UM the Summit of Mont Blanc
Taking the University of Montpellier to the top of Europe—that’s the project carried out by students and faculty from SUAPS. Their ascent of Mont Blanc took place from September 10 to 16. Here’s the story.
“Climbing Mont Blanc requires not only incredible physical effort but also a true mental feat. For me, the end of the climb turned into a real mental challenge!” recalls Camille.
Intensive Course
Last year, the sixth-year medical student took part in an intensive mid-mountain hiking training camp organized by SUAPS, the university’s physical activity and sports department. Three days and two nights at the Font Romeu high-altitude training center with a single goal: to push beyond one’s limits in the face of the cold, stress, sleep deprivation, and the physical and mental fatigue inherent in endurance hiking in the mountains. “During this trip, we wanted to identify the students best suited for the project—which was then still in its infancy—to bring together students from different parts of the university who had never practiced mountaineering before, all united by a common goal: the ascent of Mont Blanc,” a SUAPS representative told us.
An Unforgettable Climb
In early September, Noémie, a student atthe IUT Montpellier-Sète; Pablo, a doctoral student; and Justine and Benjamin, students atthe UFR Staps, found themselves at the foot of the Alpine peaks alongside Camille. After two days of acclimatization at an altitude of 2,700 meters and a crash course in glacier hiking, the five students began their ascent of Europe’s highest peak on September 14. It was a two-day climb, supervised by three SUAPS instructors and led by two experienced high-mountain guides. “Near the Crête des Bosses, we sometimes had only 20 cm of space to walk on, with a precipice on either side! ” recalls Noémie, feeling both nostalgic and moved as she reflects on that immense joy, the laughter, the tears, and the general euphoria upon the team’s perilous arrival at an altitude of 4,808 meters.
Sustainability?
“Meeting people from diverse backgrounds, learning to live together, supporting one another through tough times… The benefits of this incredible human adventure will undoubtedly serve us well in the future. During our internships, at the end of our studies, and then in our respective professional lives,” reflects the young woman today, who—nearly six months after the climb—seems to have already forgotten the pain of frostbite, cramps, and blisters, as well as altitude sickness and the gradual loss of oxygen during exertion, choosing instead to remember only the best parts of her experience. “Provided that new instructors step up, this project could be sustained in the future,” explains the SUAPS administration today, as if in response to the massive enthusiasm shown by students from all departments for this sports project—one that brings people together and is rich in emotion and humanity.
The climb up Mont Blanc by Camille, Noémie, Benjamin, Pablo, and Justine was financially supported by the Fund for Solidarity and Development of Student Initiatives (FSDIE).
Playing Sports in College
Tennis, swimming, hiking, salsa, rock climbing, combat sports… Throughout the academic year, SUAPS offers no fewer than 40 free sports activities open to university staff and students.
Whether during your lunch break or after work, SUAPS welcomes you atUM various campusesUM programs tailored to all skill levels and professional instruction.