Bold Climber and Accomplished Mountain Guide, Meet Lise Billon

Lise Billon takes us to new heights with her wild dreams and equally extraordinary expeditions. A high-level athlete and respected alpinist, Lise is also someone with infectious energy that brings beauty to everyone who crosses her path.

Always a Dream In Mind

Meet Lise

"A nomad trying to settle down…

If I had to describe myself in a few words, I would say I’m a free spirit and always on the move. But I have some favorite places that I feel are important to my roots.

First, Verdon, where oceans of gray limestone lay hidden among arid plateaus.

Next is Patagonia. My experience as an alpinist has been forged by these remote mountain ranges. From a month-long solo expedition, to a visit to El Chalten, a bustling village where all alpinists hang out these days. It's a land of contrasts. Of chimeras.

The wide open spaces of the United States. Its desert cracks. Places that made me feel like I was living the American dream, pretending to be a cowgirl. Roaming desert landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see.

And of course, the Mont Blanc massif — my garden. Where I decided to set up my home base. Accessible mountains, although no less grandiose for it.

Then, little by little, my mind turns to the Himalayas. Going to Pakistan for the first time was a revelation for me. Its mountains are a cross between Patagonia and Chamonix, times 10!

For me, alpinism and mountain expeditions allow my creativity to run wild. To make fresh tracks, to write my own stories. But it’s also a game. A game that allows you to share meaningful moments with your partners, and provides important time for introspection. There's nothing like a long approach to a remote base camp to help you see the world a little more clearly.

From Lise, on her last trip to Pakistan.

For me, alpinism and mountain expeditions allow my creativity to run wild. To make fresh tracks, to write my own stories. Above all, it's also a game. A game that allows you to share meaningful moments with your climbing partners; but it's also an important time of introspection. There's nothing like a long approach to a remote base camp to help you see the world a little more clearly!"