Like an ibex along the steep slope. Like a dolphin through the waves. Like a gecko up a smooth rock face. All Terrain Animal is a childhood dream. One that will never come true. But also one that can still be lived. All Terrain Animal is the personal utopia of moving effortlessly across any terrain. On land and in water. On snow, ice, in oceans of rock or in the open sea. ATA stands for projects that make this dream tangible. At least to some extent.
The All-Terrain Year
Life in a Nutshell
Sailing a tiny sailboat via Elba and Corsica to Sardinia. Four months with little space and plenty of seasickness, just to rock climb a few of the Mediterranean’s classics.
Aosta Ice Classics with a happy client and an unhappy ibex.
Everything went wonderfully that season. Until we climbed «Cold Couloir» aka the longest icefall in Cogne Valley. Rappelling back down, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a large, dark «something» racing towards us. It hit the wall just a meter above us hanging on the belay.
Locarno – Dufourspitze in a day+
From lowest to highest point of Switzerland – without leaving Swiss ground. A long day and a few extra minutes. A Team FKT with a client. Over 7,000 meters of elevation between delirium and ecstasy.
Eiger North Face, «Heckmair» aka 1938 Route
Wall of Walls. After several days of snowfall, being allowed to break trail through the iconic «Heckmair» was a blessing, and a curse.
Speed Haute Route (Chamonix – Zermatt)
3 days, no lifts, no taxi-transfers, no half-board. Instead, down sleeping bags, bikes, a gas stove, wildlife and a top-notch client.
Connexion Perfetta»
“Human-powered” from northernmost point of Corsica (FR) to southernmost point of Sardinia (IT). Including the first ever link-up of GR20 and Selvaggio Blue by swim-crossing the notorious «Bonifacio Strait». A route, so beautiful, how dare I call it «sports». This is exhausting art.
