The first ascent of a giant north face in northern China, completed last summer by Americans and with Scottish climber Bruce Normand, is one of five nominees for this years Piolets d'Or, states . The American-Scottish team completed the first ascent of Xuelian West (6,422 meters) in the Chinese Tian Shan via its 2,650-meter north face. The trio climbed alpine-style in a five-day round-trip. the 18th annual Piolets d'Or ceremony and festival will be held April 7-10 in Chamonix, France, and Courmayeur, Italy.
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–Stayton Bonner