The Alpinist

In a revealing interview, Alex Honnold discusses his inspirations in the climbing world, notably Marc-Andre Leclerc. Honnold describes Leclerc’s pure approach to climbing, emphasizing his dedication to the sport and the essence of climbing for oneself.

Marc-Andre Leclerc, a master of alpine solo climbs, executes a remarkable solo climb of The Corkscrew on Cerro Torre at just 23 years old. This challenging ascent highlights Leclerc's exceptional climbing skills and brings him into the spotlight, gaining attention from filmmaker Peter Mortimer.

Filmmaker Peter Mortimer travels to Squamish, British Columbia, to meet Leclerc, who is uncomfortable with the spotlight. Mortimer recognizes the same adventurous spirit in Leclerc that inspired him with legendary climber Derek Hersey.

Marc chooses a life dedicated to climbing, living under a stairwell initially and later in a tent in the forest with his girlfriend, Brette Harrington. This lifestyle reflects their passion for climbing, prioritizing experiences over material comforts.

Leclerc breaks Alex Honnold's speed record on The Grand Wall, showcasing his incredible climbing ability. However, his true aspirations lie in achieving greater feats in solo alpine climbing, reflecting his deep connection with the sport.

Marc's love for alpinism emphasizes both the challenging ascents and the way they are achieved. Solo climbing becomes a delicate balance of survival amidst the known dangers, as many climbers have tragically lost their lives in pursuit of the sport.

Mortimer's film crew follows Leclerc to Canmore for an ice climbing session filled with risks. Marc solo climbs treacherous mixed routes resulting in admiration from the local climbing community as he performs impressive feats in challenging conditions.

As months pass, Marc becomes increasingly restless, causing concern and frustration for Mortimer and his crew. They eventually find him in the Ghost River Wilderness Area, further emphasizing his indifference to media attention.

In April 2016, Leclerc achieves a significant milestone by completing the first winter solo ascent of the Emperor Face of Mount Robson. He chooses not to inform Mortimer’s crew, adhering to his personal philosophy about solo climbing.

Post-ascent, Leclerc invites the crew to film his climbing technique but insists on not using communication devices. This adds further risk to his already perilous lifestyle, illustrating his commitment to the sport.

Months later, Marc embarks on his dream ascent of Torre Egger in Patagonia. He documents parts of the climb with his friend Austin Siadak, but after a severe storm, he makes the difficult decision to retreat.

Undeterred by his earlier setback, Leclerc returns to Torre Egger to complete his climb. In an astonishing display of endurance, he achieves a historic first winter solo ascent in just 21 hours despite facing formidable challenges.

In March 2018, disaster strikes as Brette Harrington notifies Mortimer that Marc and his climbing partner Ryan Johnson have gone missing in Alaska. This alarming news leads to an urgent search for clues somewhere in the wilderness.

A search for Marc and Ryan culminates in the tragic discovery of their ropes in avalanche snow, signaling a likely fatal incident. The sad truth dawns on those who knew and admired Marc, marking a somber moment for the climbing community.

Months following the tragic loss, the climbing community organizes a memorial in Squamish to honor Leclerc's adventurous spirit. The gathering reflects the profound impact he had on those around him and his unwavering passion for climbing.