Olivier

BALMA

Specialities

Rice and chopsticks.

Favorite place

Living and climbing in Marseille, the Mediterranean, Bouillabaisse, olive oil & pastis!

Best moment

I have a soft spot for the wildness of the Ecrins and the north face of the Olan and Ailefroide. Thierry Volpiatto's F8a, 'Photo de voyage', at Panacelle with Diego belaying me… And the ice falls on the north  face of Gramusat… What a fantastic collection!

Favorite CD, book, movie

John Coltrane, Ole. Haruki Murakami, 'Chronique de l'Oiseau à ressort'. Movie? That's kind of hard. Um, Babel.

Best gear

Anacona Cup, the ultimate weapon. Spider quickdraws, the super-practical design of the Toucan.

Anything else ?

Since I've been in China and now more than ever, I have a huge respect for the moutains, the environment, the local people and other climbers… And most of all, for their passion !!!