Born on August 17, 1984, in Porrentruy, Switzerland, Cédric Lachat discovered climbing at the age of ten, introduced to the sport by his older brother. What began as a simple hobby quickly became a lifelong passion a blend of athletic precision, creativity, and the sense of freedom only found on the wall.
As a teenager, Cédric devoted himself fully to climbing, joining national training programs and quickly making his mark on the international scene. By the early 2000s, he was among the most promising athletes in Switzerland. In 2002, he claimed major victories as a junior and soon entered the Swiss national team, where he went on to earn multiple World Cup podiums and a European Championship title in Bouldering (2010, Innsbruck). Known for his explosive style and determination, he competed at the highest level in both Lead and Bouldering disciplines. After more than a decade of elite competition, he announced the end of his competitive career in 2013, turning his focus toward outdoor climbing as a return to the essence of the sport.
Freed from the constraints of competition, Cédric found new motivation on rock. He dedicated himself to some of Europe’s most demanding routes and big walls, where endurance, precision, and mental focus are paramount. Among his standout achievements are the free ascent of WoGü (8c, 250 m) in the Rätikon (Switzerland) and iconic climbs such as Yeah Man in the Gastlosen and Orbayu in the Picos de Europa (Spain). In sport climbing, he has ticked more than 50 routes graded 9a or harder, including legendary lines like La Rambla (9a+) in Siurana and Supercrackinette (9a+) in Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux. In 2023, he achieved the first ascent of Fantasia (9b) in the Vercors, marking a new milestone in his climbing career and connecting his sporting life to his adopted home in France. Lachat is renowned for his versatility: equally at ease on small holds or overhanging walls, capable of translating competition precision into real-rock creativity. His approach blends method and instinct, power and endurance, but above all, an unwavering passion for climbing’s purest expression.

Alongside his personal projects, Cédric is deeply involved in teaching and guiding. He works with the CREPS of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, helping train the next generation of climbing instructors, and manages Vercors Vertical, a guiding company offering climbing, canyoning, via ferrata, and caving in the Vercors. Through these roles, he combines high-level experience with a commitment to education and environmental respect.
Never content to simply climb, Cédric has also become a storyteller of climbing. In collaboration with filmmaker Guillaume Broust, he has participated in several major outdoor documentaries, including the acclaimed Swissway to Heaven (2021) and The Future of Climbing (2025). These films explore the evolution of climbing, the dialogue between tradition and innovation, and the ethical and environmental responsibilities of modern climbers. They portray not only a top athlete but also a reflective voice within the community  one who seeks to preserve and pass on the culture of climbing.
From his first climbs as a child to the hardest routes of his career, Cédric Lachat has remained driven by the same values: passion, perseverance, and a deep connection with nature. For him, climbing is far more than a sport, it is a way of life, an art of balance and a means to explore both the mountains and oneself. He continues to pursue new ascents, film projects, and adventures, inspiring a generation to approach climbing with curiosity, respect, and heart.