Turgeon, 26, is a relative newcomer to the alpinist world. Turgeon’s attraction for the steep faces of the big mountain ranges started six years ago, when he first put his feet into climbing shoes. Since that time his passion has grown tremendously.
On Turgeon’s first trip to Alaska, he claimed a first ascent on one of the finest North American and the hardest Alaskan route of 2005: “Spice Factory” North Face of Bradley (1600 m, AI5, 5.10 R, M7) achieved in alpine style, no bolts, in a 55-hour push.
Additional achievements include a new route on the south face of the French Ridge on Mount Foraker (WI5+, M6, A0, 5500 ft.) with Will Mayo, in 40 hours up and 10 hours down in May 2006. Later that same month, Turgeon summitted via a new route on the south face of Denali, “Canadian Direct ‘the real direct,’” Alaska grade 6, 5.9, M6, AI4, 8000 ft. with Louis-Philippe Menard in 58 hours.
“Julbo always seems to be a long way ahead in the eyewear industry because they manage to match simplicity, style and versatility in their products,” Turgeon said. “I think the Zebra lens is a good example of that, allowing the perfect darkness in every situation. In an alpine environment, you always have to adapt to different conditions and stay as light as possible at the same time and Julbo, with their interchangeable lens system, is bringing the perfect solution to this need.”