Underground Paradise from Rouzeau Michaël on Vimeo.

Frédéric Moix making the 3rd ascent of the 40-move Underground Paradise (V14), in September 2008, on the famed Barme de la fée d’Aron boulder in Fionnay, Switzerland. Barme is an old word for a sheltering overhang, while the fairy of Aron, says local legend, catches those who come too close to it. “This story was probably a clever way to prevent children from spending too much time under this boulder, which looks unstable (it’s standing on three others, to form three caves),” says Moix. Shepherds often sheltered under the barme which is also home to Scarred for Life (V14) and a V15+ project. “You get crazy light around the summer solstice,” says Moix. “It comes through one cave, lighting the place in a particular way for a few minutes only. It’s a big ray of light at the center of the boulder, with a reflection all around.” Special thanks to Yves Burri, Dave Graham, Romain Desgranges Special thanks to Yves Burri, Dave Graham, Romain Desgranges AND TO THE NUMEROUS SPOTTERS AND PAD LENDERS