Great Alpinists: Jean-Marc Boivin

Great Alpinists: Jean-Marc Boivin

Client: Jean-Marc Boivin

Jean-Marc was living in Chamonix with his family. I got to know him and was his photographer for about 10 years, before his tragic accident in 1990.

Jean-Marc Boivin was one of the best climbers of his generation. I got to follow him around the world during about ten years. Although I am nearly 50 now, I still owe him a lot of wonderful memories.

On top of being an exceptional climbers, Jean-Marc was also really into base jump, hang-gliders and parachute. Early in his career, he decided that those were the best way to come down of a mountain after climbing on top of it.

He died in 1990 in Venezuela, trying to rescue an injured base-jumper by jumping himself. He has been missed by all of us ever since.

  • Hang-Glider

    Hang-Glider

    Probably one of the fastest way to get to the foot of any mountain before climbing it.

    • Chamonix, Les Grands Montets
    • July 4, 1989
  • Jump

    Jump

    Jumping from as high as possible a cliff was one of Jean-Marc's favourite game.

    • Mont Blanc Massif, Le surplomb du marteau
    • June 4, 1988
  • Jean-Marc

    Jean-Marc

    Jean-Marc Boivin, probably the best of his generation.

    • Chamonix, France
    • April 10, 1987
  • Preparations

    Preparations

    Getting ready for another performance.

    • Chamonix, Mer de glace
    • April 11, 1987
  • Another jump

    Another jump

    Perfect timing for the opening of the parachute.

    • Switzerland, Barrage d'Emosson
    • April 12, 1987
  • Skiing down

    Skiing down

    After climbing a mountain, what's the quickest way to get down so you can do another ascent the same day ?

    • Chamonix, France
    • April 10, 1989