The Day I Almost Died.

Stefano's Channel: @45gradinord
This is a different video than I am used to post.
I thought a lot about posting it or not, and at the end I decided to talk about this experience on the channel to be completely fair with you and also to (maybe) help others and myself not to do the same.
I hope to hear you in the comments.
On June 2023 I went on a pretty ambitious adventure: climb the Whymper Couloir in the night to reach the top of Aiguille Verte (4121m) and, once reached the top, takeoff with a mini wing and fly to Chamonix.. cool, right?
Well.. things didn't go exactly according to plan. and this is the story of that day.
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[@richardcore]

You lived, you learned. And now others can avoid your mistake. This video is precious because of that.

[@patzapps]

Dude, killer footage! I'm genuinely impressed with what you've captured here. As someone who's been deep into the world of paragliding for a while, I've seen my fair share of thrills, spills and also accidents. And from my experience, I can NOT stress enough just how different climbing a mountain and soaring off of one can be. Being a mountain champ, with all the stamina and skills, is remarkable, no doubt. But it doesn't automatically translate to becoming a flying ace. The air up there, the thermals, the way the wing responds - it's a different ballgame altogether. Paragliding isn't just about physical fitness; it's about understanding the skies, the winds, and, most importantly, the limits. It demands respect, patience, and a ton of practice. I've seen too many eager beavers dive headfirst into it, thinking their mountain prowess will carry them through, only to find out the hard way that the skies aren't as forgiving. My two cents? Take your time, learn the ropes, and don't risk your precious life by skipping crucial steps or overestimating your abilities. And always: Stay safe up there, buddy!

[@comman]

I really appreciate how you described the whole story. Doing mistakes is normal, but in these enviroment could be fatal. Learning from it is the best you could do. And sharing it is even better. Looking forward for new footage because as this one was as always very beautiful.

[@finnmillard6564]

So glad it's all worked out okay. And wise words after. I definitely learned some important lessons from this video. An honest and also beautiful video - thanks for filming, editing and posting it :)

[@BrunoPisaniAdventure]

Glad it was helpful! ❤️

[@joeponthetrails]

I noticed your videos and goals getting more extreme in the last year and before that you were already doing more extreme climbs than what most people would do to get beautiful images. It's just a matter of statistics before something goes wrong (horribly) if you keep increasing the risk of situations you are bringing yourself into. I really hope you take things a bit slower and get more experience so you can keep doing this for a long time.

[@anatexis_the_first]

Hey, big thumbs up for telling us exactly how close you came to an accident and what you did wrong. That takes courage. On a different note, I can relate to your retrospective stand of having overstepped your capabilities. Last year, I had a similiar experience hiking through the pyrenees. I scrambled up and down a 3000m pass (Cuello del Cilindro), to walk down from there to a plateau and a lake. I was sure there was a path down there. But when I came to the spot that would lead down to the plateau, I realized it was a 25m vertical wall. There were anchors for rapelling, but I was hiking solo and did not have any climbing gear with me whatsoever. Still, I climbed down, heavy pack and no rope. It wasn't a technical climb, but it wouldn't have required much to fall and die. During the climb, I had to actively and consciously calm myself in order not to lose focus and concentration. I didn't really enjoy it until I was down safely. All day I felt triumphant and pat myself on the shoulder for that descent, but when I lay in my sleepingbag and tried to sleep, I got doubts about what I'd done. Even though I was (and still am) certain of my climbing abilities, doing this alone and without climbing gear was sheer stupidity. Only in retrospection did I feel the appropriate amount of fear. Even so, it did make me appreciate being alive a lot :D Thanks for the video, and stay safe!

[@martinbraatz]

Thanks for sharing Bruno. Back in the 1980s I learned how to fly hangliders. One of the lessons I hold to this day is when it comes to flying always minimise your variables. That means just do one new thing and master that before you go on. Don't go to a new site with a new wing or harness and so on. As your video suggests it's a rule that could save your life.

[@paulflatt1518]

Great video with great lessons. Thanks for posting it and being honest about the risks you ignored so that others can learn and live. Enjoy, keep having fun, and be safe.

[@arr21000]

I really applaud your refreshing honesty. Thank you. There's too much editing and airbrushing in the world to make people feel like they're missing out or not good enough. Your realism may even prevent someone from getting seriously hurt or worse.

[@geoedov2964]

Thank goodness you are OK. We were wondering what happened to you this summer. Thanks for not only the video, but lessons learned and surviving so you can share more adventures with us!

[@admcdr]

Thank a lot for sharing your story. Glad you made it and we can still watch your future adventures! :)

[@eugenes.82]

Thanks for sharing it this way, Bruno, this is way more important that you probably can imagine! It adds a different angle of such adventures for those, who simply impressed of this kind of activity. Golden rule still exist- plan ahead, think, perform, not only execute. Really appreciate your video lesson. From those, who follow you and think... 🤝

[@leonardtemma]

Thank you for reflecting honestly about this experience and then sharing it with us. Glad you made it out okay!

[@JimiHendrix67]

Great message Bruno! Stay safe, respect the mountain and respect nature you sound like a smart person. We enjoy your videos and adventures so much and want to keep seeing more in the future !

[@farmerburns]

What a cool climb up to the ridge. You definitely make great points about your experience. Glad you are safe and moving forward more safely and without having died!

[@benraley4004]

Very well done. Glad you are alive to learn and continue to progress. Your honesty and humility is on display in an area where too often ego and hubris lead to tragedy. Bravo

[@jonathanhalstead2267]

Great video & spot on analysis. In paragliding (or any dangerous sport) one should only expand 1 risk factor. You had 3...new location, new conditions & new wing. Glad you survived 😊

[@EElgar1857]

Oh, thank God it turned out okay! You are a unique man, and a treasure. Your videos are SO beautiful, and your style is just the best!

[@WJMPhotography]

Glad you survived! Thanks for sharing this experience with us!

[@luoken413]

Thank you for sharing! so true about your comments on gears, training, skills, and experience! Couldn't agree more.

[@amalnabud7678]

Thank you for sharing your journey and experience. Which is great and nice of you to point out that.

[@scenicsteve]

Fantastic video and so honest with the analysis. Thank you for sharing. Have fun and stay safe with your next adventures. 👍😀

[@fabiopignata]

Thank you so much for telling the story right. I learnt this lesson the hard way and lost a good friend down a 4000 peak while I was preparing to takeoff myself. We often see those epic alpine flights but this is far from being a quiet winter glide from our home takeoff.

[@MikkelsenR]

Amazing story telling, thanks for sharing and glad you’re alright 🙏 hopefully this can make other people plan better and be more careful ☺️

[@hans-christianjentsch5808]

Classic Czech stile. Love your resumé. You've learned a super important lesson here! People in the mountains are doing this stuff all the time and they often are a danger for others. On top of that they are not aware of their behaviour and respond with ignorance. In reflecting your mistakes you make a difference. Thank you!

[@robertmitchell33]

Loved the video and thanks for your honesty? Please stay safe Bruce 🙌🏻

[@Zoomdak]

Really well spoke. Love your drive toward enjoying an experience rather than just doing it. I feel like many people that go on adventures are over-focused on "bagging peaks" rather than being part of nature. Thank you for being vulnerable with your process.

[@phonwx]

great job Bruno ! Thanks ! 👏👏👏 thanks for this !

[@paularuotsalainen979]

I'm so very happy that you survived, Bruno 😍 In spite of training and preparations, something can go wrong. If one is lucky enough to stay alive, those situations are unique possibilities to learn. Wishing you all the best, and many happy and safe adventures!

[@musingstarotwnina9911]

Thank you for being authentic & taking accountability for the oopsies. Much respect!! I just found your videos & I absolutely love them!! Omg I have done some hiking in the states, but wow.. what you see up on these peaks is unreal. Thank you so much for sharing & safe travels🙏🏼

[@Lc-jc9yt]

Complimenti per essere così onesto e per il modo che 'vai in montagna'! And I'm glad you're faithful to the Julians: Kugy knew what he was talking about! I enjoyed your Granpa video too, as I did exactly the same as you... back in the 1990s. Now it's a strain just to get up the Matajur from the car park! ;-)

[@IanTupmanOutdoors]

You are lucky to be alive and you know it. I am surprised your 'friends' didn't point out the risk you were taking with an unfamiliar wing. Or maybe they did? Anyway, a lesson learned. Stay safe mate.

[@YouTube_4u]

Great video Bruno, thanks for the honesty, for me it added a lot more to the video than a classic superhero video as you described. Take care.

[@jameshcox]

Thanks for your honesty. I hope on reflection you find that you still did have a great day out - you climbed the Whimper Couloir which not many of us get to do. Clearly you didnt have a great flight down, but next time it will be awesome. Thanks for sharing, glad you didnt die.

[@aprilek6003]

So glad you survived Bruno - keep on making those memories and yes to enjoy the moments

[@JaroslavBengl]

Thanks so much for sharing your story. Really happy that all of you made it back! ✨ Many greetings from Switzerland 🙋🏻‍♂

[@BrunoPisaniAdventure]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@blackibex]

Glad you made it. Good that you learned your lesson. ❤

[@larssol1]

Congrats with your well earned knowledge and that you live to tell us about it. ❤

[@antoine1057]

brooooooooo.... what a good time, good vibes! Amazing video and story, thanks for sharing.

[@ElSusurradorDeTermicas]

Thanks for sharing your experience. It's true that takeoff was not easy. You took some risks.. but affortunally things end well. Greetings and good flights. I hope you refly this place in a future with more time, relax, and experience to enjoy it.

[@andreklotz6871]

Congratulations, Bruno you did it! Marvelous adventure....

[@jordipc655]

Amazing! Watching your video you make me remember when I was 25 years old and I decided to quit mountain climbing due to a similar problem. I understand you very well. And please take care of you, we all want to see more adventures and videos from you! Ciao!

[@ingridneugebauer7562]

My heart was beating so fast.. so grateful that you are ok and safe!

[@marcobassot]

Congratulations for this big adventure!! We all learn from our mistakes, as you did perfectly, the most important thing is to admit it, learn from it and share it!! 👌

[@rolandmdill]

I crashed with my paraglider in challenging weather conditions, it was my mistake to go flying that day in the first place, and it also was my first flight (actually a test flight) with a new wing. So I have an idea how you felt when you had to handle the new wing. Glad everything worked out for you! And keep flying, it is an amazing sport! I really miss paragliding, but I don't have the time for it anymore and it is pure stress if you only do like 10-20 flights every year like I did. But it is not worth the risk, in the mountains you always need to be on top of the situation. Making it home safely must not be a matter of luck.

[@pierreolsson588]

First! Thanks for posting this! I have spent much time in the mountains and also paragliding, since late 1980’s in fact… This is meant in a friendly way! First mistake (in my opinion) is that you bring camera equipment, selfie sticks, filming and everything around that, you clearly have planned everything around this trip to be filmed and shared, I say this is a (for you) huge mistake! I have freesoloed 25 pitch routes up to 5.10+, I have done houndreds hike and flys, I have climbed in Trangos in Pakistan, I soloed el cap and half dome, etc etc, out of thousands of ”adventures” like this I NEVER took a gopro or a selfiestick and filmed for social media, it Will take focus FROM the experience and concentration from your task… Dont take it in a wrong way, Stay safe in the mountains!

[@73Delima]

I'm also quiet new in paragliding. And I was thinking while watching the video that you are very brave to do this kind of hike. It went well and you survive. But at the same time you was honest to your self, that this was not your best desicion to do this. Thank you for sharing your experience! Safe H&F

[@edgereport]

Great conclusion to the video and epic flight!

[@lukebohemian]

Very bold move, nice to see you reflected on it and will now take it more seriously

[@myhandle321]

Wonderful. I was speechless seeing the breathtaking landscape.

[@mobaumeister2732]

I totally agree with the point you made in the end, it's just not worth it if your'e not able to enjoy it and take in the experience. I've been in similar situations, where we tried to squeeze things into a weather window and got stuck on a glacier in a snow storm and went snowboarding some really sketchy terrain with avalanches going off, and you're just happy to be back down, and where I've thought what's the point. Better to ride or fly another day and enjoy it!

[@ervinslens]

What a beautiful storytelling, what a atmosphere my friend! This looks amazing!

[@BrunoPisaniAdventure]

Thanks a ton!

[@oystercatcher943]

Thanks for sharing. I've had some "epics" a few years back in climbing and hiking in Scotland, Pyrenees and The Alps. Paragliding looks easy but this video showed me just how that the wing that it your ticket to freedom can easily drag your off a steep mountain to your death. Really thought provoking.

[@VincentCroce]

great stuff again Bruno! ...And shivers down my spine

[@cyruse7027]

Good on you for posting. I think most of us who've taken up alpinism have a story or two to tell from our early days when you knew just enough to get yourself in trouble. But they're opportunities to learn and it takes courage to share since many just won't understand and may see it as being reckless. Just comes with the territory so keep it up and keep learning!

[@BrunoPisaniAdventure]

Yea! Well said!!

[@abhigyansingh5971]

Brother i am from india and i freaking love your videos found you 2 weeks ago already watched all your videos i was waiting for your new video i can't tell how good your videos i will buy your paterion once i get the money right now i am student but soon.... lots of love from my side brother keep doing it!! Be safe brother i watched it now if something happen to you i will be so sad be safe bro ❤❤

[@joelverstraete7483]

WISEDOM COMES EASY AFTER THE FACTS...AND MORE : A GOOD PILOT IS AN OLD PILOT STILL FLYING!!! Excellent way to show what we really feel or live...sometime because we all started like a DUD. thanks for sharing the reality. BIRDIE, an old pilot.

[@user-uo1qr6vn1q]

Props to you for your honesty Bruno. I’m guessing I’m about twice your age, & I can say for certain I didn’t have the type of self-reflective insight you’re showing here when I was your age. All you can do is learn from your mistakes & keep trying to make better & more informed decisions. This is true with every aspect of life. But as someone who’s seen quite a bit in my time, you certainly appear to be better suited at handling all the highs & lows your future holds than most. Thanks for another great video! Ciao (that’s how you spell it, right?😂) from the Arizonan desert in America. Keep up the great work!

[@Dutoy]

So glad you're ok man!

[@BrunoPisaniAdventure]

I appreciate it!🫶🏻

[@BartVandewoestyne]

Thanks for sharing!

[@paraworth]

Awesome contribution to paragliding my friend. Genuine

[@daisdais508]

Thank you for sharing 🙏🏽

[@garybrindle6715]

A very important lesson shared, my 3 sub aqua near fatal accidents were survived due to my training and same with my gliding incident, also agree I was familiar with the equipment. Thank you for the honest clear videos and telling everyone about managed risks.

[@deirdretobin3672]

A big adventure! You really need more instruction on reverse launching, taking the A risers in one hand and the D risers in the other is a really good technique and gives you the ability to kill the wing better than brakes only. Also teasing the A risers gets the wing to come up cleanly. You need to get back under the wing faster, you were loading it up the way you were leaning away from the wing, over powering the situation. Practice, practice! Chamonix Valley is full on for flying, not to mention mountain top launching. Thanks for sharing. Valuable insight and provokes thought!

[@venzislav]

Nice trouts ... I am also paragliding pilot with such experiences and it is nice that you talk about it !

[@ItaiGanor]

amazing!! as always :D

[@JustBrowsing777]

I followed another mountain adventurer from Poland a few years ago. He took more and more risks and started to get careless and sloppy. I pointed it out in one of his videos to which some replied ignorantly. Not long after he and a friend died in the mountains. Good you learned from your mistakes Bruno. I applaud your transparency and willingness to adjust your approach.

[@heriothandyman3148]

One of the most important lesson in Human Factors and the Humanistic traps. Excellent job for pointing it out! Rather than celebrating the “we got away with it”…. Learn, analyse to ensure you never have to “get away with it” again! Big difference.

[@sonyarter]

Yeap ,thanks for a good advices, and glad you made it safely.

[@scenefranken_Tino]

Great Video - Thank you!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@EyesofZoey]

You did everything you could in this Situation. We appreciate your honesty. I also like that you always give us a review on your routes at the end.. That helps beginners not to make any stupid fails

[@BrunoPisaniAdventure]

Thanks for the feedback!!

[@4limusic542]

I love this!!!! you actually are a superhero to me.

[@giampietroschiavo301]

great analysis and recommendation!

[@sorincezar]

Hi. Thanks for sharing and glad u survived to tell the story. I ll share some bits of pg wisdom related to this that i try to stick to when flying to keep things safe, which maybe u ll find useful too - never try more than one new thing at a time: i.e. new wing + new route + new type of wing - if i m in a situation where i make more than 3 mistakes (e.g. 3 attempts to take off that are not controlled) i go home; there s very likely something s not right that day so it s better to bail and live another day😂 Good luck with your adventures

[@crickhowellparagliding7440]

Beautiful video, thank you for sharing your experience! The roll is easy to solve, you just brake the low wing as it comes overhead, rather than the high wing when it's displaced. Wish I had your climbing skill!

[@Dboy10810]

Thank you for not dying there! Otherwise I would have missed my favourite Dolomite advanturer! :-)

[@aurelg3367]

This video is so valuable! It seems you really took some perspective over what the dangers really are. When people tell me they want to start paragliding just to go down after climbing a mountain, I always warn them that this requires a high set of skills and is dangerous regardless. You should learn paragliding because you love flying, how could you have enough motivation otherwise? The turbulences in this harsh terrain can be extreme. One last word, if there is enough wind to inflate, practice holding the wing above your head until you can keep it there 20 sec, then you can take off. There is no hurry for taking off if you don't have to move forward for this 😁🪂☀️

[@abhimanyuchatterjee9291]

It was a close call..appreciate the way you narrated the whole experience. Sometimes we get carried away with such moment without realising the importance of living to tell the tale.

[@BrunoPisaniAdventure]

Exactly! Thank you 🫶🏻

[@SergioBlanes]

Thanks to shere your mistakes! It could help people to learn! And also you learn! We are looking forward for the next adventures of Bruno!!! Big hug man!!! ^_^

[@BrunoPisaniAdventure]

So true! Thanks!!

[@mutierhome3084]

Great video, thanks!

[@DrDeepstack]

Great assessment, I would recommend doing a lot of strong wind dune/coastal soaring, that will boost your handling and launch skills like nothing else. Glad you're ok!

[@piermaicol]

very powerful and important message. don't overreach. and there's nothing to be ashamed of, if you're not fully able to do something. just enjoy what you can do, train more for the things you still aren't able to do, and go forward. in bocca al lupo, i tuoi video sono sempre spettacolari

[@BrunoPisaniAdventure]

Absolutely! Thanks ❤️

[@jshoemaker4357]

Love your honesty

[@gregb3457]

Yes, u are fortunate to be alive to analyze your mistakes. Taking responsibility for all of your thoughts and feelings helped you realize which ones were missing - THE GOOD ONES. WOW😢. Good video.❤ stay safe.

[@BrunoPisaniAdventure]

Yes! Thank you!🫶🏻❤️

[@petr-podrouzek]

Fantastic Bruno !! 🙂

[@YariGhidone]

Bravo Bruno!

[@radimstreck]

Great one. Finally somebody who show the real behind the video. As you well said, it could be nice and perfect. But in that case it will not be true. Grazie Bruno.

[@andyinzuerich]

Nice one for sharing your true story. I had two things to say: 1. I don't think any of us are immune to bad decision making. I made a pretty stupid decision recently, but only realized it afterwards when i got lucky. I guess staying humble is the best way. 2. Single skins are even more difficult to launch than normal wings in strong wind conditions. One thing you should learn is the Nose Down Cobra Launch. That will help you are lot in those situations.

[@xistsixt]

Wise words brother! Totally relate to.

[@gregb3457]

You know this, but I am going to repeat it for your benefit - as a reminder. "The closer you get to The Edge, the further away you become, and the nearer your final ride." a quote from Greg B. You use the analysis to help yourself, to remind yourself, that The Edge is there, and you must avoid it's fatal allure. Stay on the Sunny Side my friend. Do not take the chances that will kill you.

[@thezuli123]

Interesting story. Nice video!

[@lauc687]

Grande, stupendo video e riflessioni

[@mhzprayer]

It literally doesn't matter what subject we are talking about. Never put your life in the hands of a thing you've never used before. Perform a real test in a safe situation. This applies to computer backups, tire chains, and every freakin other thing. Don't test your emergency things by creating a real emergency. Kudos on making a great teaching video.

[@ciprian_s]

Missed your vlog ! 🎉

[@FlyingSalsero]

thanks for sharing! :)

[@peepopalaber]

Please show us more of future flights, that would be awesome.

[@brendajphotography]

Good on you to be honest!

[@julienszalay908]

nice video, if I can give some advice, when you have roll, you have to brake on the opposite side, you did the opposite and therefore you maintain this roll even more than if you did nothing. And when there's a strong wind, you need to move towards the sail to dampen its arrival above your hea

[@reiher7737]

I think you've analysed the specific risks and mistakes of this particular situation, but I'm not sure you fully understand the underlying psychology and group dynamics that led you in to this very dangerous situation with everyone seemlingly oblivious to it, or perhaps unwilling to lose face.

[@ov104]

Amazing adventure and flight! And I so much appreciate your honesty in sharing the both sides of this story. Indeed, para-alpinism is a high risk activity and shall never be underestimated, but the high number of "hero videos" on the social medias may give a misleading impression.