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My year began with a highlight… not as an Athlete, but as on a personal level as I witnessed our son Xavier-Nanuk see the light of day for the first time on January 17! My first moments on the job as a New Dad were thrilling and exciting, and it remains so; a privilege and experience I relish and enjoy every day! I never imaged the bond and attachment to such a small worm could be so emotional. It is really the greatest achievement I have made to date… After a three week ‘paternity leave’, and between days guiding my longtime friend and guest here in Switzerland, I left on a ten day Ice-climbing trip to Scotland’s Ben Nevis. The team of 6 included Wärthl Michi, Thomas Senf, Dani and Mario Arnold, Stefan Rouss and myself. It was 10 fun and athletic days of culture in climbing in snow and rain! The ice conditions last winter until April in Switzerland were awesome! So we spent the rest of our winter climbing first ascent on the many ice falls we are fortunate to have in our region. With spring, came more climbing and endurance training in the Bernese Oberland as well as more time with my family. Soon, the first commercial film was on the agenda: ‘Milk Makes You Strong’ as the campaign reads. It was one of the best shoots I’ve done. The film crew was professional and great to work with. Especially Stefan Zürcher from Wengen, who was responsible for the shoot. The spot that was aired on television can also be seen here. A short two weeks later, we starting shooting the next campaign with Andy Holzer; a blind climber from Austria. Andi and I were asked to participate in a promotional film for ‘human action. You can see the short film here. Once the two films were behind me I started focusing my energy on an intense period of preparation and training for the upcoming expedition I had planned in late August. On August 12, I was shocked and saddened by the news that my friend and fellow climber Giovanni Quirici was killed in a tragic accident on the Eiger. I realized once again that most accidents happen in the seemingly simple circumstances… where you would least expect them. The route“Chant de Sygne” where Giove lost his life was an easy project for the strong Tessiner who loved climbing! At the end of August Niki and I said ‘I do’, and with these two words we united our family; Niki, Reef (her 8 year old son), Xavier and me. A very special day, one I couldn’t have imagined a few years ago! On September 4, in the company of my longtime expedition partner Denis Burdet, friend David Lama and photographers / filmers Rob Frost and Stefan Schlumf, I set out on expedition to the Kashmir Himalayas. Our successes were the results of a solid and motivated team- proof of what positive, good team spirit and can achieve! The team was rich in character, skill and an overall “happy energy”! A great combination and you can read the expedition report here. I knew on return home from India a grueling lecture tour across Europe from November to mid December was waiting for me! It was a year full of great experiences and adventure! In that spirit I want to thank everyone very much for the very valuable support, the many kind messages, visit and the valuable friendship. Thank you! Stephan Siegrist http://stephan-siegrist.ch 
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