🔥Alpine Connections: Kilian Jornet climbs 82 summits over 4,000m in 19 days in the Alps
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Nineteen days after starting on the Piz Bernina, Kilian's dream of climbing all 82 peaks over 4,000 metres in the Alps, using only human strength to link them, came true on the Dôme and Barre des Écrins, the most westerly of them all.
"This project has been incredible, I think it's one of the most complicated things I've ever done, both physically, technically and mentally. Having to spend 20 days in a state of total concentration requires a lot of energy but it has been incredible. I remember all the outings and sunsets and all the friends who have accompanied me on the mountain and I am very happy and proud of what we have achieved in the last three weeks. Now it's time to rest and assimilate everything I've experienced, because I think it will take me a while to appreciate it", explained Kilian Jornet
Kilian Jornet, the king of the mountains and trail running, has decided to put himself to the test in his most ambitious project to date: Alpine Connections. The goal was none other than to connect peaks above 4,000 metres in the Alps using only his strength, speed and endurance. In other words, the purest of mountaineering, with the audacious speed of trail running and a touch of cycling between peaks. And all this in the midst of a majestic but unforgiving alpine environment...
Starting on the Piz Bernina (4,049m) in Switzerland and finishing on the Barre des Écrins (4,102m) in France, Kilian has tested his physical and mental limits in a demonstration of technique, planning, precision and adaptation difficult to comprehend for those who have never faced the Alpine giants. In between, Kilian has climbed some of the most iconic mountains in the Alps such as Monte Rosa (4,634m), the Matterhorn (4,478m) or the highest of them all, Mont Blanc (4,808m).
(Here we leave some shortcuts to the different days)
Alpine Connections: Rediscovering the Alps
Kilian Jornet's passion for the mountains and the history of mountaineering led him to dream of this project, which to date has only been documented by two teams of mountaineers who have always inspired him: Ueli Steck (62 days in 2015) and Franz Nicolini and Diego Giovannini (60 days in 2008).
After his impressive feat in the Pyrenees last year, where he chained together 177 summits over 3,000 metres in just eight days, Jornet now faces an even greater challenge: the Alps, a mountain range that has been his home for many years. But this is not just a sporting project. minimalist perspective and self-sufficiency, determined to follow his values of leaving the smallest possible footprint.
This project has been twofold for Kilian. On the one hand, the familiarity of returning to climb mountains where he lived and trained for 10 years and, on the other, the challenge of an unknown and wild Alps, in very uncrowded sections where he had to rely on the few existing reviews and the experience of friends and mountain guides. All this, added to an exceptional physical effort in a constant struggle against fatigue due to the vital need to maintain concentration on extremely technical and exposed stretches of terrain.
"I know the Alps well, having lived there for many years, so I am sure I will enjoy crossing these ridges, facing the challenges of the project in every aspect," says Kilian.
When Kilian set off from the village of Saint Moritz in Switzerland on 13 August, he didn't know how far he could go. In his mind was the goal of chaining all the summits, but he decided to see day by day the progress and the next steps. That is why he decided to structure the project in stages, so that he could manage them physically, mentally and logistically. Kilian Jornet's innovative spirit and creativity have also been reflected in the way he has designed this route, because although he has followed classic routes for some summits, Kilian has designed connections between summits trying to find what he calls "the most logical line", i.e. linking the maximum number of summits through ridges and edges. Despite the initial plan, which he drew up over months, the reality of the conditions, the weather and his physical condition have forced him on many occasions to change and adapt his plans. Thus, advancing day by day according to sensations and conditions, Kilian has been crossing the Swiss, Italian and French Alps accompanied by different mountaineering friends with whom he has shared part of the adventure. In addition to these companions, the help provided by hut rangers, guides, campsite managers and people he has met along the route has been crucial to the success of the project: "...the help he has received from the people he has met along the way has been crucial to the success of the project: "...".This project is as much mine as it is that of all those who have helped me at every stage. Their knowledge, support and friendship have made something that seemed unattainable possible."Kilian explained.
The stages, which ranged from 3h45 to 34h with an average of 17h, were mainly on foot, either running, climbing or climbing, while the rest was cycling to link the different massifs (87% of time on foot vs. 13% on bike). A small team provided logistical support for food, equipment and content creation in a project that took more than 6 months to organise.
Kilian's passion for science and scientific knowledge has also led him to carry out a rigorous control and measurement of different physical parameters, which once analysed will allow us to better understand the body's reactions in situations such as those experienced by Kilian and to use the data for future studies.
Kilian has shown himself to be an athlete with an extraordinary ability to withstand the metabolic stress during long-term activities. However, as biology specialist Dr. Jesús Álvarez points out, this new challenge is unlike anything Kilian has ever attempted before.which adds a component of physiological uncertainty.
Thus, after 16 stages and 19 days (18 of activity and 1 rest day), Kilian has covered 1,207km and overcome an accumulated difference in altitude of 75,344m, reaching 82 summits of more than 4,000m in the Alps. Without using motorised vehicles, Kilian has completed what seems to be the project of his life, and in which he has brought together in this project everything he is passionate about: the majesty of the mountain, the confrontation with the unknown, the tribute to mountaineering and its mentors, physiological research and the search for physical and mental limits, all shared with friends and community.
Project summary
(Here we leave some shortcuts to the different days)
- Stages 1-4Kilian began his challenge in Switzerland, climbing iconic peaks such as Piz Bernina (4,049 m) and Weissmies (4,017 m), facing difficult weather conditions from the start.
- Stages 5-9In the heart of the Alps, in the Valais region, Kilian connected numerous peaks, including the Weisshorn (4,506 m) and the Dom des Mischabels (4,545 m), in a series of highly technical stages, including the legendary Spaghetti Tour.
- Stages 10-14The last stages took him to the Mont Blanc area, where Kilian crowned some of the highest and most iconic peaks of the massif, such as Mont Blanc (4,808 m) and Grandes Jorasses (4,208 m). These final stages were the longest and most technically demanding.
- Stages 15 and 16The last part of the project was in the Gran Paradiso National Park (Italy), connecting in a long cycling stage with the Parc National des Écrins, where the last two summits of the project are located, the Dôme de Neige des Écrins (4,015 m) and the Barre des Écrins (4,102 m).
Some highlights of Alpine Connections
- 82 peaks over 4,000 metres in 3 countries (Switzerland, France and Italy).
- 18 days of activity and 1 day of rest: Kilian rested for one day due to fatigue and bad conditions in the mountains.
- 16 stages with an average of 17 hours of activity per stage.
- 1,207 kilometres with 75,344 m ascent in 267:45:16 hours of activity.
- 5h 17 minutes of sleep on average
- 87% of time on foot vs. 13% on bicycle
- 40% of the summits accompanied (32 summits) by Philip Brugger, Mathéo Jacquemoud, Genís Zapater, Alain Tissier, Michel Lane, Bastien Lardat, Noa Barrau, Henry Aymond, Emily Harrop and Benjamin Vedrines on foot and Jules Henri and Vivien Bruchez on bicycle.
- Kilian has done the longest cycling activities he has ever recorded.
- A team of four cameramen who followed and documented the process: David Ariño, Joel Badia, Nick Danielson and Noa Barrau.
- A team of physiologists led by Dr. Jesús Alvarez followed him during part of the adventure to collect data and physiological samples.
- A support team of 2 people followed him in a van to provide him with supplies at some points along the route and to transport equipment.
Stage 16: Écrins
Having reached the summit of Gran Paradiso the day before, Kilian set off by bike to the Écrins massif from Val d'Isère.
Nineteen days after starting on the Piz Bernina, Kilian's dream of climbing all 82 peaks over 4,000 metres in the Alps, using only human strength to link them, came true on the Dôme and Barre des Écrins, the most westerly of them all, alongside Mathéo Jacquemoud and Benjamin Védrines.
"Without a doubt, this has been the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life, mentally, physically and technically, but also perhaps the most beautiful," Kilian reflected.
Although it is still difficult to process all the emotions, Kilian knows that this is a journey he will never forget. "It's time to get some rest now," he concluded.
Stage 15: Gran Paradiso
Kilian began the journey by bike early in the morning, accompanied by Mathéo Jacquemoud and Vivien Bruchez, a long-time friend with whom he has shared numerous expeditions and skied some of the most iconic couloirs in the mountains he is now crossing on this project.
A second part of the day took him along with trail runner Henry Aymond and ski mountaineering world champion Emily Harrop, Kilian climbed the Gran Paradiso, reaching the 80th summit of over 4,000 metres on this traverse, all in just 4 hours.
The Gran Paradiso proved to be much less technical than the sections Kilian had faced on the Mont Blanc massif in recent stages, allowing for a fast ascent and descent.
After returning from the Gran Paradiso climb, Kilian ran 21 kilometres to cross back into France and rest in Val d'Isère.
Stage 14: Mont Blanc 2
The day began at 4:45 in the morning, with Kilian accompanied by Matheo and Noa on the Diable ridge. "It is one of the most beautiful rock climbs I have ever done, both technically and aesthetically," said Kilian.
The crossing took them through Corne du Diable, Pointe Chaubert, Pointe Médiane, Pointe Carmen and L'Isolée. They then continued on to Mont Blanc, reaching the summits of Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit, Mont Blanc, Dôme du Goûter and Aiguille de Bionassay, where Matheo and Noa said goodbye.
Kilian continued solo, returning to the summit of Mont Blanc for the second time on his way back. He then descended the Brouillard ridge (Monte Bianco de Courmayeur, Picco Luigi Amadeo, Mont Brouillard and Punta Baretti), accompanied by a breathtaking sunset that he described as "a moment I will remember forever".
This section took him around 20 hours in total. Finally, Kilian stopped at the Eccles bivouac for about 4 hours, hoping for better conditions.
Stage 13: Mont Blanc (a technical day in the needles)
Setting off at 4am from the Refuge du Couvercle, Kilian set off on an intense day that took him to the summits of the Aiguille Verte, Grande Rocheuse, Aiguille du Jardin and Les Droites. It was a 17-hour effort in which he covered 24 kilometres and accumulated 3,470 metres of elevation gain in fairly technical climbs.
With this stage, the project Alpine Connections reached a total of 63 summits.
At the end of the day, Kilian met with his team, friends and family at the Rifugio Torino to discuss the day and start planning the rest of the adventure. "It was a pleasure to meet up with everyone after such an intense day," said Kilian.
Stage 12: The crossing of the Grandes Jorasses
Kilian set off at midnight from the bivouac in Courmayeur, "feeling "good and rested", to begin the ascent of the Grandes Jorasses with a formidable team: Mathéo, Mitch Lanne and Bastien Lardat. "Even though it was midnight, everyone was very happy to be here," said Kilian.
Each of the team members knew the area well, which was a relief for Kilian, especially on the more technical climbs of the day, as conditions can get tricky in this part of the Alps.
The team crested the crest of the Grandes Jorasses, reaching the summits of Pointe Walker, Pointe Whymper, Pointe Croz, Pointe Elena and Pointe Margherita. They then continued on to the Dôme de Rochefort, the Aiguille de Rochefort and finally the Dent du Géant, before stopping for a break at the Rifugio Torino.
After the break, Kilian left the team to continue alone to the Refuge du Couvercle, where he arrived 18 hours and 22 minutes after the start of the day.
With 28 kilometres covered and 4,200 metres of accumulated altitude gain, Kilian added 8 new summits of more than 4,000 metres, bringing his total to 59 since the project began. Alpine Connections.
Stage 11: Transition
After the Grand Combin crossing, Kilian returned to Bourg-Saint-Pierre at 2am, took a 4-hour break and then embarked on a lighter day. He started with a bike ride of approximately 30 kilometres to La Fouly.
Along the way, he met Jules-Henri Gabioud, an acquaintance from the world of racing and ski mountaineering. Jules joined Kilian on the route and told him about a shortcut to Val Ferret.
"The Alps are huge, but somehow I always end up meeting people I know," Kilian said with humour.
After the bike ride, Kilian completed the day with a leisurely trail run in the heat from La Fouly to Val Ferret. A relatively easy day to recover energy and continue his monumental project. Alpine Connections.
Stage 10: The Grand Combin crossing
Kilian started the day with a 110-kilometre bike ride from Zinal to Bourg Saint-Pierre, which took most of the morning.
Kilian was excited to meet Alan Tissieres for the Grand Combin climb, "We raced ski mountaineering competitions together a long time ago. He is now a mountain guide and it was great to share some summits with him," Kilian commented.
The ascent of the Grand Combin turned out to be more technical than Kilian expected. "It was a very pleasant climb, but it's a dangerous mountain because of the constant rock falls, and it's not always easy to navigate, so I was glad I wasn't alone," he added.
They started towards the Combin de Valsorey at sunset and continued climbing during the night on the glacier up to the Grand Combin and the Combin de la Tsessette, reaching the 49th, 50th and 51st summits of their project. Alpine Connections.
After a little more than 9 hours of climbing, they returned to Bourg Saint-Pierre around 2:30 in the morning.
Stage 9: Valais 5 - A special closing in Valais
After just two hours of rest on the Schönbielhütte, Kilian and Mathéo set off at 5.30am for what, according to Kilian, was perhaps the most special stage of the project. Alpine Connections.
This leg closed a cycle of gruelling days in the Valais, where Kilian averaged 19 hours of climbing per day for four consecutive days. Despite the fatigue, this stage was also one of the most beautiful, taking them through a wilderness region that required many critical decisions and navigational complications.
One of the highlights of the day was reaching the summit of the Weisshorn at sunset. "The Weisshorn is a big, technical and demanding mountain, but also one of the most aesthetic in the Alps in my opinion," said Kilian. "Watching the sunset from its summit was really special, perhaps one of the best moments of my life. The tiredness disappeared and I felt perfectly present in the moment".
On this stage, Kilian climbed the Ober Gabelhorn (4,064 m) with Mathéo, and then continued alone to ascend the Zinalrothorn (4,221 m), the Weisshorn (4,506 m) and the Bishorn (4,151 m) in a continuous push of 18 hours and 31 minutes.
Fortunately, his team and his mother were waiting for him in Zinal, a place that has special meaning for him because of their shared history in that region. "They lifted my spirits," Kilian said of the warm welcome.
With this stage, Kilian has now reached 48 summits over 4,000 metres since his departure from Piz Bernina.
Stage 8: Valais 4 - Climbing the Matterhorn and beyond
After a well-deserved rest at the Hörnlihütte, the eighth stage of the project Alpine Connections began with an iconic ascent: the Matterhorn (4,478m). The last time Kilian was here, he climbed the north face of the mountain, but today the challenge was different. In 2013, Kilian completed the climb from the Italian side in an incredible time of 2 hours, 52 minutes and 2 seconds, although this day he didn't have that challenge in mind.
With a beautiful sunrise accompanying his departure at 7am, Kilian headed for the summit. Shortly after, he joined Mathéo Jacquemoud to climb the Dent d'Hérens (4,173 m). Later, Genís Zapater joined them for the long walk to the Dent Blanche (4,358 m) and the subsequent descent to the Schönbielhütte hut.
"Another long day of more than 18 hours is behind us and today three more peaks were added," said Kilian. This brings the total number of 4,000 climbed since the start of the project to 44.
Stage 7: Valais 3 - The Spaghetti crossing
After only three hours of rest in the Monte Rosa hut, Kilian set off alone at 7am to face one of the toughest days of the project. Alpine Connections. On this journey, he managed to climb 18 summits of more than 4,000 metres in a single day.
This crossing, known as the "Spaghetti Tour", took him through the peaks of Nordend, Dufourspitze, Zumsteinspitze, Signalkuppe, Pointe Parrot, Ludswighöhe, Corno Nero, Pyramide Vincent, Punta Giordani, Lyskamm East and West, Castor, Pollux, Roccia Nera, and the different peaks of the Breithorn (4106, East, Central and West).
Although the weather was favourable during the day, wet and soft snow conditions slowed Kilian's progress more than he had anticipated. This, in turn, made it difficult for him to maintain adequate food and water intake. "Smoke from the fires in North America was clearly visible in the sky, which made for a strange atmosphere at times," Kilian said of his unusual experience at high altitude.
Fortunately, the supermoon provided good visibility during the night, allowing him to complete the stage in 17 hours and 45 minutes. Kilian finished the day at the Hörnlihütte at around 1am, where he rewarded himself with a feast of eggs, soup, quinoa, omelette, broccoli, peas and cake, before collapsing.
With this stage, Kilian has reached a total of 41 peaks over 4,000 metres since the project began. Alpine Connections.
Stage 6: Valais 2, Mischabel and Monte Rosa
Kilian began the ascent with Mathéo Jacquemoud, connecting the majestic peaks of the Mischabel group: Lenzspitze (4,294 m), Dom (4,545 m) and Täschhorn (4,491 m). At midday, Genís Zapater joined them to continue on to Alphubel (4,206 m), Allalinhorn (4,027 m), Rimpfischhorn (4,199 m) and finally the Stalhhorn (4,190 m). After this intense route, the day ended at the Monte Rosa hut, where Kilian was able to enjoy a well-deserved rest.
"It feels great to see the sun, to be in good company and to add a great day in the mountains to the adventure after dealing with uncertain weather for a while," said Kilian at the end of this exhausting day.
"If everything goes according to plan, the next stage will be interesting," Kilian said.
In total, stage 6 lasted more than 21 hours, covering almost 48 kilometres and accumulating more than 6,000 metres of elevation gain, adding 7 new peaks to the project, bringing the total to 23 peaks of more than 4,000 metres climbed so far.
Stage 5: Valais 1
Despite the fact that it had been raining, and snowing on the summits, throughout the previous afternoon and evening, Kilian set off alone at 6:15am to make the most of the conditions. Although the circumstances were not ideal, Kilian, accustomed to this type of "Norwegian" weather that reminds him of home, completed another relatively "short" day's climb of 8 hours and 40 minutes.
On this stage, Kilian managed to summit the Dürrenhorn (4,034 m), Hohberghorn (4,218 m), Stecknadelhorn (4,239 m) and Nadelhorn (4,327 m). On the descent, he stopped at the Mischabelhütte hut to refuel before running down into the valley.
"Stage 5 is complete, the weather is improving and I can't wait to see what I can do in the next few days," said Kilian, showing great enthusiasm.
In total, he covered 23 kilometres and climbed 3,246 metres, adding four more peaks to his adventure, for a total of 16 peaks over 4,000 metres since the project began.
Stage 4: Weissmies
The fourth phase of the project Alpine Connections continues with the aim of ascending as many peaks over 4,000 metres in the Alps as possible, on foot or by bicycle to link them together.
After a good night's rest, Kilian could not hide his desire to share the day with his friend and talented mountaineer Matheo Jacquemoud. At 3:30 in the morning, they set off together to summit the Lagginhorn (4,010 m) via its south ridge and the Weissmies (4,017 m) in an 8-hour effort.
"At the moment, I feel very grateful to be surrounded by a team that helps me with all the logistics of the project, and to have experienced friends I can rely on for long outings above 4,000 metres, even in less than perfect weather conditions," Kilian said after the day's end.
"After the climb, a short bike ride took me to the end of the stage and another afternoon of rest as the weather deteriorated again," explained Kilian, stressing the importance of taking a breather while facing changing conditions in the Alps.
With this stage, Kilian has now climbed twelve peaks over 4,000 metres since the adventure began. "It's time to recharge the batteries, literally and figuratively," Kilian added.
Stage 3: Oberland
Kilian set off from the Finsteraarhorn hut after a few hours' sleep to climb six peaks of over 4,000 metres in a 99-kilometre, 7,890-metre-plus route: Gross Grünhorn, Hinter Fiescherhorn, Gross Fiescherhorn, Mönch, Jungfrau, and finally the long trek to the Aletschhorn. This demanding journey took a total of 32 hours and 30 minutes.
"I had to be careful, as the conditions were not always the best, and in fact I had to change my route to the Aletschhorn three times: once because of rain and twice due to bad glacier conditions," Kilian explained, reflecting the additional technical challenges he has encountered.
After descending the Aletschhorn, Kilian met up with his team. After a short 15-minute nap, he got back on his bike for 40 kilometres to connect with the next part of the adventure.
With this stage, Kilian has now climbed ten peaks over 4,000 metres since the start of the project.
Stage 2: Oberland
The second day started later than expected due to bad weather conditions. Despite the less than ideal weather, Kilian decided to move on to the Lauteraarhorn (4,042m) and the Schreckhorn (4,078m), two peaks connected by a ridge. He then continued his ascent to the Finsteraarhorn (4,274 m), the highest peak in the Bernese Alps region.
Overall, it was not an easy stage due to the bad weather conditions. Fortunately, Kilian was able to take shelter and rest for a few hours before continuing.
"Four peaks of more than 4,000 metres are already done, I'm looking forward to the next ones," Kilian commented enthusiastically at the end of this stage.
Stage 1: Ascent of Piz Bernina
The first stage of Alpine Connections started early in the morning, with Kilian Jornet accompanied by Philipp. The objective was Piz Bernina, a 4,048 metre mountain which is the easternmost peak in the Alps, located in the Engadine valley in Switzerland.
Kilian and Philipp combined running and climbing to cover 29 kilometres in total, with a positive difference in altitude of 2,573 metres to the summit, in an out-and-back route. "The conditions were excellent," Kilian says of the first ascent, which he successfully completed before starting the first liaison bike leg of the adventure.
After climbing the Piz Bernina in the morning, Kilian cycled a demanding 210 kilometres. This solo section took him over several iconic mountain passes, accumulating almost 4,000 metres of elevation gain.
"After dreaming about this project for so long, it's exciting to finally be on the move," said Kilian, reflecting the excitement and satisfaction of seeing his vision begin to materialise, moving only with the power of his own body.
Kilian's Team: Simplicity and Functionality
Part of Kilian's success in this type of expedition lies in his ability to move fast and light. For Alpine Connectionshas chosen equipment that allows him maximum freedom of movement in difficult conditions. His shoe of choice is the Tomir 2.0, a shoe that combines traction, durability and cushioning, essential elements for the varied and technical terrain of the Alps.
In addition, Kilian wears the NNormal Rain Jacket, a lightweight yet breathable jacket that offers protection in adverse weather conditions. Other key elements include the Active Jacket and the NNormal Merino T-Shirt, both designed to regulate temperature in the changing alpine conditions.
Without a trace: Kilian's commitment to the environment
Something Kilian has made clear with Alpine Connections is his commitment to the environment. For years, Jornet has advocated a more sustainable lifestyle, and this project is an extension of that philosophy. During the challenge, Kilian moves around using only his own effort, either running or cycling, and minimising his environmental impact. This not only adds a layer of difficulty to the challenge, but also underlines his commitment to the planet.
This approach is not new to his career. Kilian has been an advocate for sustainability in sport and has used his platform to raise awareness about climate change and mountain protection. With Alpine Connectionsaims to show that it is possible to achieve great sporting feats without leaving an environmental footprint.
The science behind the effort: the lab on the move
Kilian is a master at managing fatigue. In several interviews he has mentioned how he uses meditation and breathing techniques to stay focused and cope with physical exhaustion. In the high mountains, where a single mistake can be fatal, it is this ability to keep calm and carry on that sets him apart from other athletes. As he himself has said: "My body and mind are working at their best. And that's the part I find most challenging.
An interesting aspect of Alpine Connections is the scientific collaboration Kilian has established for this project. Throughout his challenge, data is being collected on his physical and mental performance, which will be used in research on human endurance. Kilian is not only pushing himself to the limit, but he is also contributing to sports science, something that has always been a passion of his.
During this process, variables such as heart rate, oxygen consumption and lactate levels are monitored, as well as analyses of the impact of prolonged exertion on the mind. The results could help to better understand how the human body responds to extreme situations, something that could be useful not only for athletes, but also for scientists and doctors.
