At the Valdeblore Mountain High School, students climbed a peak at an altitude of 4,000 meters.

Reaching the summits. From the valley, his head turned toward these peaks, so irresistible yet so inaccessible, so majestic yet so dangerous, the teenager rehashes an old dream of humanity. To be up there. At the Lycée de la Montagne in Valdeblore, how many students have not deeply desired this, escaping with a glance out of their classroom window, overlooking the Mercantour? But between contemplation and action, there is often a gap. A crevasse even.

Mountaineering remains elitist. "It's not for me," most young people say, despite their desire. "We had to prove them wrong," challenges Florence Cotto. Alongside her colleague Thomas Boulanger, the PE teacher—who is also a mountain guide—organized an excursion for 24 students (ranging from the second to the final year of high school), mostly beginners, with the goal of climbing a peak at an altitude of 4,000 meters. "While the high school offers certified sports training related to the mountains, there are also professional programs that don't involve summits. In the heart of the Alps, we have to give them a foothold... or rather, crampons," smiles the teacher, delighted by the project's success.

"We win together, we lose together"

From Saturday, June 7th to Monday, June 9th, the team successfully tackled the Monte Rosa massif in Italy. Under the supervision of six instructors, the high school students learned how to handle ice axes and rope up. "A first," said 17-year-old Lucas. The long-distance hiker in the Mercantour region also discovered the hellish conditions that plague these extreme altitudes.

"We were greeted by thick fog and snowfall. On the second day, we were hit by a very strong wind." It makes you wonder what you're doing there? "As long as you're surrounded by professionals and enthusiasts, there's no reason to worry," assures the teenager, particularly touched by the mutual support his friends showed . "A friend had a headache from the lack of oxygen, and the whole rope team supported him. We win together or we lose together. In this case, we surpassed ourselves and reached our goal."

From an "abstract world" to the world of possibilities

Gnifetti Point. 4,553 meters above sea level. A promontory overlooking the Alps. " We could see so many mountains at our feet: the Matterhorn (Switzerland), Mont Blanc, Gran Paradiso (Italy). It was so powerful, I wanted to cry," marvels Amaury, 17, overwhelmed by "the best outing of [his] life. I'd never been so high. How lucky!"

Love at first sight is guaranteed. But can the experience be repeated? Will these future young adults be able to afford a guide and the essential equipment? And then, a single mountain race is not enough to master the codes. " Yes, but it encourages us to continue, it proves to us that we are capable. The high school also provides equipment and the final year students in specialized classes are independent in the mountains. We will be able to organize outings in the Mercantour," retorts Naïa, 15. If until now the second year student considered mountaineering as "an abstract world" , she now wants to make it her path. "At the start of the school year, I'm joining the training certified for high mountains."

Faced with such enthusiasm, Florence Cotto makes no secret of her desire to return next year: " We'll do it again, that's for sure. Of course, it comes at a cost (€15,000 funded by the high school's sports association). But we have to open up our mountains. They belong to everyone."