Sylvain Saudan, widely known as the “skier of the impossible,” passed away on July 14 at his home in Les Houches, France at the age of 87. His partner, Marie-José Valençot, confirmed that the cause was a heart attack. Despite the extreme risks he took throughout his career, Mr. Saudan lived a long and adventurous life, defying the odds.
Mr. Saudan gained fame in 1967 when he tackled the treacherous Spencer Couloir on the Aiguille de Blaitière mountain in France, a daunting 55-degree slope that resembled a free fall on skis. This daring feat marked the beginning of his legacy as a pioneer in extreme skiing, navigating death-defying descents across the Alps, the Himalayas, and other remote locations.
His contributions to the sport of extreme skiing, now known as steep skiing, revolutionized the way enthusiasts approached challenging slopes. By venturing into uncharted territories and pushing the boundaries of what was deemed possible, Mr. Saudan inspired a new generation of thrill-seekers to embrace the unknown.
Reflecting on his risky endeavors, Mr. Saudan once remarked, “One mistake, you die. You fall, you become a prisoner of the mountain — forever.” Despite the constant threat of avalanches and the unforgiving nature of gravity, he remained undeterred in his quest to conquer the most formidable peaks.
In an interview with the Swiss newspaper 24 Heures in 2016, Mr. Saudan shared his philosophy on life and death, stating, “Death? It is there for everyone, but fortunately we forget about it. If you only look at the negative side, you don’t move forward.” His resilience and unwavering determination continue to inspire adventurers around the world to embrace challenges with courage and optimism.
