Lundi 30 janvier Jean-Christophe ne s'est toujours pas manifesté depuis jeudi 26 janvier.
Les conditions météo permettent aujourd'hui un vol de reconnaissance : le vent souffle entre 30 à 35 km/h à 7 500 m.
Un avion survolera le Makalu afin de tenter de repérer la tente de Jean-Christophe.
Si elle est toujours là, cela signifiera qu'il est probablement tombé dans une crevasse entre son bivouac et le sommet.
En solo, impossible de s'assurer, c'était le plus grand risque couru par l'alpiniste.
L'alpiniste français Jean-Christophe Lafaille, 39 ans, lancé dans une tentative d'ascension hivernale en solitaire du Makalu (8.463 mètres) et qui n'a pas donné signe de vie depuis 72 heures, a été porté disparu par ses proches dimanche.
"J'ai demandé une reconnaissance en hélicoptère et aussi avec un petit avion, l'hélicoptère ne pouvant monter au-delà d'une certaine altitude", a déclaré Katia Lafaille, épouse et manager de l'alpiniste, jointe au téléphone par l'AFP.
Le vol de l'hélicoptère devrait avoir lieu mardi, a précisé dimanche soir au téléphone Serge Koening, conseiller montagne du ministre à la Jeunesse et aux sports.
L'hélicoptère devrait aussi se poser au camp de base, où se trouvent un cuisinier et deux porteurs. On table toujours sur une panne totale du matériel de transmission, qui empêcherait Lafaille de donner de ses nouvelles après un retour possible au camp de base. "Car si cet espoir est mince, il ne faut pas l'éliminer", a déclaré Serge Koening, qui est, comme Lafaille, professeur à l'Ecole nationale de ski et d’alpinisme (ENSA).
Les proches de l'alpiniste n’étaient pas en contact avec le camp de base, mais seulement avec Jean-Christophe Lafaille lui-même, qui disposait d'un téléphone satellitaire. La dernière communication date de jeudi 26 janvier, alors qu'il se trouvait à 7.600 mètres, à la veille de l'assaut final. Parti mardi 24 janvier de son camp de base, à 5.300 mètres, il a bivouaqué le soir même à 6.000 mètres, le 25 à 6.900 mètres et le 26 à 7.600 mètres, selon Katia Lafaille.
Il devait partir dans la nuit et gagner le sommet vendredi 27 janvier. Le contact prévu le même jour, au terme de cette tentative, n'a pas eu lieu, a indiqué Mme Lafaille et, depuis, il n'a plus été possible de joindre l'alpiniste.
On a d'abord expliqué son silence par une panne technique de transmission. Les batteries de ses appareils étaient très basses lors du dernier contact, expliquait-on alors dans son entourage. Mais l'inquiétude a grandi samedi, en l'absence de communication, alors qu'il aurait dû avoir rejoint son camp de base, où se trouve un autre téléphone satellitaire.
Les conditions météorologiques étaient difficiles. Lors de sa dernière conversation avec son épouse, Jean-Christophe Lafaille a expliqué qu'il faisait -30°C sous sa petite tente de bivouac et qu'il avait le visage givré. "Il n'a pas dormi toutes ces nuits, à cause de l'altitude et du froid", avait alors expliqué Mme Lafaille. "Mais il se sentait en forme et motivé", avait-elle ajouté.
Son routeur, l'homme qui lui donnait les informations concernant la météorologie, depuis Chamonix, Yan Giezendanner, a déclaré dimanche sur l'antenne de France 2: "On va le considérer comme disparu. Les chances (de le retrouver) existent mais elles sont infimes". Pour ajouter peu après: "On pense réellement qu'il n'y a plus d'espoir".
Selon des alpinistes à Chamonix, dont certains ont récemment gravi le Makalu, la voie comporte des passages extrêmement délicats sur des glaciers très crevassés où le risque de chute est très élevé.
Jean-Christophe Lafaille a gravi onze sommets de plus de 8.000 mètres, la plupart en solitaire ou par des voies nouvelles. Il a déjà réussi en décembre 2004 une hivernale en solitaire et en style alpin au Sishapangma (8.064 mètres), jusque-là jugée impossible sur les plus de 8.000 mètres.
En 1992, alors qu'il faisait ses débuts dans l'himalayisme avec l'alpiniste Pierre Beghin dans la face sud de l'Annapurna, ce dernier avait fait une chute mortelle à 7.000 mètres d'altitude. Laissé seul et sans matériel d'assurage, Jean-Christophe Lafaille avait alors désescaladé la face sud, en un chemin de croix qui avait duré cinq jours, réapparaissant au camp de base alors qu’on le donnait pour mort.
Mano
"Faites que vos rêves dévorent votre vie avant que votre vie ne dévore vos rêves" Saint Exupéry
n hélicoptère affrété pour retrouver l'alpiniste français Jean-Christophe Lafaille, 39 ans, porté disparu depuis jeudi au Népal, est rentré à Katmandou sans avoir réussi à localiser le grimpeur, a-t-on appris mardi auprès de son entourage.
"Il n'est pas au camp de base. L'hélicoptère a permis d'apercevoir une tente rouge au dessus des 7.000 mètres mais il n'y avait aucun signe de vie. "Nous ne sommes pas sûrs que cette tente appartienne à Jean-Christophe", selon la même source
Le Monde
Ca sens mauvais, vraiment...
Mano
"Faites que vos rêves dévorent votre vie avant que votre vie ne dévore vos rêves" Saint Exupéry
Vu sur le site de Jean-Christophe Lafaille, le 31/01/2006:
"Communiqué de l'équipe Makalu hivernale 2006 :
Un hélicoptère a survolé ce matin (heure népalaise) mardi 31 janvier le Makalu vers 7000 m pendant 40/45 minutes en apercevant la tente de Jean-Christophe restée à 7600 m, sans signe, iI faisait grand beau temps.
Jean-Christophe a disparu entre 7600 m et le sommet.
Katia Lafaille part mercredi 1er fevrier pour Katmandou.
Il y aura un vol hélico pour récupérer le matériel le samedi 4.
Vu sur le site de Jean-Christophe Lafaille, le 01/02/2006:
Communiqué de Katia Lafaille
Mercredi 1er février 2006 9:00
Ce 1er février je pars pour le Népal.
Le 4 février, je vais faire une reconnaissance en hélicoptère du Makalu (la même que celle qui a eu lieu hier le 31 janvier). Je guetterai encore les traces de mon mari dans l’immensité de l’Himalaya et lui dirai « Au revoir » au nom de son « pt’it gars » Tom… et de Jérémi.
Je récupérerai ensuite son équipement au camp de base avant de retourner sur Katmandou.
Merci de l’hommage que vous rendez à Jean-Christophe, un papa, un mari, un alpiniste exceptionnel et irremplaçable.
ESt ce que quelqu'un a vu le 7 à 8 de dimanche dernier, je m'en faisait une joie au vu d'un reportage sur Jean Christophe Lafaille. Je n'aurais qu'un mot pour qualifié cette émission, mais j'aimerais connaitre vos réactions.
Oui, nous étions trés étonné d'apprendre ke TF1 diffusait un reportage sur jean-christophe . Et nous n'avons pas été déçu par TF1 ki comme a son habitude a vendu de la MERDE en pack !
Un vieux reportage dont il a fallu attendre la diffusion, aprés une page de pub -bien entendu interminable- ki durait koi, allé 6 minutes peut-être .
Alors je n'aurais k'un mot, vive TF1 !!!
Effectivement, la reprise d'une émition déja faite est toujours très facile, mais écouteur journalier de Europe 1, j'ai été agréablement surpri d'écouter une rediffussion de l'émission de jacques Pradel (9h00/10h30) qui avait rencontrer Jean Christophe Lafaille en 2004. Emition du 2 février dernier (http://www.europe1.fr/antenne/fiche_emission.jsp?id=561#), qui était réellement bien.
Ce que je reproche à TF1 c'est la ligne directrice de leur émission, à savoir la mort... Pas une seul fois on aura parler de "passion" ou autre chose!
Je conseille à vous tous la lecture de l'article de Charlie Buffet sur Le Monde de mardi 7 février dernier.
Quelques "petites" phrases empreintes de sous-entendus vous éclaireront sans doute sur "Lafaille Communication".....
" Voyager est un triple plaisir : l'attente, l'éblouissement et le souvenir " Ilka Chase
j'ai vu votre réponse sur la disparation du "grand montagnard" qu'était Monsieur Lafaille.
J'ai suivi, comme beaucoup je crois, les craintes et les espoirs de son ascension;
J'aime la montagne, et je suis très triste de cette disparition. Un grand vide pour tous.
Une pensée pour tout son entourage.
je voulais vous poser une question sur l'Amérique Latine :
j'ai très envie de la découvrir, je voudrais avoir votre réponse de connaisseur
pour la découvrir environ 15 jours à trois semaines, quel pays d'Amérique Latine faut il visiter en premier?, sachant que j'aime le contact local, la nature vraie et les volcans.
merci de votre réponse
bonne soirée
Sans hésitations si tu n'as que 15 jours, je te dirai l'équateur !😉
les distances sont courtes, l'organisation des transports bien rodés, l'approche facile, les sommets aussi même s'il il faut connaitre quelques rudiments d'alpinisme et de secourisme (cf/crevasses) et savoir que le mauvais peut tres vite arriver et faire des degats si l'on n'est pas préparer et si l'on ne connait pas la manière de s'orienter dans le brouillard ! ! !
bon voyages !
Il est important de percevoir combien votre propre bonheur est lié à celui des autres, il n'existe pas de bonheur individuel totalement indépendant d'autrui.....(Dalaï-Lama)
I’m planning to do the Mercantour crossing following the Randoxygène route in mid-July.
I’m used to hiking in the mountains, but I sometimes get vertigo, for example on ridges with drops on both sides. I wanted to check if there are any T4 or T3-T4 sections and find out if there are any very exposed passages—and if so, where—so I can plan an alternative route.
Can anyone give me some info on this?
Thanks!
hi how can I get internet when I arrive at Haneda? I mean in areas without free wifi. Is it more interesting to buy a SIM card? If so, at the airport? thanks for your help
We're planning to go at the end of November/beginning of December to visit (with a rental car) and hike on La Palma and El Hierro for 15 full days, including 1 day for inter-island ferry transfers. What’s the best split between the two islands—8 days on La Palma and 6 on El Hierro, or even more time for La Palma? Should we have one or two home bases on La Palma? Thanks for your tips!
Annie
Hi there,
I’m planning to cross the Gourgs Blancs Pass at the end of the month, from La Soula Refuge to Portillon Refuge. On this section near the pass, I don’t have any trail marked on my IGN map. Is the path well signposted, or should I use a compass?
Also, beyond the physical effort, are there any technical, exposed, or vertigo-inducing sections on this part?
Since I’m finding very little info, I’m being thorough with my questions.
I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
hi there
I’m heading to Uzbekistan for three weeks from mid-September to mid-October 2026—a country I haven’t visited yet.
I’d love to do a few multi-day hikes in the mountains without going through a tour operator or hiring a guide. Has anyone here done this?
It doesn’t have to be all trekking; day hikes are great too.
I’m open to any tips!
Also, I see there are lots of train options if you book well in advance—does that only apply to the "fast" trains? Are there buses as well?
Hello,
In mid-November, we’ll be in Mindelo and Santo Antão.
We’ve booked transportation with Kapverden Tours.
One trip is from Porto Novo to Ponta do Sol, including the hike from Corda to Coculi.
What’s the trail like?
Then we’ll be staying in Ponta do Sol,
Here’s what we’re planning:
A hike to Fontainhas—what’s the best direction, considering we’re not great with climbs? No problem with flat terrain or descents.
Take an aluguer to Ribeira Grande and continue along the coastal road.
With the agency:
An excursion to Cruzinha with a short walk.
Return to Porto Novo via the path from Cova to… I’m not sure where yet, to pick up the car for Porto Novo, since we’ll be taking the ferry that evening.
We’ll have a guide for this hike.
We’d love to spend a day in Tarrafal, but getting back requires a boat or taxi, and it’s really expensive!
We’re a couple, 78 and 76 years old.
What do you think of this itinerary?
Not very well known: Hokkaido Island has national parks that rival those in North America. Hiking there is free (even many mountain huts) and requires no formalities. These treks are described in the LP *Hiking in Japan* guide—you can just buy the Hokkaido PDF. It’s way better than Mount Fuji. Of course, everything depends on the weather, which is very unstable in the Japanese mountains (frequent strong winds). The trails are often obstacle courses.
The Daisetsu Zan traverse is a stunning hike through volcanic terrain with a remote section in the middle that requires at least one night of camping (there are basic huts for the rest, which is popular with Japanese hikers): 4 to 6 days.
The Shiretoko traverse takes 2 days with views including an island in Russia, but the ridge is brown bear territory—there are even more here than in Denali National Park in Alaska (brown bears and grizzlies are the same). I ran into 7 in just 6 hours of hiking!
Hi everyone,
I’m leaving on Monday, August 3rd for my very first long-distance trek: the GR223 from Coutances to Mont Saint-Michel, over 6-7 days (~11-14 miles/day), solo.
I’m looking for tips from people who know this section well (Coutances → Regnéville-sur-Mer → Hauteville-sur-Mer → Bréhal → Granville → Genêts → bay crossing):
Budget-friendly accommodations: I’m struggling to find affordable stopover lodgings (a lot of what I find online are expensive vacation rentals, not really suited for a solo hiker). If you have any great spots (hostels, hiker-friendly B&Bs, nice campgrounds), I’d love to hear them!
Bay crossing: Any feedback on guides/providers leaving from Genêts for the final crossing?
General tips for a first long-distance trek: What you wish you’d known before your first time, pitfalls to avoid, etc.
Hi,
We’re planning to do the 4-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli without an agency. The descriptions mention that there are accommodations at each stop, but we can’t find any details about them. Has anyone got info or feedback on this route?
New to this forum, I’m planning a pretty big project for 2028.
I’m heading to Nepal to do a trek from Kathmandu all the way to Everest Base Camp (a cool 5,300 m 😄).
This trek is a bit special because even though I’ll be part of a group, I’m going solo (so far, no problem—I’m used to it). But it’s my first real trek, and it’s also a humanitarian one: once I reach base camp, I’ll stay an extra week to help clean up the waste left by tens of thousands of climbers! Since I’m originally from South America, from two countries that share the Andes, I have a deep respect for mountains—they fascinate me. So Everest… it’s kind of the trip of a lifetime!
So, a little question for those who’ve done treks to Everest before… any tips for good mental preparation (I’m already working on the physical side)?
We're planning to trek in Peru and Bolivia and would love to find some local agencies.
If you know any, could you share details on prices and, of course, the names of the agencies?
Which trek would you recommend?
Elocine
I'm heading out on a fully self-sufficient trek in Morocco (10 days) from Imilchil to Aghbalou.
Can I find screw-on gas canisters (Coleman, Primus) in Marrakech (any addresses?) or in villages between Imilchil and Aghbalou?
If not, are Butagaz canisters for camping gas (small 230g size) available?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hello, I’d like to embark on a little trip in my home country, Switzerland. I’ll start walking from La Cure, heading toward Le Noirmont first, then I’ll improvise my route—but it’ll probably follow the French border... at least as far as Lac de Joux.
I’ll decide day by day how much farther to go after that. My goal is to stay in nature as much as possible, wander around for as long as I can, and restock food in villages or towns along the way.
I’m thinking of mostly camping, but we’ll see if I end up in a hotel or another campsite depending on my route.
I’d love to reach La Chaux-de-Fonds on foot... maybe even Delémont.
The whole thing should take about a week, give or take.
I’ll be bringing my dog, and I’m preparing for this as soon as I’m ready.
Any tips to make sure everything goes smoothly for us? Things I should know—or avoid? What about shepherds with their flocks of sheep? And isn’t hunting season open right now?
I’m not sure if what I’m planning is even doable, which is why I’m asking around.
This’ll be my first time doing something like this—wandering in nature *and* with a dog. I’m really excited for this adventure... and I need it. Thanks!
We’re really keen on ecosystems and want to hike in "natural" ancient forests—not planted woods or areas heavily degraded by human activity. Travel guides (like Lonely Planet) don’t provide much info on this. Could you point us to the most interesting spots?
Thanks in advance for your tips.
We wish you happy holidays and a fantastic 2026, full of discoveries!
Claire and Albert
Hi, this might not be the right section, but I’d like to know if it’s possible to start mountaineering with another person without necessarily hiring a guide. We’ve done quite a bit of hiking but not mountaineering—we’ll just do a half-day glacier course. After that, we were thinking of starting with La Grande Motte and the Pointe de la Traversière, which were recommended to us. Honestly, for things like roping up and knots, I’ll learn at home with lots of videos and a book.
I’d love to know if anyone has done treks in the Rwenzori Mountains and how much it costs on average, what the infrastructure is like, the landscapes, and safety in the area. Thanks so much! I’m really looking forward to your replies.
We’re leaving in 9 days for a two-week trip to Madeira, mainly to hike.
From my research, I’ve found that since last year, access to most trails—and systematically for the most popular ones—is now paid. You have to pay an access fee of 4.50 € per person per classified hike in 2026, and even 10.50 € for the most iconic hike: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. When paying, you also have to choose a day and a 30-minute time slot for your start time. Of course, this reservation is neither changeable nor refundable, even if the weather that day is terrible.
Personally, given the massive influx of tourists to the island in recent years, I don’t mind paying a fee to help maintain the trails. Similarly, setting a limit on the number of people who can hike them per day is certainly preferable to preserve this priceless heritage.
However, what’s much less fair is that in reality, most of the available spots are reserved: 1/ for Madeira residents (which is normal); 2/ for "economic operators" (meaning local tour operators). For example, if you’re a non-resident (independent tourist), no booking is possible for the Pico Arieiro hike for an early morning start before September! So, unfortunately, we’ll have to skip this hike.
It’s the same issue for Ponta de São Lourenço, the 25 Fontes, Pico Ruivo... in short, all the most popular hikes. Oh well, we’ll skip those too!
So my question is: which hikes do you recommend where we won’t face the huge crowds that the others get? And where we can book the day before for the next day, taking the weather into account?
Finally, a quick accommodation question: we’ve booked the first week in Funchal, but I haven’t decided yet for the second week. Do you have any advice on where to stay in the south or north, preferably avoiding overly concrete-heavy and touristy spots?
I’m reposting about the logistics for Samaria Gorge.
I’d love to get recent info, especially about whether it’s possible to park my car in Omalos, do the hike, and then catch a bus back to my vehicle.
In theory, it’s doable, but when you check the KTEL website, there aren’t any feasible schedules listed. If anyone has recently organized this with reliable, verified details, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
We’re flying from Montreal to Lyon this August to go hiking in the French Alps. We’ve rented a car and will be staying at campgrounds. We’re planning to do day hikes and want to stay a few days in one spot, do a few hikes, then move on to our next camping spot. Could you share your favorite spots or any recommendations for places to spend a few days with great hikes?
A few details:
We arrive in early August and leave in early September.
We’re looking for day hikes (or shorter), moderate difficulty, with a cumulative elevation gain of no more than 1000m, and of course, beautiful scenery!
We’d prefer not to drive too much—maybe it’s best not to head too far south and deal with unnecessary heat?
Along the same lines, if you know of any great campgrounds where we can start our hike directly without needing the car, we’d love to hear your suggestions!
Hi there,
I’m planning to go hiking on this island and would like to know the best time to do it. I visited for a few days in November 2018—not for hiking but just to explore—and the weather wasn’t great, especially in the mountains. So, is a star-shaped itinerary doable if I rent a car and maybe use two different accommodations?
I’m not planning to join an organized group—just traveling with one other person and organizing things ourselves—unless you’d recommend a local agency or guide. Finally, even though I’ll be getting maps, a topo guide, and a GPS, I’d really appreciate your top hiking recommendations.
Thanks so much for your tips!
I’m planning a trip around Cap Corse and the AGRIATES in 2026, from May 8th to 15th (there are still 2 spots left, by the way! Just DM me if you're interested).
I’d love to know which hikes are worth prioritizing in the AGRIATES. We’ll be staying in SALECCIA for two days as our base—what should we focus on from there?
A round trip to IGNHU beach? Any other suggestions?
For Ostricano, I think it’s too far for a round trip...
Thanks for your tips!
Have a great day,
Anie, Toulouse
I’d like to get some info about the GR10 Pyrenees traverse. I need help planning the daily stages and accommodations—my wife isn’t an experienced hiker but walks a lot, so I’d like to schedule shorter walking days and thus a longer overall trip in terms of number of days.
Could anyone give me some help and advice?
Best regards,
Hi there, I’m planning the Annapurna Circuit for March 2027 and I’m looking for a local agency with a local guide—preferably French-speaking—to arrange this trek for us. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hello!
We’re spending a few days in Toraja country at the end of May. We’d love to do a day trek—taking our time—on a route that’s stunning in terms of scenery, but not a level 5 in difficulty!
Any suggestions you can share, please?
Thanks in advance
I’d like to do the Mare a Mare Sud in May over 4 days. I’ve found quite a few places to stay along the route, but I’m stuck on the start and finish.
I’ll be arriving by plane on Sunday evening and would like to start pretty early on Monday morning. Ideally, accommodation right at the trailhead (Alzu di Gallina) would be amazing, but I can’t find anything. Any tips?
Also, for the transfer from Figari Airport to Porto Vecchio or Alzu di Gallina?
At the end, I’d like to pick up a rental car—any advice on that too?
I’m traveling solo by plane to Catania in May and plan to hike the northern side of Etna, starting from Linguaglossa where I’ll arrive by bus. After that, I’d love some info on how to get up to Piano Provenzana (shuttles or hitchhiking), since it seems there’s no public transport except in the summer. Can you sleep there in a free or cheap refuge, or camp? And how far up can you go without having to hire a guide? Thanks in advance. Bernard.
