Mount Everest Foundation
Supporting the exploratory
The route, which follows an intermittent line of snow and ice for 1,300m across the mountain's north face was singled out by the jury for the exemplary style in which it was accomplished, with the jury describing it as: "a perfect example of ambitious exploratory mountaineering".
Commenting on the award, MEF Chair Duncan Sperry said: "Paul and Tim's expedition to the Jugal Himal and the route they climbed are perfect examples of the type of exploration that the MEF seeks to encourage - low impact, small teams developing challenging new routes. To see their efforts, and in particular the style of their ascent, recognised by the Piolets d'Or jury is extremely gratifying."
Paul will be speaking about the ascent at a joint Alpine Club and MEF event at this year's Kendal Mountain Festival.
The other awarded ascents for the 2022 calendar year are Christophe Ogier, Victor Saucède and Jérôme Sullivan's first ascent of Pumari Chhish East via 'The Crystal Ship' (1,600m, 6b A2 M7) and Alik Berg and Quentin Roberts's first ascent of the south-southeast spur of Jirishanca via 'Reino Hongo' (1,000m, M7 AI5+ 90°).
Capucine Cotteaux, Caro North and Nadia Royo's first ascent of the east face of Northern Sun Spire in Rendland, Greenland was also singled out for a special mention in recognition of the low impact nature and good style of this all-women expedition.
The Piolets d'Or Awards ceremony will take place on the 15th November in Briançon, France.
You can read more about the ceremony and all of the awarded ascents via the Piolets d'Or website.
Images: Tim Miller and Piotr Drożdż