Founded in 1976, the Groupe Militaire de Haute Montagne (GMHM), the French Army’s elite mountaineering unit, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. From major winter climbs in the Alps to polar expeditions, from 8,000-meter peaks to the world’s most technically demanding walls, the GMHM has followed—and sometimes anticipated—the evolution of mountaineering. Its story is also one of teamwork: bringing together some of the finest climbers of their generation and turning individual talent into collective strength. The unit has just opened another new route in Nepal, an ascent we will be covering soon. Here are twelve milestones from half a century of landmark ascents and exploration.
1976–1977. The GMHM is born—and makes a major winter ascent on the Olan
In 1976, General Pierre Laurens, commander of the French Army’s 27th Alpine Division, wants to establish a team of military mountaineers capable of competing with the world’s best. He entrusts the mission