Biography

Gabriel has travelled over 40 countries, from one summit to the next always in support of a worthy cause.  He shares his time between his two great passions, the people and the mountains. 

He climbs rocks, ice falls and is a high altitude mountaineer.  To this day he has reached numerous summits around the world ranging from local ice falls to summits high as 5 000 to 8 000 meters! 

As a professional speaker he has an undeniable charisma.   His conference takes his audience to a magnificent voyage to the top of Mount Everest.  Beyond the extreme physical tests of the high altitude adventure lies the cruellest challenge of all: the death of his friend Sean on the mountain.  With great openness, Gabriel carries everyone into this inspiring journey about finding a piece of blue sky in any life’s storm.  He reaches people and motivates them to identify their strengths and to persevere in their quest for their own summit.  Along with breathtaking pictures and footage of the expedition comes a story of passion for life and love of people.

Gabriel lives in Montreal, Canada with his family. He gives conferences in English or French and adapts them to the specific needs of his clients: decision making, problem solving, overcoming obstacles, teamwork, reaching goals, achievement, determination, motivation, dreams… or pure entertainment.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • May 24, 2010: Gabriel become the first Quebecer ( 2nd Canadian) to summit Everest from both sides. 
  • March-April 2010: Spokeperson for the fundraising campaign 'Fight the pain meter per meter' for juvenile arthritis.
  • January 2010: Spokeperson for the 'Joints in motion' program of the Arthritis Society.
  • January 2010: Expedition leader for the 'seVen' project. Eight climbers from seven arab countries (Algeria, Egypt, Irak, Jordan,Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine) with one goal: work as a team to summit the highest peak in the arab world, mount Toubkal (4167 meters).
  • Together to the top: Everest 2009 (fourth ascent!) and Aconcagua 2010 climbs in aid of Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation.
  • Everest 2007: Expedition leader and director of logistics for the making of 'Findinglife'. The movie won two awards at the Montreal International Adventure Film Festival: public award and the special mention of the jury.
  • Everest summiter (May 30th, 2005).
  • On June 09, 2006, the Government of Québec recognized his Everest ascent.
  • On November 25, 2005, the Government of Canada recognized his Everest ascent.
  • Climbed six of the Seven Summits Crown (highest summit on each of the seven continents): Mt Everest (Asia), Mt McKinley (North America), Mt Aconcagua (South America), Mt Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mt Elbrus (Europe) and Carstensz Pyramid (Oceania).
  • World Premiere: In 2003, as the expedition leader of the Life Line Expedition, he took a heart transplant patient to the top of Mount Blanc (France). Upon his return, he travelled across Canada, motivating employees of pharmaceutical corporations. To this day, his inspirational story is said to motivate the medical community toward teamwork and overcoming obstacles. Furthermore, his involvement in this cause has created hope for patients awaiting a heart transplant. A documentary has been produced and broadcasted on public television.
  • International Eco- Challenge Race (August 2005): This extreme endurance event is an international competition where athletes are challenged both physically and emotionally to the maximum of their capabilities. During three days, the team of four mountain bike (on road, unbeaten paths, technical trails), swim, canoe, climb, rappel, trek, navigate with maps and compass, jump cliffs, run and more.
  • Manager: As a manager in the air traffic services for 10 years, he masters the art of communication to employees and understands corporate needs.
  • Bilingual speaker:  Has had speaking engagements at major corporations, professional associations, schools, outdoor events. He also has presentations open to the general public. 
  • Writer: His story has been published in a book entitled ‘La montagne à portée de voix’ (XYZ Publisher). 
  • Public Awareness: Through conferences and media interviews, he created public awareness for arthritis, unprivileged children, spinal muscular atrophy,organ donation,cystic fibrosis to name a few. 
  • Philanthropist:  Actively involved in humanitarian projects across the world such as the Babu Chiri Foundation, Ad Astra Foundation, Child Haven and Feed the Children program.
  • Keen Eye: Member of the jury at the Montreal International Adventure Film Festival 2005 and has also to his credit numerous breathtaking pictures.
  • Well-known:  His name should be familiar to you since he has received media coverage all across Canada and also in the United States.
  • Well-travelled:  Having visited over 40 countries, pursuing adventure and snow!

PROJECTS:

  • Florida Ironman 2010= 3.8km swim, 180 km bike and 42.2 km run. Gabriel doesn't know how to swim!
  • seVen: High-octane reality show in the Middle East.   www.unite4seven.com 
  • Antarctica:  The last  of the Seven Summits Crown (Vinson Massif)