Nestled just a stone’s throw from Morzine in the quiet village of Essert-Romand, Vadim Druelle has grown up surrounded by the stunning peaks of the French Alps. This 22-year-old adventurer is no stranger to the mountains, having spent years working as a ski instructor in nearby Avoriaz. Vadim’s love for the outdoors has shaped not only his career but also his incredible feats of mountaineering, recently earning him recognition as one of the region’s most exciting young athletes.
From the Slopes of Avoriaz to the Peaks of the Himalayas
While Vadim may be well-known to locals as a friendly face on the slopes of Avoriaz, it’s his daring mountain climbs that have brought him international attention. In the summer of 2024, Vadim achieved an incredible milestone in the world of high-altitude mountaineering, completing a record-breaking ascent of Nanga Parbat, a towering 8,126-meter peak in Pakistan’s Himalayas. What made this feat all the more extraordinary is that Vadim accomplished it without the use of supplemental oxygen, completing the climb in just 15 hours and 18 minutes!
Nanga Parbat, often referred to as the “Killer Mountain” due to its treacherous conditions, is one of the most challenging peaks in the world. But for Vadim, it was the next logical step in his series of high-altitude “one-shot” climbs, a style of mountaineering that involves summiting without oxygen or logistical support. His earlier conquests of Manaslu and Kangchenjunga had already set the stage for this remarkable achievement, but Nanga Parbat cemented his status as a rising star in the mountaineering community.
A Local Hero with Global Ambitions
Vadim’s roots in Essert-Romand keep him connected to the Morzine-Avoriaz community, even as he scales the world’s highest peaks. His passion for both local landscapes and distant horizons is inspiring for anyone who calls the region home or visits to enjoy the mountains. Vadim’s accomplishments remind us of the incredible adventures that can be sparked by a childhood spent skiing, hiking, and exploring these Alpine surroundings.
As Vadim continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in mountaineering, the community of Morzine and its neighboring villages will be cheering him on, knowing that this local hero is representing their beautiful region on the world stage.
What’s Next for Vadim?
With several 8,000-meter peaks already under his belt, Vadim shows no signs of slowing down.His love for the mountains and respect for their raw beauty fuel his ongoing pursuit of climbing all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters! But no matter how far he travels, Essert-Romand will always be home, and his connection to the slopes of Avoriaz and the Alpine culture will remain at the heart of his journey. For anyone spending time in the Morzine area, Vadim Druelle’s story is a reminder of the region’s rich mountaineering history and the spirit of adventure that thrives in the heart of the Alps.