Meet This Years Chamonix High Mountain Reporters

Introducing Joel Evans and Nick Draper, who will be reporting on conditions once every two weeks over the winter.

Joel Evans:

Tell us a little bit about yourself; where you’re from / where you’ve previously worked or studied

I'm 26 and from a small town in south Wales. Straight after completing my degree in Accounting I left Cardiff and headed for Chamonix.

What brings you to Chamonix?

I came here 3 years ago to snowboard. After falling in love with the mountains I found it hard to leave and have managed to keep myself busy every day since.

What are your main interests / passions / things that you go out of your way to do?

I love skiing. Since making my first turns here in Jan 2013 I have been hunting for snow ever since. Being known for skiing as far into the summer months as is possible. When its not snowing Ill spend most of my time in the high mountains climbing rock, ice and snow.

What are you most looking forward to in your time here?

Exploring as much of the Mont-Blanc massif as I can. Whether it be on skis or on foot. I have a very big wish list for ski descents and climbs that I would like to achieve.

Have you got any qualifications / won any awards for anything?

No outdoor qualifications and I'm not sure what role my accounting degree plays in the mountains! I am signed on to the Aiare avalanche course this year to increase my chances of staying safe this winter.

Tell us something about yourself that not everyone would know.

I can complete a rubix cube in under 2 minutes.

What’s your biggest achievement in life to date?

I spent this september in Kyrgyzstan on an expedition. Sleeping in a tent at 4300m for a month climbing the Tien shan mountains on the border with China.

If there’s one place in the world you’d love to visit but haven’t yet.. where is it and why?

Patagonia. Inspired by Andreas Fransson I would love to go ski touring and steep skiing on the other side of the world.

What do you think you’ll be able to bring to your reports / our readers that they’ll enjoy?

I was never that good in English class spending most of my time outside. So although I lack big words I can offer a down to earth, realistic approach to my reports. Telling readers what they want to know and leaving them wanting more. I spend almost everyday of the winter skiing somewhere and with this develop a good understanding of the conditions.

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And Nick Draper:

Tell us a little bit about yourself; where you’re from / where you’ve previously worked or studied

I'm 26 and from Wells near Glastonbury in Somerset (the smallest city in the UK don't ya know!). I studied Outdoor and Environmental Education at Liverpool(LJMU) and have worked in outdoor education/adventure tourism industry in Europe and as far as the Middle East for the last 4 years.

What brings you to Chamonix?

Chamonix is known world wide as an arena for extreme mountain sports and being here really brings what you see on videos to life - while you are climbing up something having the time of your life, there's someone jumping off the top of what your climbing having the time of theirs! Seeing these sights with your own eyes isn't common around the world, but you see it here in Chamonix.

What are your main interests / passions / things that you go out of your way to do?

My main passions are skiing, ice & mixed climbing, and rock climbing. I'd say 10 months of my year revolve around these sports.

What are you most looking forward to in your time here?

Skiing and climbing with friends in areas that slipped by me last year. Eating every Poco Loco Burger on the menu.

Have you got any qualifications / won any awards for anything?

I'm a qualified UK climbing instructor and have nearly completed the International Mountain Leader Award so I can lead treks in the Alps and further afield. I also have my PADI Open water...but that's no use here.

Tell us something about yourself that not everyone would know..

In certain circles, I am known by the nick-name 'Lobby'.

What’s your biggest achievement in life to date?

Climbing the Kuffner Arete followed by Mont Blanc was a huge achievement for me this year and is something I've wanted to do for a long time.

If there’s one place in the world you’d love to visit but haven’t yet.. where is it and why?

Alaska for heliskiing dreams.

What do you think you’ll be able to bring to your reports / our readers that they’ll enjoy?

I think I'll bring reports that people can identify with and appeal to a wide range of readers. I hope to give them inspiration to get out and enjoy the skiing and climbing available.

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Welcome on board guys!

Joel's first high mountain report is on line today, so go take a look!