Anne Lister Research Summits | 2025

Here you will find the links to the registration, schedule for each event, and eventually video recordings, references and other materials shared during this year's Summit events.


📷 Grand Col Ferret by Nicolas Rénac, 2021, (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Col Ferret is the visual theme for the 2025 Summit events. 

Situated along the Switzerland-Italy border, this mountain pass lies between the Swiss valley of Courmayeur and the Italian Val Ferret, flanking the majestic Mont Blanc. Known as the highest stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc, Col Ferret stands as a testament to exploration and adventure. Nearby, the Petit Col Ferret, which separates the Mont Blanc massif and the Pennine Alps, reaches an elevation of 2,490 meters (8,169 feet).

During their honeymoon, in July 1834, Anne Lister and Ann Walker crossed Col Ferret. Although Anne did not record this journey in her journal, Ann Walker captured the moment in hers, writing on July 12th, 1834:

"Breakfasted and off at 8 - crossed Col du Ferret, ascent of mountain very steep, got a third guide to top - beautiful view - after ascent, went along valley thro' [Presce] to Cormayeur, saw baths there arrived about 4 o'clock."

(WYC:1525/7/1/5/1/16, transcription by Marlene Oliveira)

Cover photo: View of the valley to the West from the descent of the Grand Col Ferret towards the Elena refuge by Nicolas Vincent