An update on speed flying and skiing with Leavenworth local and Birdwhere founder Michael “Bird” Shaffer straight from the mountains of Chamonix, France.

Photography by Mark Shelp

On the 10th of May, we tried and skied the Mallory with Mark Shelp. You can see the track down through the crux with maximum exposure. Tres Difficile td +.Then we got to the diagonal ramp where it was supposed to get easier and it turned into nearly breakable rain ice. We down climbed with two rappels all the way out the exit couloir. What a special place and great experience for us and for the people in the cable car!

An update on speed flying and skiing with Leavenworth local and Birdwhere founder Michael “Bird” Shaffer straight from the mountains of Chamonix, France.

Photography by Mark Shelp

On the 10th of May, we tried and skied the Mallory with Mark Shelp. You can see the track down through the crux with maximum exposure. Tres Difficile td +.Then we got to the diagonal ramp where it was supposed to get easier and it turned into nearly breakable rain ice. We down climbed with two rappels all the way out the exit couloir. What a special place and great experience for us and for the people in the cable car!

The next day i was alone up the Aguille Du Midi alone with my wing. I met French mountain guide and wing suit instructor Jimmy. He gave me crampons because I felt the wind was the wrong direction to do my first north face speed ride and I was going to fly into the Mer De Glace and walk out the bottom.

As two choucas ( the spirit bird of the mountain. our fallen brothers and sisters) flew by me to say hello, the wind change direction. I set up and another speed ride French brother showed up. I told him it would be my first and he said “hey, follow me”. Wing up and skiing along , I took a big left and woooooooooooo ooooo lllaaaa laaa BI KAAAAW!”