Patrick Vallençant

Patrick Vallençant (June 9, 1946 in Lyon – March 28, 1989) was a French alpinist/skier and pioneer in ski mountaineering. He was a pioneer in ski mountaineering and leader of the French school of ski mountaineers. His motto was: "si tu tombes, tu meurs", translated as "you fall, you die". In addition to numerous first descents, he was responsible for the creation of the "Pedal-Jump Turn" and co-founded the Degré 7 ski apparel company. He died on March 28, 1989, in a non-skiing related climbing accident as a result of a broken carabiner, while abseiling from the top of La Beaume Rouge, in France.