Born on January 20, 1963, Alexey Bolotov, a Russian mountaineer, was recognized as one of the best Himalayan climbers of his generation. He took part in many incredible first ascents such as the Direttissima of the North Face of Jannu in 2004 and the great new line of the West Face of Makaly in 1997. Two courses which earned him a Piolet d'Or, the most prestigious award in mountaineering, to which must be added the nomination for his ascent of Thalay Sagar in 1999. They are all top routes, recognized not only in the world of mountaineering but also by the Russian Federation which awarded Bolotov the "Order of Courage" for his ascent of Makalu and the Homeland Service Medal II Grade award for his ascent of Lhotse Middle. in 2001.