Since 1990, Le Groupe de Haute Montagne s the most significant ascent of the year in the world of elite alpinism. An expert board chooses between the alpinists nomitated and s the winner of the  « Piolet d’Or », the most covered award in mountain climbing.

The Piolet d'Or has been awarded from the beginning by the joint efforts of the GHM, Guy Chaumereuil and Montagne Magazine, co-founders of the prize and each of them responsible for his specific area of expertise in the event .
Guy Chaumereuil is acting as a general consultant, the G.H.M. acts as the alpinism body of reference and moral caution and Montagne Magazine, with its human and financials resources, is in charge of communication and event organisation.

After several years of co-management, the last ones with increasing relational dificulties, the GHM realized that, despite all the conciliatory skills of Guy Chaumereuil, the necessary respect and confidence needed for the award of the Piolet d'Or are now impossible with Mountain Magazine. Upon reaching these conclusions, the GHM decided not to contribute to the 2007 award.

Montagne Magazine said that this withdrawal doesn’t matter and that the Piolet d’Or 2007 will take place as usual.

G.H.M. sincerely regrets that the 2006 performance, as valid as the ones from the precedent years, cannot get the benefit of its official recognition.  Nominees know the respect and credit given them by the GHM.
They also know  the lasting work of the GHM, a work bridging generations, for the credibility of an evolving ethic, an ethic that respects  traditions and the memory of things done. G.H.M. strongly wishes to promote alpinism and its realizations but not if it means blending styles and games. The only valuable recognition is the one from alpinists to alpinists. They must jealously preserve their total liberty of choice and action.  By retiring from the Piolet d’Or 2007,  le Groupe de Haute Montagne only wants to defend these principles with a strong determination.