MEF-Supported Ascent Receives Piolet d'Or

The pair's new line, Secrets, Shepherds, Sex and Serendipity (M7, A2+, AI5, 3,000m), which marked only the second ascent of Aikache Chokk, was hailed as one of the most impressive mountaineering achievements of 2025 by Climbing Magazine and has been recognised by the Piolets d'Or jury for its "highly committing" nature and the "complexity of the descent", which the pair made via the unclimbed southwest face.

James and George made the climb on an expedition organised through the Young Alpinist Group (YAG), a three-year programme aimed at promising young mountaineers from the UK and Ireland. The scheme, which has been supported financially by the MEF since 2022, works to equip participants with the skills necessary to achieve first ascents in the Greater Ranges.

The recognition of a Piolet d'Or is therefore not only an acknowledgement of the quality of James and George's climb, but also a huge vote of confidence in the work of the Young Alpinist Group and the efforts of its founder Tom Livingstone.

The Piolets d'Or, sometimes referred to as the "Oscars of mountaineering" recognise only the most significant and innovative ascents achieved in the best possible style and the award is also a recognition of the high standards that the MEF demands from its expeditions, both in terms of climbing style and respect for the mountain environment.

Commenting on the announcement, MEF Chair of Trustees Rebecca Stephenson said:

"James and George exemplify the incredible talent of a new generation of mountaineers. Just as importantly, they also show the value of approaching the mountains with respect and an adventurous spirit, using fair means to achieve their objectives, working with local communities and leaving no trace. The MEF could not be more proud of their accomplishment or of the success of the Young Alpinist Group. We are excited to see what James, George and their fellow YAG graduates go on to achieve in the future."

The 2026 Piolets d'Or awards will be officially presented this October in Oisans-Vénéon. As well as James and George's climb on Aikache Chhok, three other climbs will also be recognised at the ceremony. These are Shooting the Moon (M5, WI4, 3100m) on the southeast pillar of Ultar Sar (7388m) by Ethan Berman, Maarten van Haeren and Sebastián Pelletti, Le Sommet des Pieux (M6, WI5, 2300m) by Nicolas Jean and Benjamin Védrines, which achieved the first ascent of Jannu East (7460m) and The Essence of Commitment (6c+, M6+, 95°, 1400m) by Bru Busom, Rubén Sanmartín and Marc Toralles, which marked the first complete ascent of the east spur and east ridge of Yerupajá (6634m) in the Cordillera Huayhuash.

Further details on the awarded climbs and the award ceremony are available via the Piolets d'Or website.