About | GRAVITY / LINE

OUR STORY

Founded in 2021, Gravity Line is dedicated to helping people access and explore the vertical world in some of the planet’s most challenging and remote environments—because that’s where we thrive.

Our story began in Ouray, Colorado, where Xander Bianchi played a key role in designing and building the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata, one of North America’s longest and most unique via ferrata routes. Not long after, Xander joined forces with Wilson Cutbirth, with an aim to bring together the entirety of their collective experience in technical rope work and create a company that could offer high-end solutions for the most demanding projects.

The inspiration to launch Gravity Line was fueled by the encouragement of our friend Waldo Etherington, founder of Remote Ropes Ltd. in the UK. Wilson has spent years collaborating with Waldo on extraordinary rigging and rope support projects across the globe, gaining invaluable insights and honing his skills.

In 2023, a historic science expedition in the Grand Canyon brought another key team member into the fold. After successfully navigating a complex set of challenges involving nearly 10 miles of rope, 3,000 vertical feet of terrain, and winter conditions, it was clear that Philippe Wheelock’s expertise in risk management was invaluable. His ability to make critical safety decisions in high-pressure situations makes him an integral part of our team.

In addition to our core members, we’ve built a network of elite professionals around the world with diverse skill sets, ranging from remote big wall free climbing and documentary filmmaking to big mountain technical rescue and helicopter operations.

At Gravity Line, we share a passion for exploring wild and untamed places—whether high above the ground or way off the map. Our mission is to help others venture into these extraordinary environments safely and confidently.

THE TEAM

Operations Director & Co-founder

XANDER BIANCHI

Coming from a background in engineering and geoscience, Xander has found his calling in the world of technical rope work. Drawing on analytical and systematic problem-solving skills, he brings a unique approach to tackling challenges in the vertical. He's spent over 5 years as a professional technical rescue instructor, working with SAR teams across the US and abroad. His background also includes over 15 years as a climber, from waterfall ice and mountaineering to sport and traditional climbing in every hemisphere. Alongside his expertise in rope work, he also has experience in climbing and mountain photography, giving him a first-hand perspective on the specific challenges of shooting while suspended on a rope. Xander aims to combine his diverse skill set to support vertical adventures around the world.

Technical Rigging Director & Co-founder

WILSON CUTBIRTH

Wilson is a seasoned professional in the vertical realm, blending a background of industrial rope access, technical rope rescue, and tree climbing. In the film industry, Wilson has delivered creative rigging solutions to meet the unique demands of production companies. In 2020, he was part of the winning team at the Petzl Rope Trip. When not working at height, Wilson is an avid adventurer, often found testing himself on the sheer walls of Yosemite or embarking on big wall climbing expeditions in remote corners of the globe. He thrives on the challenges of the natural world, whether it's pushing his limits on a demanding rock face or exploring uncharted routes. His passion for the vertical world not only fuels his work but also shapes his approach—bringing the same dedication, problem-solving skills, and respect for the environment to every project.

Senior Risk Manager

PHILIPPE WHEELOCK

Philippe is a career veteran in risk management in austere locations across the globe. As the Lead Climbing Ranger for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park for over a decade and a former Climbing Ranger at Mt Rainier National Park, Philippe is a DOI-qualified helicopter short-hauler and Wilderness EMT, an expert in avalanche mitigation and snow safety, and a qualified rope access technician. He has over 20 years of operational field safety experience and climbing achievements on all seven continents. From supervising the US Antarctic Program (USAP) SAR team to providing emergency services and risk management to rope access teams in the Grand Canyon, Philippe combines his diverse expertise to lead and execute complex rescue operations in some of the world’s most challenging environments.