Summiting the Matterhorn – How Bill did it..
Adam Kelly attempts to get Bill Roberts, who recently summited the infamous Matterhorn Mountain – to write an account of his achievement.
Its tough to get Bill Roberts, to put pen to paper. Maybe his job of ‘non executive director of investment funds with a legal background’ makes him hesitant, for fear of incriminating himself!
Anyway we pulled it out of him using a series of questions posed to him.
Why do you do this type of activity and have you done it for long?
I enjoy the challenge that climbing a big mountain gives. It gives focus to training. I have been climbing in this way for 14 years.
Why The Matterhorn
The Matterhorn was one of the last unclimbed high mountains of the Alps.It is considered a classic climb but dangerous.
Is the mountain dangerous?
Yes it is dangerous and quite a lot of the danger comes from fellow climbers who may dislodge loose rock on to you.
What did your family think of you doing this?
My family are well used to this and often do not remember which mountain I am climbing.No man is a hero in his own home.
Do you work in this type of area?
I am a non executive director of investment funds with a legal background.
What type of preperation did you have to go though for the climb?
I attended Puravida 3 times a week for PT sessions and twice a week for core and spinning classes.I was also coached once a week on a climbing wall and walked in the hills up to 5 times a week .
Did you climb and train for the mountain on your own or with somebody.
I walked at the weekend with a friend otherewise on my own or with a coach.Spinning classes are in a group.
How fit do you have to be to climb a mountain like that?
It is important to be in good shape.Moving efficiently and being economic in energy use is the key.Being good at altitude is also significant.
Are you a gear junkie?
I have certain brands which work for me.Rab for outer wear,Smartwool base etc.Gear does not get you up mountains but bad gear untested by you might be a factor in not getting up.
Tell me about the Matterhorn Mountain itself. Why have I heard of it before and what is actually up there?
Anyone who has bought Toblerone chocolate knows what the Matterhorn looks like.It is a clichéd shape terrifying from a distance but less so when you get closer.At 4500m it is not the highest mountain in the Alps but because of its reputation it is on a lot of people’s list of must do peaks.
What advice would you give a first timer who is considering climbing a big mountain like this?
This is not a mountain for a starter.My advice to someone interested would be to join an organised group with a view to climbing the likes of Mont Blanc which whilst the highest in the Alps is not too technical and would test enthusiasm and provide a useful learning experience for rope use and crampon work.Thereafter maybe more technical climbing with a guide one on one or two to one accumulating experience and technique would be the way to go.
Whats next for Bill Roberts?
I have skied to the South Pole climbed the Matterhorn ,the Eiger and Mont Blanc and 20 4000m mountains in the Alps and even climbed and named 10 previously unclimbed mountains in Greenland.The Sugarloaf is next for me until another target comes to mind.
