The so-called “longest ridgeline” in Europe runs along the spine of the Mont Blanc massif. This short documentary follows Erik Heldmann as he and climbing partner David Deichmann attempt the ambitious route, called the Peuterey Integral.
Summitting Aiguille Noire de Peuterey from the south ridge, the route proceeds down the north face to a traverse of the Breches des Dames Anglais. From there, it flows along the Peuterey Ridge, up and over Aiguille Blanche, and ends at the summit of Mont Blanc.
Erik Heldmann and David Deichmann beside one of seven Madonna statues on various summits across the Mont Blanc massif. Photo: Screenshot
After outlining the route that he and his climbing partner, David Deichmann, will take, we briefly descend into daily life. Heldmann is a professional route setter, working at a climbing gym in Darmstadt, Germany. In the gym, we see the deep professional satisfaction that Heldmann takes in his work. But it’s important, he tells us, for him to change his mindset when he moves from the “very safe sport” of gym climbing to outdoor climbing.
As Heldmann and Deichman start their approach, the weather finally clears after days of storms. It takes eight hours to reach the Eccles Bivouac, a tiny shelter at over 3,800m in elevation.
Eccles Bivouac. Photo: Screenshot
On the Peuterey Integral
The next morning at 4:30 am, the pair takes their first steps along the Peuterey Integral. On the first day, Heldmann reaches the top of 4,460m Picco Luigi Amadeo and finishes a project that has taken him six years — summiting all 4,000m peaks in the Alps, 82 in all.
From Picco Luigi Amadeo, the ridgeline and distant Mont Blanc are clearly visible; there is still a long way to go. Handheld and drone footage follow the pair as they make their way along the snaking ridgeline.
If you loved the parts of Lord of the Rings that are just long shots of people walking through dramatic scenery, you’re going to love this part of the video. Photo: Screenshot
Finally, they celebrate success at the summit of Mont Blanc. As the two figures head home, text on the screen tells us that even after becoming one of the elite few to complete all the alpine 4,000’ers, Heldmann continues to work at his comparatively humble job at the climbing gym.
