers EXTREME caution is to be used....as always in the mountains if you choose to go....happy hunting!

[@peterklauza1481]

Such a great video....Well done guys

[@SileDevil]

that was a good call to go back, the weather did not look the best, i can see thick clouds were making their way down when you summited Maudit

[@paddlefaster]

Good call turning back that move looked sketchy as hell.

[@chaseadventures]

Definitely a good call turning around fellas, what BS beta! Also, the GoPro is never going to capture just how steep that section is but it's steep af

[@justinbayola]

Awesome job guys!

[@riccardocaruso5537]

I suggest you to climb Mont Blanc from Italy next year, it's a lot more beautiful and the climb is a lot more complete in terms of terrain!

[@alannadirov2674]

Why so much stress on a guy being Russian? Does it give your endeavours of helping him some additional credit? I don’t get why are you saying it like a million times.

[@Powder148]

You guys are animals, that dude would had been screwed if it weren’t for you guys

[@DieserLukas]

Thanks!

[@tahirrazzaq9494]

still surprises me this channel doesnt get millions of views!

[@michaelhaag705]

Would love to see a video on the gear you all use on the various trips. Great content, keep it up!

[@nealjoyce8696]

Well done guys 👏👏

[@DNFADV]

Whoa what a serious angle 📐 . Good camera work conveyance.

[@MajorLuke-u2u]

Gorgeous mountain

[@B1GE2]

That answers the age old question of how would I fare if I ever attempted any of these routes?

[@farbeyonddriven8173]

Even when you do make a tram your jumping the gate ❤

[@DanielReyes-zu8em]

The Alps are no joke, you have to see them to understand. There's really nothing like them in the US, save for Alaska. They rise from so much lower of a mean elevation than the Rockies, and they're so much more jagged than anything in the US. Climbing them is quite an undertaking.

[@Debrugger]

Jesus christ I'm not sure I would be able to tie some rando who's in over their head to myself on sketchy snow climbs like that. Kudos to you guys!

[@karenk9404]

He looked like a heavy load to drag if he slid - I wouldn't have been excited about him clipping in either!

[@rmcox003]

Where have Matt and Christof been?! Miss those guys!

[@l214laus]

Someone in the Mediocre group broke their leg, I seem to recall? I can't remember who it was.

[@sune3000]

@@l214laus Christof broke his pelvis a while ago.

[@KavaniLoyan]

Matt hasn't been in any videos for a while

[@bostinaycock8316]

@@KavaniLoyan why

[@user-sk9hl7si7l]

​@@bostinaycock8316dead

[@nealfry2230]

I've Always wanted to be a Mountain Man.

[@AlpineShenanigans]

Poor Danny haha, I bet his reoccurring dreams are about just this kind of scenario!

[@davidwright7193]

This summer seems to have been one for rock routes. The Valley Blanche has a remarkable lack of Blanche

[@milkdrinker5966]

Wauw, I didn't know such crevasse rich terrain existed in the alps

[@alexklein7826]

Been waiting for this video since you told the story on News AF!

[@Spraypainsos]

I just listened to the episode right when this came out, haha.

[@yololoyo3376]

what is news af?

[@Spraypainsos]

@@yololoyo3376 Comedic weird news podcast that Danny is on.

[@yololoyo3376]

@@Spraypainsos thanks for the answer, will check it out :)

[@ItaiGanor]

Great video guys!

[@Mars_Life_and_Beings]

that was the most fear I've seen from you tough guys. I mean it is Mont Blanc.

[@jazzman_10]

Heli rescues run for about 35€ per year with the "Air Glaciers" company, for example, and there are a few more. There is no reason for going to the mountains without rescue insurance....

[@senderismomontana5946]

What a bunch of interesting videos you have here, you climb like sheep!

[@andrewtoddmedia]

So who's got recommendations for the best mountaineering shoes for a beginner? This looks like an expensive hobby but I'm slowly working into it.

[@Cadomania]

I usually like your videos even if you are always taking risks. But this time it was just plain stupid to assume you would make it by this route to Mont Blanc in time - even worse with bad weather coming in. The Cosmiques Hut have been alerting for almost 2 (TWO!!!) months that the conditions of Trois Monts and especially the Maudit Flanc were VERY difficult and you had to be very experienced AND BRING TWO ICE AXES to make it beyond the Bergschrund.. I suggest doing a tiny bit of research before going next time, many people are watching your videos and basic safety measures might be a good way to show. Yet, you were visibly not the only ones ignoring all good advice... I did this route in early summer and when you reach top of Maudit Flanc you are just beyond half of the way up.. so even if you had made it all the way up best case would have been a snow storm on the summit... you got lucky.

[@silasmarner7586]

Do you need a man hug? A snuggle.. a man snuggle? A MUGGLE?

[@jimclean2]

Lol Andreas looked like a hot bag of ass on that last part (one crampon on the other in his hand, the way he held that ice axe, etc).

[@adm924s]

I was there in 98, there was one bergschrund to deal with and that was it, global temps really taking their toll, the mer de glace is wayyy back from where it was when I visited last year. That Russian, even ignoring his lack of ability he's running the odds being unroped with the potential to fall into a crevasse and not be seen for 30 years, as it is he's stuck with bad weather coming in . Behind the Auiguille du midi is not the place to be when the weather rolls in, I've done it-I didn't like it much, and I was in a tent. Even if you have some ability. ...running shoes ? The amount of folks who venture into the mountains allowing for the best case scenario is boggling.

[@spectator9211]

I've done this exact hodgepodge route several years ago. Always a good idea to go solo when your team thinks there are too many crevasses. /sarcasm

[@harrisonmiller6426]

Always a great day when I see another mediocre amateur upload when I get home from work

[@Orengelol]

what type of waterproof pants do you guys wear? thanks :)