Climbing Mount Cook: Turning Struggles into a Summit

Kia ora, friends,

My name is Saïd Friouchen, and the journey I want to share with you is not just about climbing a mountain — it’s about climbing out of some of the darkest valleys of my life.

For years, I battled depression and obesity. These struggles shaped me, tested me, and at times nearly broke me. But step by step, with persistence, sweat, and a stubborn refusal to give up, I began to rebuild myself. I discovered strength where I thought there was none, and I learned that resilience is born in the smallest victories.

Now, I want to close that chapter of my life in the most powerful way I can imagine: by standing on the summit of Mount Cook / Aoraki (3,724 m), New Zealand’s highest and most iconic peak. For me, this climb represents rebirth, resilience, and the belief that even after the darkest nights, there is always another dawn.

But this project isn’t only about me. I want to use this journey to inspire others — especially young people — to discover the joy, the freedom, and the life-changing sensations of alpine sports. Climbing a mountain is not just about reaching the top; it’s about humility in the face of nature, courage when the path is steep, and the pure exhilaration of pushing beyond what you thought possible.