Aleš Česen, born on April 26, 1982, is a Slovenian mountaineer, climber, and mountain guide, internationally renowned for his technical and challenging ascents. The son of renowned mountaineer Tomo Česen, he grew up in a family marked by a passion for the mountains and began climbing as a child, encouraged by his father and brother. Holding a PhD in civil engineering, he is also a certified IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide and climbing instructor. Aleš Česen has twice received the prestigious Piolet d'Or, first in 2015 for the ascent of the north face of Hagshu with Marko Prezelj and Luca Lindič, and then in 2019 for the first ascent of the north ridge of Latok I, completed with Tom Livingstone and Luka Stražar. He was also named Slovenian Mountaineer of the Year in 2017. In 2023, he made mountaineering history by making, with Tom Livingstone, the first ascent of the west ridge of Gasherbrum 3 (7,952 m), without supplemental oxygen or fixed ropes, embodying an approach to mountaineering based on self-reliance and freedom. This expedition, carried out in extreme conditions, illustrates his search for the pure essence of very high-altitude mountaineering. Aside from his sporting achievements, Aleš Česen is the father of two sons and shares his passion for the mountains through his work as a guide and instructor. He is considered one of the most accomplished mountaineers of his generation, continuing a family tradition of excellence in the mountains.
