Walter Bonatti (1930-2011) is an essential lynchpin in the history of mountain climbing globally and his career is inextricably linked to the western Alps. He was a gymnast, labourer, mountain climber, alpine guide and ski instructor, explorer, journalist, photographer and writer and received numerous honours: the Gold Medal for Civil Valour, became a Knight of the Italian Republic, an Officer of the French Legion of Honour, received an honoris causa degree in environmental science and the Gold Piolet for his career. His entire archive has been conserved at the Mountainmuseum since 2016.