The tip of the ice axe refused to release from the wall, no matter how vigorously I tried to yank it out. It was likely my futile wriggling that dislodged the other axe from its anchor point, sending me into the void. The rope tightened, and I felt the harness bite into my waist. I was caught. Time to start the climb again.
I spent four sweltering days in Chamonix in July to attend the Arc’teryx Alpine Academy, the brand’s flagship global event celebrating all things mountaineering, trail running, and general mountain love.
