In reply to UKC News: Has anyone ever been to this event? Can ordinary folk off the street go to the Piolet d'Or? Is it a bunch of lectures from the nominees? If so, what language are they conducted in? Questions, questions... It's just that I'll be in the area at the same time so was wondering what the score was. Any help would be much appreciated, the Piolet d'Or website isn't very forthcoming in this respect, but hints at an international festival of Alpinism. I have managed to track down where the event is being held on chamonix.com, but that's it.