- Matthias Scherer
- From: Cogne in the Aosta Valley, Italy
- Ambassador since: 2019
- Outdoor activities: Climbing
Achievements:
- I have climbed over 1000 ice falls in the past 27 years.
- The ascents of Kjerrskredkvelven and Svartberg Fossen (also called Midagshovden Fossen) both situated in Gudvangen, Norway are for sure memorable moments in my career.
Matthias Scherer is a prominent figure in the world of professional ice climbing and alpinism. Known for his incredible endurance and technical precision, he has spent decades pushing the limits of what is possible on vertical ice.
Where did you grow up?
North of Frankfurt, Germany.
What do you actively do to cut back on your carbon footprint?
I avoid using the car as much as I can. Fortunately I can reach about 50 ice and mixed climbs from my doorstep when I am at home in Cogne. I have been a vegetarian for 30 years and reduce my consumption of dairy products.
Was there someone or some event that inspired you to get involved in your sport/activity?
When I was very young, I learned to ski in the French Alps. I saw the Mont Blanc and big frozen waterfalls rising above this small piste. The sight of all beautiful and mysterious ice never left my heart.
Favorite place in the world?
Gudvangen in Norway and Stanley Headwall in Canada.
What hobbies do you enjoy participating in?
I enjoy myself the most when I am in the mountains. So all kinds of movements are welcome. Climbing, skiing, running or biking.
What would be the theme song describing your life?
Call of the winter.
If you could have dinner with 3 people (living or deceased) who would they be and why?
Tanja and Heike - I have climbed with those ladies for 20 years but we still haven’t found the answers to all our burning questions. The third person I would add would be J.R.R. Tolkien. I’ve read the Silmarillion and the Lord of the Rings many times and would love to have his wisdom in our conversation.
What is/are your hidden talent(s)?
Love for challenges.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be and why?
I am a fan of Batman in the interpretation of Christopher Nolan. So I think we live to grow and try to hone our own powers.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Fire, Ice, Dedication.
What is a skill that everyone should master and why?
Zooming out: the skill to see the bigger picture, not only the next two meters in front of you.
What advice would you give your 10-year-old self?
Keep on looking at the big mountains and ice lines. Dream and imagine how you climb them. One day your dreams will come true.
Can you share an adventure?
A full day with an incredible view of the Gran Paradiso and the mountains of the Wallis. Start from Valnontey village. Follow the CC track for 4k's then the summer path till the Erfaulet bridge. From here skin up the river bed and pass underneath the known ice falls/climbs underneath the Plateau Money. Gain the Plateau Money by a steeper slope and traverse up to the orographic left of the moraine leading to the Money bivouac. A steep slope directly on the orographic left of the rising Punta Patri avoids the heavily crevassed Coupe Money glacier. This section can be threatened by rockfall and slides in the afternoon. The route flattens for a short while and there is a good view now on the final slope of the Torre di Sant'Orso. Choose the best way up. This slope can be treacherous for avalanches in fresh snow. At the top of the slope leave your skis and scramble up through loose rock the south ridge.
Matthias Scherer in action